Tauck River & Small Ship CruisesPlanning & Preparation Guide
Everything you’ll want to know before you sail.
Presented by Elisa Rzymski·Updated October 2026
Prices and availability are subject to change at any time.
Sailing past Dürnstein in the Wachau Valley.Photo: TauckA Note from Elisa
Hi there!
Thank you for your interest in a Tauck cruise! I’ve gathered the most important details in one easy place, so you can see exactly what’s included, what to expect, and how to prepare before, during, and after your journey.
Tauck is known for truly inclusive travel, on Europe’s rivers and aboard handpicked small ships from the Mediterranean to Antarctica. One upfront price includes excursions, beverages, and every gratuity, and Tauck Directors travel with you onboard and ashore. Take a look through the sections below, and whenever you’re ready, I’d love to help you choose the journey, ship, and cabin that fit you best.
Elisa RzymskiSmall-Ship Cruise Specialist
The Guide
The Experience
What’s included, where you’ll stay, and how you’ll spend your days.
What’s Included
Your Inclusive Experience
Traveling with Tauck means everything is included in one upfront price, with no options sold. From the moment you step aboard, the details are taken care of, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
Here’s what you can look forward to on a Tauck river cruise.
Imagine an evening of music in a palace, arranged just for Tauck guests, with nothing to sign for and no tip to calculate.
Beverages are included onboard, any time of day.Photo: Tauck
Privately guided excursions
A choice of all-included, small-group excursions and cultural experiences exclusive to Tauck.
All meals onboard
Plus exclusive, locally inspired dining ashore.
Unlimited beverages, 24/7
Regional wine, beer, and premium spirits, plus specialty coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks onboard.
Tauck Directors
Up to four Tauck Director-level staff travel with you, alongside expert local guides.
All gratuities, onboard and ashore
For Tauck Directors, ship crew, local guides, drivers, hotel staff, and more.
Airport transfers
Included whether or not you book air through Tauck, plus select train station transfers.
Port charges, taxes & fuel surcharges
Taken care of in your price, with no last-minute surprises.
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Unlimited and available 24/7, though service levels may vary.
Included on Small Ship Cruises
Tauck’s small ship cruises follow the same idea: one upfront price, with the same Tauck Director traveling with your group on land and at sea.
Tauck’s private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions
All gratuities for Tauck Directors, ship staff, local guides, and drivers, plus naturalists on expeditions
Onboard beverages; aboard Ponant’s ships, bar and restaurant drinks include house wines and spirits
Hotel nights with guided sightseeing before or after many cruises
Transfers and lectures, and on Antarctica and Galápagos journeys, flights during the trip
Included amenities are subject to change by Tauck and vary by journey. Overnight stays at premier hotels are included on select river cruises. Details: Tauck small ship cruising
Elisa’s Tip
When you compare cruise lines, look closely at what’s included. With Tauck, excursions, beverages, transfers, and every gratuity, onboard and ashore, are already part of your price, which makes the value easy to see.
Tauck has cruised Europe’s rivers since 2006 and sailed small ships for over thirty years. Here’s a quick way to picture which style fits the trip you have in mind.
Tauck river cruises, small ship cruises and expeditions compared
At a Glance
River CruisesTauck’s own riverboats
Small Ship CruisesCultural Journeys
ExpeditionsAntarctica & the Galápagos
Ships
Riverboats for 84 to 130 guests
Handpicked ships from Ponant, Windstar and Silversea
Le Boréal in Antarctica; island ships in the Galápagos
Where
Europe’s great rivers
The Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia and North America
The Antarctic Peninsula and the Galápagos Islands
Days Ashore
A choice of privately guided excursions
Private shore excursions, averaging 15 guests per guide
Zodiac and panga landings with naturalists
Best For
Culture, castles, cities and wine regions
Coastal culture with hotel nights in great cities
Wildlife and wild places
Small Ship Cruising
Tauck sails aboard handpicked small ships, from Ponant’s Explorer-class ships and Windstar’s all-suite Star Legend and sailing yacht Wind Surf to Silversea’s ships in Alaska, Eastern Canada, and the Galápagos, where Tauck also sails aboard the 90-guest Santa Cruz II. Tauck groups average 200 or fewer guests, with about one Tauck Director for every 40 guests.
