Tauck French Waterways on the ms Swiss Emerald
We began our journey with 2 nights in Paris. Then savored the French flair for living from Paris bistros and culinary Lyon to Beaujolais tastings and Provençal pleasures featuring a 7-night Rhône cruise. The ms Swiss Emerald is designed with an open, airy plan that makes great use of natural light. It is the perfect riverboat to cruise France's Rhône and Saône rivers through the colorful Provençal landscapes and villages dotting the lush Rhône Valley wine country that so enthralled and inspired the impressionist painters of the 19th century.
I had sailed with Uniworld and was looking forward to comparing both products. Both products are excellent but here are some of the differences. Uniworld offers excellent land tours but only one Uniworld staff member for all the groups and each group has a local guide, they usually have 2 groups and one easy walker group. (Moves at a slightly slower pace). Tauck's land tours have a staff member from Tauck with each group, and they have 4 groups – 3 regular groups and one easy walker group. (All are staffed with a local guide and a guide from Tauck). The food is amazing on both lines but Tauck offers more upgraded “house wines” and all liquor is included with Tauck.
It was an amazing experience and I would be happy to assist you with your next river cruise!