Hi JDL, if things work out it will be nice to meet you on the cruise (Sept 15 Eastbound on MS Joy, embark Sept 18). The MS Joy should head Eastbound now towards Budapest (Munich to Budapest tour). Maybe the Munich embarkation point is Vilshofen where the boat is as of this posting. So you can start tracking the MS joy at cruisemapper.com . MS Joy and MS Savor don't seem to getting east of Bratislava so it will be interesting to see what happens.
A report from the MS Joy, docked in Vienna. Our trip began on 8/28 in Budapest, where we stayed in a centrally located hotel instead of on a ship (much better, as it turns out). From there we took a bus to Bratislava where we were supposed to spend two nights on the Savor before heading to a hotel in Vienna. Instead the boat left Bratislava right after we boarded and sailed that night for Vienna, going at half normal speed for safety reasons. Apparently there was a concern about water levels between Bratislava and Vienna. The next day we bussed back to Bratislava to see the city and then back to the Vienna docked ship. When we boarded the Savor we were told that we would spend at least 5 nights on the ship, but it’s not clear exactly where all those nights will be. There are about 47 guests, which has been very nice. The Cruise and Tour Directors have been doing an outstanding job so far, really bending over backwards, and I have heard no guest whining.
Thank you for this report. I hope it reassures those people who have not canceled their trip. All the places visited on the tour surely must be much quieter than usual at this normally very busy time of year to visit the areas.
I think people would be grateful to hear how the rest of the tour goes.
Kate moss - thanks so much for the update - incredibly helpful as the east end of the trip is even worse than expected and the River level continues to drop
Just heard from my TA. He spoke with Tauck agent and they said they will be sending out a letter today (9/1) with the modifications for the 9/8 Blue Danube Bud-Prague sailing.
Susan McGarvey. I’m wondering if you’ve received that updated information from Tauck as yet and whether it came or is expected to come electronically or via the mail. It all seems pretty short notice.
We have made the hard decision to cancel our 9/8 Blue Danube cruise - Budapest to Prague. We have two tickets to the Classic Spectacular in Mirror Chapel in Prague on the evening of September 18th at 6pm. Below are the details. Feel free to private message me if you're interested in these tickets.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Classical concerts in the Mirror Chapel at Clementinum offer a truly enchanting and immersive experience.
The chapel’s ornate Baroque architecture, adorned with intricate mirrors, creates a visually stunning setting.
Program
W. A. Mozart: Overture To Le Nozze Di Figaro
A. Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (Spring & Winter)
W. A. Mozart: Requiem (Lacrimosa)
J. Pachelbel: Canon in D Major
G. Verdi: Aida – Marcia Trionphale
W. A. Mozart: Symphony No. 40 (Tragic) Allegro
A. Dvořák: Sing Unto The Lord A Joyful Song
J. S. Bach/C. Goundo: Ave Maria
J. S. Bach: Toccata & Fugue in D minor
B. Smetana: The Moldau (Vltava)
L. van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 (Destiny) Allegro
Performed by
ROYAL CZECH ORCHESTRA and three soloists
EVA MÜLLEROVÁ – SOPRANO
VIKTOR MAZÁČEK – VIOLIN SOLO
ROBERT HUGO – ORGAN
An update on our MS Savor cruise (trip from Budapest to Prague beginning 8/28): We sailed from Vienna to Durnstein yesterday evening, toured Durnstein this morning and this afternoon we began our sail through the Wachau Valley. After a brief stop in Grein this evening we will go on to Linz. In other words, we’re back on the original itinerary. We have also been told that we will definitely remain on the ship until we disembark and head for Prague. It just hasn’t been officially confirmed where we will dock after Linz. From something a crew person said, I think Engelhartszell is still in the cards. So far, for us, the cruise has exceeded our expectations because of the small group size, the two nights in the Budapest hotel, and the high ratio of crew to guests. BUT, we have been very lucky with the water levels and our captain.
Kate, very much appreciate your update. I especially like the way you mention the small number of people on the ship which is a plus for you. And it sounds as if you liked the extra time in the Budapest hotel!
Kate, Thanks for your update. We are on the Oct. 3 eastbound cruise from Prague to Budapest. We’re hoping the river levels improve somewhat by then. It’s helpful to learn what other’s experiences have been and how Tauck is handling this situation. For us, a hotel stay in Budapest and longer coach time is just fine as long as we can visit the towns and sights along the River.
Comments
Hi JDL, if things work out it will be nice to meet you on the cruise (Sept 15 Eastbound on MS Joy, embark Sept 18). The MS Joy should head Eastbound now towards Budapest (Munich to Budapest tour). Maybe the Munich embarkation point is Vilshofen where the boat is as of this posting. So you can start tracking the MS joy at cruisemapper.com . MS Joy and MS Savor don't seem to getting east of Bratislava so it will be interesting to see what happens.
Paul look at the post titled Amsterdam to Budapest. Someone posted the entire letter they received.
