I have always tried to keep this about my opinions on the travel I have taken. I try not to chastise others who may have different opinions unlike some on here. I try not to lord over others thinking my way of travel is superior. I put up with a lot - but don’t insult me because you don’t like what I said.
When I checked in, I was told right then that I could cancel if I left that day. I didn't consider this because I thought that if necessary, Tauck would modify the tour. Also, the cruise director said the insurance would not cover the cancellation. Because I did not even consider cancellation, I did not read the paper I was handed at that time. I quote, "You may cancel your river cruise and return home, and you will receive a full refund from Tauck for the unused days of your scheduled itinerary. Please note that, per our normal policies, we will be conducting a full review of your cruise following its conclusion, and any decisions regarding possible refunds or other compensation will be made by the staff at Tauck's home office at that time." Is this contradictory?
I agree with Ben. I like free time and prefer two meals a day. I always have leftovers in my hotel fridge & a piece of fruit or gelato is enough lunch after those lovely breakfast buffets. I've been on tours where TD has encouraged us to pack up leftovers; all the wasted food does not leave a good impression on our hosts. I rarely spend the lunch money; I remember a Natl Geo tour in Japan where I never needed a cash machine.
"Is this contradictory?" Not really although possibly confusing based on what you were told by CD when checking in.
I read what you posted here as insurance will not cover the cancellation but Tauck will, except it will be prorated. So, if you elected to "cancel" and stayed the night in the room booked by Tauck and then left the next day, Tauck would give you a refund for the price of the tour less the value of one day - whatever that may be. Or, if you said "no, I'm cancelling" and walked away at the sign in desk without signing in and checked out of the room you would get a full refund from Tauck. That's my understanding based on the document and what you were told.
In either case, my read based on what the CD said, Tauck's insurance carrier is not going to cover the guests because Tauck is starting the tour with or without you.
JaneP - My comment was not directed at anyone in particular. I should have said:
On my various 18 Tauck tours, many people complain that there is too much food and too much time wasted on lunches. So if Tauck is reading comments like this on the Hope and Trust forms and taking action by reducing the number of included meals, it is giving people what they asked for. I guess it would be best for one to stick to cruises where all meals and excursions are included, if that's what matters most to a traveler.
I have traveled with Tauck on numerous river cruises (12 in total) and I have consistently seen a true degradation in the service from Tauck when they turned over the company to the current executives. For me, it started almost the date of the change. The only thing that has remained constant is the good tour directors and cruise directors on the river cruises. I have had amazing directors on my trips and I am sorry they are having to adjust to poor management from Tauck. I truly hope the family realizes the mistakes they have made with the current management and understand that people travel with Tauck because of the fabulous Tauck history. I do continue to travel, but have exhausted my river cruise market and mostly do small ship cruises. There are good cruise companies in that market. I feel for the travelers that are experiencing the pain of traveling with Tauck today. I just hope that the Tauck family upholds their family legacy.
kfnknfzk Thank you for pointing out the policies that I was advised of were on the website. Please help me as I cannot find the policy that states they are not obligated to refund the parts of itinerary they cannot provide due to weather or the policy that states those in a double occupancy room will be refunded at 1/4 the rate of on individual in a solo occupancy room. Can you help me with a link? I would feel a lot better about my ignorance if I could see this
I looked at the cancellation fine print for the cruise you were planning and it is all spelled out there carefully, including the policy regarding cancellations for low or high water. (It did not mention "interuption", as I recall.)
It does seem odd that this was not cancelled before the trip started. If you find an answer to that question, please let us know.
With apologies to kfnknfzk, I don't see this as a Dr. Phil show at all. I think the key message here is to raise awareness about reading the fine print before we book. I really appreciate that the moores has brought this to our attention.
Tauck in general offers very fine products. There are many clear advantages to traveling with Tauck. But most of my friends are not willing to pay their prices, even if they can afford it. It makes sense to comparison shop before you book a trip. Just like you would with any other expensive product you buy. It doesn't mean that Tauck is a bad choice. It just may not be the best choice for an individual depending on their travel goals and budget.
BTW I am not good at fine print but I just looked at the Viking River Cruises cancellation policy for "cancellation other than by you" and it seems to be similar to Tauck's policy.
(Another rabbit hole for a different discussion maybe: I'm just back from Italy and even though it was not as warm as Paris in the past week or so, it was a lot warmer than usual. I don't know if travel companies have started discussing how to deal with rising temperatures, but this would be a good time to start. For our recent trip we did have some free time in the afternoons for which I was very grateful, as the hotels had nice swimming pools.)
Goddess, Shoulder season has been important and tour prices have reflected that for some years. Though that was mostly because people didn't want to go to Europe when the tourist crowds are the heaviest.
