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Gala event and how to dress
I'm trying to decide on what to bring for the gala dinner in Vienna. Any suggestions as to whether to go short, long or pant suit?
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I was leaning towards dress slacks or maybe a long romper. I should probably wait a bit to see what the weather is. I just don't really have anything right now that I think would work, but maybe.
Have a great time; it is a super trip.
Nancy
Really. We were in Arusha at the same time, but on different trips?
The palace is different depending on which direction you take the cruise. I googled both to see photos.
Southbound it’s “Tonight, a Tauck Exclusive – a private, gala evening in the beautiful Baroque Palais Pallavicini in the heart of the city, featuring a sumptuous dinner and live entertainment – just might sweep you off your feet!” Lots of gold gilt, white and bordello red. There are pictures showing this in several of the Tauck brochures and here on the website. It shows 3 different men – 1 in coat/tie, 1 in coat with no tie, and another in a shirt with pullover sweater.
Northbound it’s “Tonight, nothing quite compares to the royal treatment you’ll experience at a Tauck Exclusive – our private evening in the Palais Ferstel, a 19th-century palace in the heart of the city. Welcome champagne precedes dinner and a live musical performance.” More of the gold and white, but a little more subdued on the red.
Yes, Elizabeth, there is a range for how dressy people get and I've found each group sort of has it's own "dressiness ethos" so it's hard to predict from one cruise to the next. And weather can really affect it. I think it's nice to dress up a bit but try not to fill my luggage with items that take up room and get very little wear. One pair of dress slacks, silver flats, 2-3 dressy tops, a wrap for cooler evenings and some bling will pretty much cover me for a 2 week cruise.
We're getting excited about this one too but mostly focusing right now on extra time in Budapest and Amsterdam.
Yes. I remember that there were two or maybe three Tauck groups in the Arusha hotel at the same time. On our last trip ours was the only Tauck group in the hotel. Our TD was Bill M on that first trip. I do remember talking to some of the people who were doing the Zanzibar trip, but I don’t remember anyone revealing their ‘handle’ on the forum. On our last trip their were several couples who ‘outed’ themselves. We are ‘out there’ because of the pictures I’ve posted, and actually my license plate says “Sealord”. (;-).
Congrats buddy! I hope you'll enjoy this trip in Africa.
I'm glad you posted this question. I was happy to read others replies.
We're so looking forward to this trip and meeting the other passengers.
So sorry you had such a poor greeting upon arrival at the ship. I'd probably have the same reaction. We've only ever arrived as part of a group from the Tauck hotel which clearly goes much smoother than on your own. Sounds like the rest of your tour was enjoyable so you might want to give them another try. It isn't usually that bad. An yes, river cruise staterooms are more compact than ocean going. Just a smaller ship. I appreciate all the other details you provided. Looking forward to our cruise.
I’m still nervous about taking our first River Cruise in the summer.
You reminded me that last April we went to London for about five days and stayed at the Conrad. We were able to check in at 9m am but our taxi ride cost quite a bit more than yours did, it was rush hour and taxi meters roll over whether you are moving or not in London. Going home, the Conrad booked us a private limo ride for only a little more than a taxi might have been. The trip was booked around the tickets we had to see Hamilton which were so much cheaper than our New York tickets and a better quality production in our opinion. It is such a luxury to go to London and see live theatre at much more reasonable prices too. We also saw the Ferryman, the performance was halted halfway through as an audience member had some kind of emergency. When it resumed, the actors had to go back into a very intense scene. All adds to the magic of live theater, our other passion.
Glad to hear you haven't given up on Tauck. I don't remember seeing anyone on the forum discuss the issue of getting to the ships on their own. It can be tricky since docking locations can change. Obviously the communication between the customer, HQ and the ship needs to be better than what you experienced.
In Amsterdam was the ship docked at a long pier jutting out into the water with several (like up to 8) river cruise ships tied up? It's the only one I remember where the ship can be such a long way from where vehicles can park. Usually you can see the ship and wave to the staff from a taxi, etc.
For Cath and Steve, I can certainly understand that a first time river cruiser in an unfamiliar city could have the problems you had. I can remember being a total novice our first cruise wondering even where our driver at the airport would be and how we'd know them. Thankfully ours went smoothly.
I wouldn't have known to do this on our first cruise, but here's my advice to anyone in your situation. First, the green book is a wealth of information. The most pertinent being when you need to be on board i.e. the cruise start time and the phone number of the ship. Those are both located on the Day 1 itinerary. I would call or have the hotel reception call the ship and confirm their location - exactly where a taxi should take you - and what time to expect you. No guarantee that it would solve all problems but certainly up your odds of having a much less frustrating time.
I'd also recommend even if you are working with a travel agent, don't be afraid to call Tauck directly and ask questions. Or ask questions here where there are plenty of fellow travelers who have a wealth of experience (and sometimes unwelcome opinions).
Well he was bound to be happy it wasn't an ORI team. Only ever made it to Atsugi once to shop for rugs. Spent 2 yrs in Yokosuka and parts way way north.
I’ve been to Yokosuka a few times. Yokota many times. And, I used to fly the ‘close to the coast’ missions near Vladivostok out of Atsugi. Fun days! (Do you know what a ‘Spook’ is? I’m certain Alan does.)
Absolutely. Do you know what SOSUS is?
Ringing bells dimly. Been since the 80s that I was tracking what was going on in Pacfleet.
May will be our first river cruise and our first time to anywhere outside North America. One of the reasons we chose Tauck was because they would handle everything and I don't have to worry about anything beyond getting to the airport and packing. I'm still nervous, but I know that things will be handled and am expecting to have a wonderful time.
Cath and Steve - Thank you for the pictures and the information. It makes me feel a lot better to see what to expect. I'm hoping weather in May will be nice.
Thank you! Intellectually I know that, but I'm a worrier. I also need to buy clothes, cause I've lost over 80 pounds and don't have much beyond jeans and shirts right now. I know we'll enjoy the company and the experiences.