Cultural Journeys to ports rich in history, architecture, wine, and local traditions
Expeditions to Antarctica and the Galápagos, with naturalists and wildlife landings
Family voyages through Tauck Bridges, such as the Croatian Coast and the Galápagos
Gdańsk, a port on Tauck’s Baltic Sea cruise, new for 2027.Photo: Tauck
Ships and itineraries are subject to change. On some voyages, Tauck guests share the ship with other travelers, while Tauck Directors and private excursions remain exclusive to Tauck guests. Prefer to stay on land? See my Tauck land tours guide.
Your Home on the Water
Cabins, Staterooms & Suites
Tauck’s riverboats are designed with fewer guests and more space. Seventy-five percent of cabins are 225 square feet or larger, all with river views and thoughtful amenities, and every Tauck riverboat offers the spacious Tauck Suites.
The Tauck Suites
At 300 square feet, the Tauck Suites are among the largest on Europe’s rivers. Tauck’s 443-foot riverboats offer 22 of them, the most of any riverboat on a European river, and its 361-foot riverboats offer 14.
A separate seating area for morning coffee or an evening nightcap
A roomy walk-in closet with space to unpack for the week
A large bathroom with a separate shower and rainfall showerhead
Two French balconies with sliding floor-to-ceiling windows
A spacious cabin aboard a Tauck riverboat.Photo: Tauck
Cabins for Every Traveler
Spacious Cabins
Most cabins measure 225 square feet or more, with river views and elegant, contemporary design.
Category 1 for Solo Travelers
Category 1 cabins carry no single supplement on every river cruise departure.
Tauck Suites
300 square feet, with separate seating, a walk-in closet, and two French balconies.
Fewer Guests Onboard
Tauck’s 443-foot riverboats carry 130 guests, and its 361-foot riverboats carry no more than 98.
Meet the River Fleet
ms Joy and her sister ships, 130-guest riverboats on the Rhine and Danube
ms Treasures and ms Esprit, 98-guest riverboats in Central Europe
ms Serene and ms Lumière, newer riverboats on the Seine and Rhône
ms Saudade, debuting on Portugal’s Douro in 2027, for no more than 84 guests
ms Joy, one of Tauck’s 130-guest riverboats.Photo: Tauck
Staterooms & Suites at Sea
Ponant’s Explorer-Class Ships
Such as Le Champlain and Le Lapérouse, with 92 staterooms and suites over six passenger decks, from Deluxe and Prestige Staterooms to Privilege, Grand Deluxe, and Owner’s Suites.
Le Boréal in Antarctica
Superior and Deluxe Staterooms, Prestige Staterooms and Suites, and Deluxe Suites.
Windstar’s Ships
The all-suite Star Legend and the sailing yacht Wind Surf, with suites and staterooms on the Aegean and Iberian voyages.
Silversea’s Ships
All-suite ships in Alaska and Eastern Canada, and Silver Origin, built for the Galápagos, with private balconies in every suite.
Cabin categories, ships, and amenities vary by itinerary. I’ll compare the categories on your ship before you book.
Tauck’s custom-crafted riverboats are inspired by the destinations they sail, with contemporary design, generous space, and fewer guests onboard.
Your Tauck Directors
They travel with you throughout your cruise, onboard and ashore, partnering with local guides and experts.
Fitness & Wellness
An onboard fitness center, stretch classes, and massage and spa facilities.
The Sun Deck
A plunge pool or Jacuzzi, a putting green, and plenty of space to relax in the sun.
Bicycles
Available to take ashore and explore at your own pace.
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Unlimited and available 24/7, though service levels may vary.
Regionally Inspired Entertainment
Enrichment lectures, folkloric performances, music and dance, and tastings.
Aboard Tauck’s Small Ships
An Intimate Ambiance
Tauck chooses ships suited to each region, with lounges and decks made for watching the coastline go by.
