Tauck River Cruise

The Tauck World Discovery tour company was founded in 1925 by Arthur Tauck Sr. In 1958, his son Arthur Tauck Jr. took the reins of the brand and expanded it; the company didn’t start their river cruising division with their own vessels until 2006. By 2013, the river cruise line had expanded to four ships, and has continued to grow since then.

Ships: 9

How Many Passengers: From 98 to 130 passengers.

Personality: Each custom-built ship exudes a relaxed, elegant atmosphere. Spaces are finished with teak, marble, glass, and wrought iron. Staff is welcoming and friendly, and the ship exudes a high-end feel.

Fellow Passengers: Guests are mostly older and well-traveled. Most have visited Europe before. Tauck is one of the best river cruise lines for multi-generational families with young kids, too, as there are some activities specifically targeted towards them.

Cabins: Every cabin aboard the ships is an exterior, and most have floor to ceiling windows. Each has a flat-screen television, bathrobes and slippers, a mini bar, and soft beds with high thread count sheets and down pillows. All ships have an unusual-for-riverboats amount of large suites too: 14 on the Jewel-class and 22 on the Inspiration-class. Suites include French balconies, walk-in closets, and marble baths with a full tub. 

Dining Experience: Dining onboard is open seating in the main dining room, with flexible dining times. There is a buffet, a choice of menus with regional-inspired dishes, and themed dinners as well. For lighter fare at breakfast and classic favorites at lunch and dinner, there is an alternative dining venue. When the weather is nice, meals may also be served on the sun deck.

Amenities: Expert enrichment lectures, nightly piano music, culinary demonstrations, local entertainment, and themed activities. Kids will also enjoy cooking classes, storytelling, and cultural explorations that the whole family can take part in together.

Best For: Older couples, well-traveled guests that enjoy upscale luxury, multi-generational families.

Included Alcohol: Unlimited wine, beer, and premium spirits

Gratuities: Included

Where They Go: Rhône, Saône, Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Seine, and Main Rivers.

Sarah Bretz, Contributor