Wan, Good points. We probably all need to be more vigilant about reading all the details.
JaneP said: "_And, finally - in response to Mike's comment about the company changing - I know there are those who'll disagree - but I unequivocally agree that the company has changed - I'd say, noticeably in the last 2 years or so, after Arthur Tauck stepped down in October 2024. _" Here is an historical counterpoint from 2008. On our very first Tauck trip (and first time out of the country in 35+ years), I talked to a fellow traveler who was a very seasoned traveler with experience on many upscale companies tours. She noted that Tauck had changed (more expensive, less "all-inclusiveness" etc.) and explained it by suggesting that there were now many more Tauck family members involved in the company - i.e., mouths to be fed.
inlanikai said: "It reminds me of the Crandall Days of American Airlines when CEO Bob Crandall in 1987 made a point of saying how much they saved (~$40K, IIRC) by eliminating a single olive in the salads in first class." Yeah, and United followed suit by taking the lime out of my gin & tonic! Fortunately it's back now.
I'm disappointed to read accounts like OP's. I'm still a Tauck loyalist but I always try to remember the words of some deep thinker over on the FlyerTalk forum: "It's a company - it's not going to love you back.'
An update: what a learning experience this has been. Tauck called me today. I was told that the tour is" trip interruption" (as opposed to cancellation) for insurance reasons. Once you get on the plane you are officially on tour. Because it is interruption, two days will be excluded from our refund. For us, that will mean a loss of over $3700. Couple that with over $8000 in flights, other losses(train tickets, extra hotels, admission tickets). I hope, fingers crossed , that I will be reimbursed for the $1800 back for my added flight from Prague to Amsterdam and also get back the $1750 for changing the date of our flight home. Apparently, Tauck will pay something and then AON will figure out what their payout is.
There may be relief for future travelers. The rep told me that there are now discussions that when Tauck is aware of such situations as low water, that they would call a few days before the trip to give people an option to take their chances or cancel the trip. This seems like a fair and honest thing to do. I hope Tauck does this. I still feel that the guests on this June 19th cancellation - excuse me, "interruption - should be offered some further compensation, such as a good discount for a future trip. Heck, even a massage for being cooped in a plane for 9 hour time differences and then a few days later another 9 hour time differences for going home.
Tauck was aware before our trip of low water levels. The captain didn't think he could navigate so an expert was brought in. While it is easy to hope that the show will go on, considering that there was an extended forecast of a heat wave with no rain in sight, it's hard to understand the optimism that Tauck had. I've never wanted to go on a Viking cruise but they have so many boats that if one section of the river isn't navigable they put their guests on a bus and take them to the nearest available riverboat.
While I have noticed that in the past few years you can't always believe what a rep will tell you, I still believed and trusted and so I focused on sights to see rather than read through insurance policies. Verbal assurances are not the same as the written word. And, with no contingency plans: caveat emptor!
All this got me researching. It appears that the boats that Tauck uses are shallow draft. But the research also indicated that AMA Waterways is known for having shallow draft boats and for being able to continue operation when other company's boats have to cancel. I've done one AMA Waterways river cruise and was very satisfied with them. I'd rate them equal to Tauck.
@the Moores - I'm really sorry you experienced this. It certainly has shocked me that you would be treated this way by Tauck. I have a Tauck river cruise coming up in a couple of months. If I hadn't already paid for it, I'd look for other options. I hope I don't encounter what happened to you.
You paid for a river cruise, not for an aircraft experience. The flights are just the agony that you put up with to experience the river cruise and certainly should not be counted as two days of the cruise.
[In today's world, where these kinds of situations can be quickly spread to a very large group of people, it's hard to see that the money they save by stiffing you and the other guest is worth the negative publicity. If a social media influencer associated with a competitor gets ahold of this, you can imagine what they'll do with it. They certainly won't be saying, "Tauck goes above and beyond for their clients."]
@themoores said: " Tauck called me today. I was told that the tour is" trip interruption" (as opposed to cancellation) for insurance reasons. Once you get on the plane you are officially on tour." And: " Apparently, Tauck will pay something and then AON will figure out what their payout is."
I'm confused. Didn't you say that you arranged and paid for your own air? In that case neither Tauck nor their AON policy would cover airfare or the air days...?
Tauck’s travel insurance will cover flights you made on your own, if the reason for the cancellation is one of the covered events. I expect that if Tauck “interrupts “ a trip it would be covered.
[Use Google AI and you’ll get a lot more about it.]
Comments
I have always tried to keep this about my opinions on the travel I have taken. I try not to chastise others who may have different opinions unlike some on here. I try not to lord over others thinking my way of travel is superior. I put up with a lot - but don’t insult me because you don’t like what I said.