Lecturers & Naturalists
Guest lecturers on select voyages, such as a Nordic and Baltic historian on the Baltic Sea, and naturalists on expeditions.
Medical Care
Ponant’s ships carry a licensed French physician and a nurse at all times.
Laundry
Laundry and pressing are available for a fee aboard Ponant’s ships; dry cleaning is not offered.
Relaxed Dress
Casual and relaxed aboard Ponant’s ships, with festive attire for the Captain’s dinners.
Onboard facilities vary by ship.
A Taste of Every Region
Dining on the River & at Sea
Tauck’s river cruises celebrate the flavors of Europe, from market-fresh ingredients and regional wines to locally inspired menus, all included.
The Compass Rose
The main dining room serves regionally inspired cuisine with nightly changing menus. Seating is open and dining times are flexible, so no reservations are needed, and panoramic windows frame the river.
Arthur’s
A casual venue serving lighter breakfasts in the morning and classic favorites at lunch and dinner.
Two dining venues, with indoor and outdoor seating.
Tastings & Pairings
Hands-on tastings and curated pairings that celebrate each region.
Dining Ashore
Exclusive, locally inspired meals for an authentic taste of daily life.
Dining on Small Ships
Most of Tauck’s small ships have a panoramic main dining room serving international cuisine and regional specialties, with a more casual second venue for grilled and lighter fare, usually with indoor and outdoor seating. Specialties follow the ship and the region, such as French cuisine aboard Ponant’s ships and Ecuadorian dishes in the Galápagos.
Every day brings a new destination, and with Tauck, it’s all included: a choice of privately guided excursions, plus experiences arranged exclusively for Tauck guests.
Privately Guided, Small Groups
A choice of all-included excursions in each port, led by expert local guides.
Exclusive Tauck Events
Receptions, dinners, and music in palaces and châteaux, arranged for Tauck guests only.
After-Hours Access
Visits to must-see sites after the crowds have gone.
Dining Ashore
Opportunities to enjoy local cuisine and wine ashore.
Tauck Directors & Local Experts
Your Tauck Directors and local guides bring each destination to life.
Bicycles
Available onboard to take ashore and explore on your own.
Small Ship Shore Days
Private Shore Excursions
Tauck’s own excursions in each port, averaging 15 guests per local guide.
Tauck Exclusives
Such as a farewell dinner at Stockholm’s Vasa Museum, a private visit and farewell dinner at Portugal’s Queluz National Palace, and klapa singing in Dubrovnik’s Rector’s Palace.
Uncommon Access
Private tenders, or Zodiac landings where appropriate, to reach places larger ships can’t.
Expeditions
Antarctica
Tauck’s Antarctica journey sails from Ushuaia aboard Ponant’s Le Boréal, with two nights in Buenos Aires and flights during the trip included. Naturalists lead the way ashore, and when weather and ice allow, Zodiacs carry you among the islands of the Antarctic Peninsula.
A water-repellent hooded parka to keep
Boots on loan at no charge, requested on embarkation day
A French physician and nurse onboard at all times
Exploring the Antarctic ice by Zodiac.Photo: Tauck
The Galápagos
Licensed Galápagos National Park naturalist guides lead every shore excursion and brief you aboard. Pangas carry you to wet and dry landings among sea lions, tortoises, and marine iguanas, with snorkeling on select days.
Galápagos: Wildlife Wonderland, a family journey with four nights aboard the 90-guest Santa Cruz II
Hidden Galápagos & Peru for 2027, aboard Silversea’s Silver Origin, with no more than 40 Tauck guests
Excursion choices vary by itinerary and port, and every expedition landing depends on weather and conditions.
Arrive Early or Linger Longer
Hotel Stays & Extra Nights
On many Tauck journeys, overnight stays at premier city-center hotels are part of the trip, so time in the world’s great cities is woven right in.