A report from the MS Joy, docked in Vienna. Our trip began on 8/28 in Budapest, where we stayed in a centrally located hotel instead of on a ship (much better, as it turns out). From there we took a bus to Bratislava where we were supposed to spend two nights on the Savor before heading to a hotel in Vienna. Instead the boat left Bratislava right after we boarded and sailed that night for Vienna, going at half normal speed for safety reasons. Apparently there was a concern about water levels between Bratislava and Vienna. The next day we bussed back to Bratislava to see the city and then back to the Vienna docked ship. When we boarded the Savor we were told that we would spend at least 5 nights on the ship, but it’s not clear exactly where all those nights will be. There are about 47 guests, which has been very nice. The Cruise and Tour Directors have been doing an outstanding job so far, really bending over backwards, and I have heard no guest whining.
Oops! We are on the Savor!
Thank you for this report. I hope it reassures those people who have not canceled their trip. All the places visited on the tour surely must be much quieter than usual at this normally very busy time of year to visit the areas.
I think people would be grateful to hear how the rest of the tour goes.
@KateMossNJ - thanks for the update! Very helpful to know what the real time conditions/modifications are.
@KateMossNJ - Thanks very much for your report. I am booked on the 9/15 Budapest departure, so I read this with great interest.
Kate moss - thanks so much for the update - incredibly helpful as the east end of the trip is even worse than expected and the River level continues to drop
Great attitude, KateMossNJ. I hope the rest of your journey is drama free. Just enjoy the adventure!
Just heard from my TA. He spoke with Tauck agent and they said they will be sending out a letter today (9/1) with the modifications for the 9/8 Blue Danube Bud-Prague sailing.
Susan McGarvey. I’m wondering if you’ve received that updated information from Tauck as yet and whether it came or is expected to come electronically or via the mail. It all seems pretty short notice.
Received the letter yesterday via email - our cruise started on 9/8. We decided to cancel with refund less the protection premium.
We have made the hard decision to cancel our 9/8 Blue Danube cruise - Budapest to Prague. We have two tickets to the Classic Spectacular in Mirror Chapel in Prague on the evening of September 18th at 6pm. Below are the details. Feel free to private message me if you're interested in these tickets.
ABOUT THE EVENT
The chapel’s ornate Baroque architecture, adorned with intricate mirrors, creates a visually stunning setting.
Program
W. A. Mozart: Overture To Le Nozze Di Figaro
A. Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (Spring & Winter)
W. A. Mozart: Requiem (Lacrimosa)
J. Pachelbel: Canon in D Major
G. Verdi: Aida – Marcia Trionphale
W. A. Mozart: Symphony No. 40 (Tragic) Allegro
A. Dvořák: Sing Unto The Lord A Joyful Song
J. S. Bach/C. Goundo: Ave Maria
J. S. Bach: Toccata & Fugue in D minor
B. Smetana: The Moldau (Vltava)
L. van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 (Destiny) Allegro
Performed by
ROYAL CZECH ORCHESTRA and three soloists
EVA MÜLLEROVÁ – SOPRANO
VIKTOR MAZÁČEK – VIOLIN SOLO
ROBERT HUGO – ORGAN
Hi Susan, wondering if Tauck explained what modifications they were planning. We are booked on the Blue Danube 9/15 and wondering what to expect
I am also on the Blue Danube 9/15. I hope they don't cancel it.
Some of my favorite pieces of music. Sorry to hear that you will miss it.
I am booked for Blue Danube 9/15. If Tauck cancels it I hope they do it in a timely manner so I can make alternate arrangements.
An update on our MS Savor cruise (trip from Budapest to Prague beginning 8/28): We sailed from Vienna to Durnstein yesterday evening, toured Durnstein this morning and this afternoon we began our sail through the Wachau Valley. After a brief stop in Grein this evening we will go on to Linz. In other words, we’re back on the original itinerary. We have also been told that we will definitely remain on the ship until we disembark and head for Prague. It just hasn’t been officially confirmed where we will dock after Linz. From something a crew person said, I think Engelhartszell is still in the cards. So far, for us, the cruise has exceeded our expectations because of the small group size, the two nights in the Budapest hotel, and the high ratio of crew to guests. BUT, we have been very lucky with the water levels and our captain.
KateMossNJ: I’m happy you are enjoying your trip. You are a good example of Tauck’s motto: “expect the unexpected”.
Great news. I’m sure other travelers will be relieved to hear this. Smooth sailing!
It has been raining in Germany, Czech Rep.for a few days
Kate, very much appreciate your update. I especially like the way you mention the small number of people on the ship which is a plus for you. And it sounds as if you liked the extra time in the Budapest hotel!
Kate, Thanks for your update. We are on the Oct. 3 eastbound cruise from Prague to Budapest. We’re hoping the river levels improve somewhat by then. It’s helpful to learn what other’s experiences have been and how Tauck is handling this situation. For us, a hotel stay in Budapest and longer coach time is just fine as long as we can visit the towns and sights along the River.