Tauck · River lines
Tauck is a family-owned tour company that also runs river cruises on chartered ships in Europe. Its difference is on shore: every excursion, meal ashore, gratuity and special event is in the fare, and the ships carry fewer guests than the same hull does for other lines. Nothing starts in Florida. I have not sailed Tauck. It is the choice for clients who want the trip fully hosted from the first hotel to the last transfer.
Tauck, from the line's press room. Press photo, Tauck
Category 7 suites
- Category 7 is the top cabin on Tauck's river ships: a suite with a separate seating area on the upper deck.
- Tauck removes cabins from its ships so there are more suites and fewer guests than the standard layout.
- There are no butlers. Tauck's service is the tour director team, with several directors per ship.
- Every guest gets the same shore programme. The suite premium buys space on board, not access on shore.
What comes with it
- All shore excursions and special events, such as private after-hours museum visits
- All meals on board and most ashore
- Open bar on board
- All gratuities, including to guides and drivers
- Pre- and post-cruise hotel nights on most itineraries
From Florida
None. Tauck river cruises begin in European cities and are usually sold with pre- and post-cruise hotel nights in the fare. Getting there from Naples means a flight from Fort Myers or Miami. Tauck arranges the airport transfers at both ends.
The ships
MS Andorinha · MS Joy · MS Grace · MS Inspire · MS Savor · MS Esprit · MS Treasures
A guided tour that happens to sleep on a ship. Days are full, organised and led by tour directors who have done the route many times.
Tauck in pictures
Tauck, from the line's press room · Press photo, Tauck
Who it fits
- Travellers who want every detail handled and nothing to decide.
- First-time visitors to Europe who want context from a guide at every stop.
- Tauck land-tour customers who already trust the brand.
Who should look elsewhere
- Independent travellers who like to wander. The programme is full.
- Anyone who wants the ship to be the point. It is the base, not the destination.
Questions about Tauck
Also river lines
Thinking about Tauck?
Kathryn will price its top tier against the suites she has stayed in and tell you where it wins.