Hotels on Select River Cruises Include
Rosewood London
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace
InterContinental Paris Le Grand
On Select Small Ship Cruises
Two nights each in Copenhagen and Stockholm on the Baltic Sea cruise
Two nights each in Barcelona and Lisbon on the Spain and Portugal cruise
Two nights in Venice before the Dalmatian Coast cruise
Two nights in Buenos Aires before Antarctica
Want a little more time before or after your cruise? Tauck can reserve extra hotel nights on a space-available basis, and I’m happy to arrange them. Starting or ending in Amsterdam? See my guide to Amsterdam’s canals, museums, and day trips for ideas on how to spend your extra days.
Hotel stays vary by journey. I’ll confirm exactly what’s included for the departure you’re considering.
The Guide
Savings & Rewards
Ways to save, from solo traveler value to group and family travel.
Ways to Save
Value & Savings
Tauck’s price is truly all-inclusive and won’t change due to currency fluctuations or inflation, and there are still smart ways to save.
Solo Travelers$0single supplement in Category 1
On all Tauck river cruise departures, the single price in Category 1 is the same as the per person double price, so solo travelers enjoy the same all-inclusive value.
Also Ask Me About
Solo Traveler Savings in select cabins on select departures
Group bookings for families and friends traveling together
Tauck Bridges family journeys on the rivers and aboard small ships
Early Booking
Reserve ahead for the best choice of ship, cabin, and departure date.
Returning Guests
Traveled with Tauck before? Returning guests receive a benefit that varies, and I’ll check what applies to your journey.
Elisa’s Note
Offers are capacity controlled and change often. Tell me who’s traveling and your target dates, and I’ll apply every offer and benefit you qualify for.
The Guide
Booking & Preparation
Deposits, gratuities, check-in and the paperwork to have in order.
Booking with Confidence
Reserving Your Cruise
Deposit & Final Payment
A per-person deposit is due when you book. The amount varies by journey and is listed on each itinerary’s booking information.
Tauck payment schedule
Final payment
120 days
Penalty-free review period
10 days
Final payment is due 120 days before departure on all journeys, river and small ship. You may cancel without penalty within 10 days of your initial deposit.
Tauck Cruise Protection Plan
Tauck’s optional plan includes a Cancellation Waiver that lets you cancel for any reason before departure, with a money-back refund of your cruise price to your original form of payment:
Tauck Cruise Protection Plan refunds
120 or more days before
100% back
119 to 60 days
75% back
59 days to 1 day
50% back
The plan’s cost varies by journey and is not refundable after its 10-day grace period. Buy it within 10 days of your initial deposit to qualify for the pre-existing condition waiver; Tauck’s itinerary pages ask for it within that window, so I recommend deciding when you book. Details: Tauck Travel Protection
Quoted Prices
Unless otherwise listed, all pricing is per person, based on double occupancy, specific to the stateroom category quoted, and subject to availability at the time of booking.
Pricing Terms
Because Tauck sails limited-inventory riverboats and small ships, prices and availability can change without notice. By booking, you agree to the supplier’s terms, available on its website.
Supplemental Charges
Port charges, taxes, and fuel surcharges are included in Tauck’s price. Additional fees may apply from Avoya Travel or Tauck if a cancellation occurs.
Cancellation Policy
Please review Tauck’s full cancellation policy before final payment, available in its Terms & Conditions.
Travel Protection
I recommend travel protection for every trip, and I’m happy to provide quotes so you can compare coverage before final payment.
Travelers Under 18
Must share a cabin with, and be accompanied by, an adult 18 or older. Family-focused journeys are also available.
If you ever need help with payments, or would like me to walk you through your options, I’m always here.
Thanking the Crew
Gratuities
Budapest’s Chain Bridge on the Danube.Photo: Tauck
With Tauck, there’s nothing to calculate. All gratuities are included, onboard and ashore, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
Gratuities at a Glance
IncludedOnboard · Ship crew, housekeeping, and dining room staff
IncludedAshore · Tauck Directors, local guides, drivers, and hotel staff
On the rivers, that covers your Tauck Directors and Cruise Director, the ship’s crew, local guides, coach drivers, and luggage handling. On small ships, it covers your Tauck Director, the ship’s staff, and local guides, plus naturalists on expeditions. If someone goes above and beyond, a personal thank-you is always welcome, but it’s never expected.
