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We have been on several land, small cruise, river cruise Tauck tours in the past. We are looking into Jan 2017 Cruising Down under West bound NZ/AU cruise which is 19 days vrs Grand Australia New Zealand which is 20 days. Cost aside, which btw, the cruise seems to be substatially higher but apparently covers more, I was wondering which would be a better options. I know alot has to do with personal preferences but being that this is the only continent that we have not visited, I would welcome input from Tauck Travellers, and please note that I do not say recomendations, as that is very delicate. Thank you in advance
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I reply as an Australian, living in Melbourne, who has made over 20 trips with Tauck in North & South America and Europe. Since I would not choose to travel with an American guided group in either Australia or New Zealand, my comments are more in the line of the content of the 2 trips you mention.
As I read the itinerary for the westbound cruise, it is an excellent itinerary for New Zealand ... with a quick side trip to Australia's tropical north. It is not a tour of Australia. This cruise itinerary (either here with Ponant of with other cruise lines) does sell very well into the local Australian market. I doubt I'd ever take this trip because I wouldn't trust myself with the Tasman Sea ... or anywhere near it ... but that's just me! The Ponant section of the itinerary gives an excellent itinerary for NZ. It's a French line and therefore very cosmopolitan. I know that style does not always appeal to American travellers. Still, they've been working with Tauck for quite a while and I know both companies work very well together. If I could wave a wand and fling some fairy dust around, I'd tell people to combine the cruise with the Spotlight on Australia.
The Grand Australia & NZ gives a brief introduction to some of the travel icons that are most popular with foreigners. This trip is not a tour of either Australia of New Zealand ... it gives a brief introduction to some parts of both countries. It is a good introduction for subsequent, more detailed travels. As you know, the "lower 48" fits inside Australia, so you will already appreciate that Australia is a big place! It's much too big to see or experience in 11 days. But hey, it's a great start. The same goes for NZ. Yes, I do appreciate the geographical mass is much smaller, but 11 days would barely be enough for the North Island, let alone both islands!
None of this is a recommendation. This is merely my well researched and experienced personal opinion.
Cheers,
Jan
Thank you for taking the time to read my queerie and for your prompt and candid reply.
I agree with you that 11,15, 20 days or more is not sufficient to cover such a vast area.
I am hoping to get a good birds eye view of these two amazing countries with the intent of hopefully some day coming back.
Due to limited time available, I will need to make the best of what time I do have.
When comparing both tours, which both seem to be very well put together, it would appear from a convenience point of view; ie, packing and unpacking, moving around, etc, it would appear that the cruise tour provides an advantage.
I have travelled on this line before with Tauck´s Treausure of South East Asia(southbound) tour and was very pleased with the ship, the cabin, the food, the drinks and great service.
I guess I am still a little dazed and confused.......decisions decisions decisions!!!!!!
Envious of your available time, I would do the same as you are doing.
We may be on the Cruise
Cheers,
Jan