Age Policy
Tauck is generally welcoming to families, but they have specific age requirements depending on the type of itinerary you choose. Their policy is designed to ensure that the activities and environment are suitable for the guests on board.
Minimum Age Requirements
- Standard River Cruises: The minimum age is 8 years old. While children are allowed, keep in mind that standard departures are designed with adults in mind, and there are no specific kids’ clubs or youth programs on these sailings.
- Tauck Bridges (Family) River Cruises: The minimum age is 4 years old. These specific itineraries are tailor-made for families and multi-generational groups, featuring Family Hosts, kid-friendly shore excursions (like scavenger hunts or pizza-making), and onboard activities.
- Recommended Age: For most of their family-focused Bridges trips, Tauck suggests a recommended age of 8 to 88+ to ensure children have the stamina and interest for the daily excursions.
Key Policy Details
- Supervision: All children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must share a cabin with an adult.
- Pricing: Children (under 18) are often eligible for a reduction in the cruise fare on certain itineraries, though they still count toward cabin occupancy limits.
- Triples/Quad Occupancy: Riverboat cabins are notoriously compact. While some ships have limited cabins that can accommodate a third guest (usually via a sofa bed), they are rare and book up very quickly.
Dining Information
Dining on a Tauck river cruise is highly flexible and fully all-inclusive. Unlike large ocean liners, there are no assigned seating times or extra-fee specialty restaurants.
Onboard Dining Venues
Most Tauck riverboats (like the MS Grace or MS Savor) feature two primary dining areas:
- The Compass Rose (Main Restaurant):
- Atmosphere: Fine dining but relaxed; panoramic views of the river.
- Service: Open seating for all meals. You can dine whenever you like during opening hours and sit with whomever you choose.
- Menu: Features a mix of international cuisine and regional specialties tied to the local port (e.g., Schnitzel in Germany or Coq au Vin in France).
- Breakfast & Lunch: Often features a high-end buffet with a live cooking station for eggs or pasta, alongside an à la carte menu.
- Arthur’s (Casual Alternative):
- Atmosphere: Named after Chairman Arthur Tauck Jr., this is a more casual, bistro-style venue located at the aft (back) of the ship.
- Menu: Serves lighter breakfasts, and for lunch/dinner, it offers classic comfort foods like steaks, burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
- Al Fresco: Weather permitting, Arthur’s often has glass doors that open for outdoor dining on the deck.
What’s Included?
- All Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are included in your fare.
- Unlimited Beverages: House wine, beer, premium spirits, specialty coffees, soft drinks, and bottled water are complimentary all day, every day—not just during meals.
- Off-Ship Dining: Many itineraries include dine-around evenings or lunch at local gourmet restaurants, historic castles, or private vineyards. These are also fully included.
Special Dietary Requirements
Tauck is generally excellent at handling dietary needs, though they do not have a separate Kosher kitchen.
- Notification: You should notify Tauck of any allergies or restrictions (gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, low-sodium) at the time of booking.
- Onboard Process: On the first day, you’ll typically meet with the Maitre d’ or the Executive Chef to discuss your specific needs. They are very proactive and will often preview the next day’s menu with you to make adjustments.
Family Dining (Tauck Bridges)
If you are on a Bridges family cruise, the dining experience shifts slightly to be more kid-friendly:
- Kid-Approved Menus: You’ll find more familiar options (pizza, pasta, burgers) alongside the gourmet fare.
- Interactive Meals: These cruises often feature special events like pizza-making classes, chocolate tastings, or mocktail hours for the younger guests.
Fuel Surcharge Policy
The General Policy
Historically, Tauck’s stance is that once you have paid for your trip, the price is locked in. While many cruise lines include fine print that allows them to add a fuel supplement if oil prices cross a certain threshold (often $65–$70 per barrel), Tauck generally avoids this.
- Absorbing Costs: Tauck typically absorbs fluctuations in fuel and currency exchange rates rather than passing them on to guests who have already booked.
- The Price Guarantee: Their terms usually state that Any added expense will be covered by Tauck. This means that even if fuel costs spike between your booking date and your sailing date, your invoice should not change.
The Rare Exception
While Tauck hasn’t imposed a fuel surcharge in nearly a century, their official Cruise Ticket Contract (the legal fine print) does technically reserve the right to do so in extreme global economic circumstances.
Payments / Refunds
Deposits & Payments
European river cruises require a deposit of $900.00 USD per person at the time of booking. Final payment is due exactly 120 days prior to departure, and credit cards are automatically charged (swept) on that day unless opted out. Inside 120 days, full payment is required immediately. Reservations not paid in full by the 120-day milestone are subject to automatic cancellation without notice. A 10-day cooling-off period from booking allows a 100% cash refund. Cancellation penalties vary significantly depending on whether the guest purchased travel protection.
Cancellation & Refunds
Cancellation policies differ strictly based on travel protection coverage.
120 Days or More Prior to Departure
- Without Travel Protection: Loss of the standard $900 deposit.
- With Travel Protection: Loss of the Protection Plan fee only; deposit refunded.