Wondering how much cash to bring for incidentals and the odd extra thank-you? My guide to cash, cards, and currency in Europe has practical pointers.
Tauck lists exactly what’s included on each itinerary, and I’ll review it with you for your departure.
Before You Sail
Final Documents & Pace
Before Departure
A little preparation makes the start of your journey effortless. In the weeks before you go:
Review your final travel documents and itinerary
Share your flight details so transfers can be arranged
Note any dietary or accessibility needs
Pack to Tauck’s luggage guidance for your journey (one average-size suitcase per person on river cruises)
I’ll let you know as soon as your final documents are ready.
Activity & Pace
Tauck rates every itinerary for activity level and pace, so you know what to expect before you go:
Walking distances on excursions
Stairs, uneven terrain, and Zodiac or panga landings
How full each day’s schedule will be
Options to match your preferred pace
Tauck journeys are designed for guests in good health, and some small ships can’t accommodate wheelchairs or scooters. Ask me and I’ll help you choose the right fit.
Passports & Paperwork
Travel Documents & Entry Requirements
It is each traveler’s responsibility to carry proper documentation. Here’s what to have in order before you go.
Proof of Citizenship
A valid passport, valid at least 6 months beyond your return date, with at least two blank pages
Visas where required
Green cards or other immigration documents, as applicable
Authorization documentation when traveling with minors
Names on reservations must match your passport exactly.
REAL ID
Since May 2025, U.S. travelers need a REAL ID-compliant license or other accepted ID, such as a passport, for domestic flights and certain federal facilities.
Travel Visas
U.S. citizens generally don’t need a visa for Tauck’s European cruises, and Tauck notes that none is currently required for Antarctica or Argentina, but entry rules vary by country and can change. Verify requirements through CIBTvisas, and I’ll confirm exactly what your itinerary needs.
ETIAS (Europe)
Europe’s new travel authorization for U.S. visitors is not yet in effect, and no launch date has been announced. I’ll let you know if it applies to your trip.
UK ETA
An Electronic Travel Authorisation is required for entry to the United Kingdom.
EU Entry/Exit System
Europe’s border system now registers non-EU visitors with fingerprints and a photo, so allow a little extra time at passport control on your first entry.
Travel Advisories & Health Guidance
I strongly recommend reviewing travel advisories and health guidance before your trip so you’re fully prepared.
A few things that are helpful to know before you sail.
Flexibility on the Water
Good to Know on the Water
Whether you’re on a river or at sea, nature occasionally has its own plans. Tauck handles these moments smoothly, and a little flexibility goes a long way.
High or Low Water
On the rivers, water levels can affect docking locations, require a ship swap, or modify shore excursions.
Tethering, or “Double Docking”
In some river ports, ships may temporarily tie together side by side, and your view may be obstructed until the ships separate.
Weather & Sea Conditions
At sea, tender landings, and Zodiac and panga outings in Antarctica and the Galápagos, depend on weather, sea, and ice, and the plan can change day by day.
Sharing the Ship
On some small ship voyages, Tauck guests share the ship with other travelers. Your Tauck Director and private excursions remain exclusive to Tauck guests.
Travel Subject to Change
All travel is subject to schedule adjustments, itinerary changes, work stoppages, weather disruptions, and operational delays.
Your Travel Documents
Depending on your itinerary, documents arrive as digital files or printed packets. I’ll let you know as soon as they’re ready.
The water sets the pace. All you have to do is enjoy the view.
Your Next Step
Let’s plan your journey.
Whether you already have a destination in mind or are just beginning to dream, I’d love to help you find the Tauck journey that fits you best. I’ll compare itineraries and accommodations, apply every savings offer you qualify for, and take care of the details from your first question to your welcome home.
Prices and availability are subject to change at any time. Amenities, offers, and policies are set by Tauck and may change without notice. Photography courtesy of Tauck.
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