I have a secret to share with you. I didn’t know much about Tauck before stepping on board the MS Grace in Amsterdam.
Sure, I’ve heard the name during my 15 years in travel, but amid the numerous options available, it’s safe to say I’ve slept on Tauck (in both senses now).
I’ve learnt my lesson though. After spending a week cruising the Dutch waterways, I’m a Tauck convert…and I’m not the only one.
Leisa Davis from Helloworld Biloela was also onboard and she summed up Tauck perfectly.
“Tauck is an understated, classical and practical luxury for river cruising in a very relaxed atmosphere. This encapsulates everything from accommodation to the included sightseeing and staff. Nothing is ever a hassle!”
So, if you are a luxury river cruise fan (and let’s be real, who isn’t?) and you haven’t looked into Tauck, I urge you to start planning.
The majority of guests onboard were past passengers. Some had returned more than 15 times. If that is not a seal of approval, I don’t know what else is. Or do I?
It could also be the exclusivity and that their itineraries tend to sell out more than a year in advance. I’d liken it to a high-end private club that everyone wants to be a part of, but in a casually affluent way.
Tauck is also shrouded in security. They’re an American company that is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. You know as well as I do how important that is after the past few years. We seek out and celebrate stability.
What shines the most though is the product, service and choice of destinations on offer. Spoiler alert: it’s not only river cruises where they sparkle.
But let me get back to our trip because the itinerary was truly something else.
We boarded in alluring Amsterdam, which is usually the only place on people’s radar when they visit The Netherlands. After numerous visits here, I’d never ventured out of the city.
But after cruising deep throughout the country, it’s going to be on the tip of my tongue for future recommendations for clients.
We visited Kampen, Friesland, the Lake District, Enkhuizen, Nijmegen, Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague.
In each port, there were two to three included activities to choose from, plus Tauck Exclusive Experiences throughout the trip: an early opening visit to the open-air Zuiderzee Museum, learning to sail a century-old sailboat and a private evening at the acclaimed Mauritshuis Museum that ended with dinner backed by classical musicians.
Deb Gibb from Why Travel claimed her favourite moment was when we visited Delft.
“It’s an amazing little town with so much to offer, especially the 700-year-old Brouwhuis (brewhouse)”.
I have to agree with her. That day started with a walking food tour and we had so much time to relax and enjoy the vaulted beer cellar and people watch in other spots throughout the city.
That was another highlight of Tauck: the pace was leisurely. Most excursions were in the morning which meant you had free time to explore in the afternoons or enjoy the ship.
You will want that time to enjoy the ship too! Most cabin categories have French balconies with beds facing the water. I spent a lot of time here smiling as the countryside lulled past – when I wasn’t in one of the three restaurants or bars.
The multiple-course meals were heavenly, the Veuve was free-flowing and each night was planned to perfection with different themes to ensure a good time was had by all. There was an oyster and champagne night, a quiz night and live music nights.
I don’t want to give it all away but as we docked alongside another well-known company in Amsterdam, the crew of their ship shut their curtains in their main saloon so guests would not see the dancing and fun on our ship. A core memory right there.
Outside of that, the crew onboard were flawless and anticipated every want. Tipping is also included in the price. Don’t you love a company that is so inclusive that you could leave your wallet at home and not even realise?
Author: Dana Brown @wildheartedworld