119–60 Days Prior to Departure
- Without Travel Protection: 50% of the total cruise cost.
- With Travel Protection: 25% of the total cruise cost plus the Protection Plan fee.
59–1 Day Prior to Departure / No-Show
- Without Travel Protection: 100% of the total cruise cost; no refund.
- With Travel Protection: 50% of the total cruise cost plus the Protection Plan fee.
Smoking Policy
Tauck maintains a very strict smoking policy to ensure the comfort of all guests. Because riverboats are smaller and more enclosed than ocean liners, the rules are rigorous.
Where Smoking is Prohibited
Smoking (including e-cigarettes and vaping) is strictly forbidden in the following areas:
- All Cabins & Suites: This is non-negotiable.
- Cabin Balconies: Unlike some very rare ocean lines, Tauck does not allow smoking on private balconies due to both fire hazards and the proximity of neighboring guests.
- Interior Public Spaces: This includes the Compass Rose restaurant, Arthur’s, the Panorama Lounge, the fitness center, and all hallways.
- Motorcoaches: Smoking is not permitted on the buses used for shore excursions.
Designated Smoking Areas
There is generally only one area where smoking is permitted:
- The Sun Deck (Outdoor): On most Tauck riverboats, smoking is allowed only in a specifically designated area on the Sun Deck, typically at the aft (rear) of the ship, downwind from other guests.
Note on Port Regulations: In certain ports or while the ship is refueling, smoking may be temporarily prohibited even in the designated outdoor area to comply with local safety laws.
Cleaning Fees
If a guest violates the non-smoking policy in a cabin, Tauck reserves the right to charge a significant deep-cleaning fee (often several hundred dollars) and, in extreme cases, may ask the guest to disembark without a refund if the behavior persists.
Electronic Cigarettes & Vaping
Tauck treats e-cigarettes, vapes, and heat-not-burn devices exactly like traditional tobacco. They are only permitted in the designated outdoor smoking section on the Sun Deck.
Travel Protection
Tauck offers the optional Cruise and Event Protection Plan (typically $799, flat fee, age-neutral, no pre-existing exclusions). This plan includes a Cancellation Fee Waiver provided directly by Tauck, which delivers a money-back cash refund to the original payment method under their Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) promise (rather than Future Cruise Credits). Insurance benefits—including trip interruption, emergency medical, baggage, and medical evacuation—are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, with 24/7 support by Carefree Travel Assistance. The plan must be purchased within 10 calendar days of placing the initial deposit.
Tipping Policy
Tauck operates on a strict, 100% all-inclusive crew tipping policy. All gratuities onboard and ashore are fully integrated into the cruise ticket price. No daily automatic gratuity charges are added to accounts; the daily tip is exactly $0. This policy covers all onboard riverboat crew (housekeeping, dining, bar, cabin attendants), Cruise and Tauck Directors (usually 3 to 4 per cruise), local onshore guides, regional motorcoach/transfer drivers, and hotel staff (porterage, bellmen, dining servers during pre/post-cruise hotel stays). This ensures a completely hassle-free vacation experience.
Dress Code
Daytime is casual. Evening attire aboard the riverboat is resort casual. Men are encouraged to wear slacks and collared shirts, while women wear slacks, a dress, or a skirt and blouse. Guests are requested to refrain from wearing shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops, or sneakers in the evening.
Formal Nights
- There are no traditional formal nights. However, on cruises with special off-ship events (such as a dinner in a palace or chateau) or the Welcome/Farewell receptions, a sport coat for gentlemen and a dress or pantsuit for ladies are highly suggested.
Excursions
- Daily shore excursions are fully included in your cruise fare, such as hosted city walking tours with a certified local guide and narrated city orientation drives.
- Optional specialty excursions are available to book in advance (recommended) or while on your cruise.
Why Tauck?
- Over 95 years of guided travel expertise
- Expert Tauck Directors and local guides
- Thoughtfully curated itineraries with exclusive access
- Excellent value with many inclusions
- Premium accommodations and transportation
- Seamless, stress-free travel planning
- Small group sizes for a more personal experience
- Family-friendly Tauck Bridges journeys
- Strong reputation for guest satisfaction
- Global destinations across all continents
FAQ
What types of travel does Tauck offer?
Tauck offers guided land tours, European river cruises, small ship ocean cruises, and expedition-style journeys worldwide.
Are Tauck trips all-inclusive?
Tauck journeys include many meals, excursions, gratuities, and transportation, offering strong overall value.
Does Tauck offer family travel?
Yes, Tauck Bridges itineraries are designed specifically for families with children and teens.
Are shore excursions included?
Yes, guided sightseeing and excursions are typically included as part of the Tauck experience.
What is the group size on Tauck tours?
Tauck emphasizes smaller group sizes to provide a more personalized and immersive experience.
Is Tauck suitable for first-time travelers?
Yes, Tauck is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a well-organized, expertly guided experience.
Are gratuities included?
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and onboard staff are generally included in the fare.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, Tauck can accommodate many dietary needs with advance notice.
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