When I checked in, I was told right then that I could cancel if I left that day. I didn't consider this because I thought that if necessary, Tauck would modify the tour. Also, the cruise director said the insurance would not cover the cancellation. Because I did not even consider cancellation, I did not read the paper I was handed at that time. I quote, "You may cancel your river cruise and return home, and you will receive a full refund from Tauck for the unused days of your scheduled itinerary. Please note that, per our normal policies, we will be conducting a full review of your cruise following its conclusion, and any decisions regarding possible refunds or other compensation will be made by the staff at Tauck's home office at that time." Is this contradictory?
I agree with Ben. I like free time and prefer two meals a day. I always have leftovers in my hotel fridge & a piece of fruit or gelato is enough lunch after those lovely breakfast buffets. I've been on tours where TD has encouraged us to pack up leftovers; all the wasted food does not leave a good impression on our hosts. I rarely spend the lunch money; I remember a Natl Geo tour in Japan where I never needed a cash machine.
"Is this contradictory?" Not really although possibly confusing based on what you were told by CD when checking in.
I read what you posted here as insurance will not cover the cancellation but Tauck will, except it will be prorated. So, if you elected to "cancel" and stayed the night in the room booked by Tauck and then left the next day, Tauck would give you a refund for the price of the tour less the value of one day - whatever that may be. Or, if you said "no, I'm cancelling" and walked away at the sign in desk without signing in and checked out of the room you would get a full refund from Tauck. That's my understanding based on the document and what you were told.
In either case, my read based on what the CD said, Tauck's insurance carrier is not going to cover the guests because Tauck is starting the tour with or without you.
JaneP - My comment was not directed at anyone in particular. I should have said:
On my various 18 Tauck tours, many people complain that there is too much food and too much time wasted on lunches. So if Tauck is reading comments like this on the Hope and Trust forms and taking action by reducing the number of included meals, it is giving people what they asked for. I guess it would be best for one to stick to cruises where all meals and excursions are included, if that's what matters most to a traveler.
I have traveled with Tauck on numerous river cruises (12 in total) and I have consistently seen a true degradation in the service from Tauck when they turned over the company to the current executives. For me, it started almost the date of the change. The only thing that has remained constant is the good tour directors and cruise directors on the river cruises. I have had amazing directors on my trips and I am sorry they are having to adjust to poor management from Tauck. I truly hope the family realizes the mistakes they have made with the current management and understand that people travel with Tauck because of the fabulous Tauck history. I do continue to travel, but have exhausted my river cruise market and mostly do small ship cruises. There are good cruise companies in that market. I feel for the travelers that are experiencing the pain of traveling with Tauck today. I just hope that the Tauck family upholds their family legacy.
kfnknfzk Thank you for pointing out the policies that I was advised of were on the website. Please help me as I cannot find the policy that states they are not obligated to refund the parts of itinerary they cannot provide due to weather or the policy that states those in a double occupancy room will be refunded at 1/4 the rate of on individual in a solo occupancy room. Can you help me with a link? I would feel a lot better about my ignorance if I could see this
I am not sure I understand your questions. You can call Tauck for guidance. Good luck.
Goddess - I was actually referring to the obnoxious Dr Phil comment.
I looked at the cancellation fine print for the cruise you were planning and it is all spelled out there carefully, including the policy regarding cancellations for low or high water. (It did not mention "interuption", as I recall.)
It does seem odd that this was not cancelled before the trip started. If you find an answer to that question, please let us know.
With apologies to kfnknfzk, I don't see this as a Dr. Phil show at all. I think the key message here is to raise awareness about reading the fine print before we book. I really appreciate that the moores has brought this to our attention.
Tauck in general offers very fine products. There are many clear advantages to traveling with Tauck. But most of my friends are not willing to pay their prices, even if they can afford it. It makes sense to comparison shop before you book a trip. Just like you would with any other expensive product you buy. It doesn't mean that Tauck is a bad choice. It just may not be the best choice for an individual depending on their travel goals and budget.
BTW I am not good at fine print but I just looked at the Viking River Cruises cancellation policy for "cancellation other than by you" and it seems to be similar to Tauck's policy.
(Another rabbit hole for a different discussion maybe: I'm just back from Italy and even though it was not as warm as Paris in the past week or so, it was a lot warmer than usual. I don't know if travel companies have started discussing how to deal with rising temperatures, but this would be a good time to start. For our recent trip we did have some free time in the afternoons for which I was very grateful, as the hotels had nice swimming pools.)
Shoulder seasons will become more important and pricing will reflect that.
Goddess, Shoulder season has been important and tour prices have reflected that for some years. Though that was mostly because people didn't want to go to Europe when the tourist crowds are the heaviest.
Wan, Good points. We probably all need to be more vigilant about reading all the details.
Yep - but now they'll be more in demand and more expensive...........................................
JaneP said: "_And, finally - in response to Mike's comment about the company changing - I know there are those who'll disagree - but I unequivocally agree that the company has changed - I'd say, noticeably in the last 2 years or so, after Arthur Tauck stepped down in October 2024. _" Here is an historical counterpoint from 2008. On our very first Tauck trip (and first time out of the country in 35+ years), I talked to a fellow traveler who was a very seasoned traveler with experience on many upscale companies tours. She noted that Tauck had changed (more expensive, less "all-inclusiveness" etc.) and explained it by suggesting that there were now many more Tauck family members involved in the company - i.e., mouths to be fed.
inlanikai said: "It reminds me of the Crandall Days of American Airlines when CEO Bob Crandall in 1987 made a point of saying how much they saved (~$40K, IIRC) by eliminating a single olive in the salads in first class." Yeah, and United followed suit by taking the lime out of my gin & tonic!
Fortunately it's back now.
I'm disappointed to read accounts like OP's. I'm still a Tauck loyalist but I always try to remember the words of some deep thinker over on the FlyerTalk forum: "It's a company - it's not going to love you back.'
An update: what a learning experience this has been. Tauck called me today. I was told that the tour is" trip interruption" (as opposed to cancellation) for insurance reasons. Once you get on the plane you are officially on tour. Because it is interruption, two days will be excluded from our refund. For us, that will mean a loss of over $3700. Couple that with over $8000 in flights, other losses(train tickets, extra hotels, admission tickets). I hope, fingers crossed , that I will be reimbursed for the $1800 back for my added flight from Prague to Amsterdam and also get back the $1750 for changing the date of our flight home. Apparently, Tauck will pay something and then AON will figure out what their payout is.
There may be relief for future travelers. The rep told me that there are now discussions that when Tauck is aware of such situations as low water, that they would call a few days before the trip to give people an option to take their chances or cancel the trip. This seems like a fair and honest thing to do. I hope Tauck does this. I still feel that the guests on this June 19th cancellation - excuse me, "interruption - should be offered some further compensation, such as a good discount for a future trip. Heck, even a massage for being cooped in a plane for 9 hour time differences and then a few days later another 9 hour time differences for going home.
Tauck was aware before our trip of low water levels. The captain didn't think he could navigate so an expert was brought in. While it is easy to hope that the show will go on, considering that there was an extended forecast of a heat wave with no rain in sight, it's hard to understand the optimism that Tauck had. I've never wanted to go on a Viking cruise but they have so many boats that if one section of the river isn't navigable they put their guests on a bus and take them to the nearest available riverboat.
While I have noticed that in the past few years you can't always believe what a rep will tell you, I still believed and trusted and so I focused on sights to see rather than read through insurance policies. Verbal assurances are not the same as the written word. And, with no contingency plans: caveat emptor!
All this got me researching. It appears that the boats that Tauck uses are shallow draft. But the research also indicated that AMA Waterways is known for having shallow draft boats and for being able to continue operation when other company's boats have to cancel. I've done one AMA Waterways river cruise and was very satisfied with them. I'd rate them equal to Tauck.
@the Moores - I'm really sorry you experienced this. It certainly has shocked me that you would be treated this way by Tauck. I have a Tauck river cruise coming up in a couple of months. If I hadn't already paid for it, I'd look for other options. I hope I don't encounter what happened to you.
You paid for a river cruise, not for an aircraft experience. The flights are just the agony that you put up with to experience the river cruise and certainly should not be counted as two days of the cruise.
[In today's world, where these kinds of situations can be quickly spread to a very large group of people, it's hard to see that the money they save by stiffing you and the other guest is worth the negative publicity. If a social media influencer associated with a competitor gets ahold of this, you can imagine what they'll do with it. They certainly won't be saying, "Tauck goes above and beyond for their clients."]
@themoores said: " Tauck called me today. I was told that the tour is" trip interruption" (as opposed to cancellation) for insurance reasons. Once you get on the plane you are officially on tour." And: " Apparently, Tauck will pay something and then AON will figure out what their payout is."
I'm confused. Didn't you say that you arranged and paid for your own air? In that case neither Tauck nor their AON policy would cover airfare or the air days...?
Tauck’s travel insurance will cover flights you made on your own, if the reason for the cancellation is one of the covered events. I expect that if Tauck “interrupts “ a trip it would be covered.
[Use Google AI and you’ll get a lot more about it.]
OK thanks. I need to do a re-read of all the T's & C's.