I don’t want to give too much away at the start, but my Tauck river cruise completely blew me away. This was my first time sailing with them, and despite not knowing what to expect – it turned out to be an amazing trip.
We sailed on the MS Grace and stayed in a Category 3 loft cabin. It was split over two levels with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in loads of natural light. It also had a bit more space than a standard cabin, which made a real difference over the week.
One of the big plus points with Tauck is that everything is included. We could order top-shelf drinks like Grey Goose, premium whiskies and even my favourite champagne Veuve Clicquot whenever we fancied, and all the excursions were part of the package too.
Brussels
The weather was on our side for the whole trip, and it really set the tone from day one. Our first excursion was a walking tour of Brussels, taking in the beautiful architecture and, of course, sampling some Belgian beer. One of the highlights was the Atomium, an incredible structure made of nine giant stainless steel spheres representing iron atoms in a cubic cell. We also spotted some quirky Chinese-style architecture that felt completely unexpected.
Antwerp
In Antwerp, we decided to skip the group walking tour and do our own exploring. We took a sightseeing train through the Jewish Quarter and Diamond District, which was a fun way to see parts of the city we might not have found on foot. The whole place had a great energy, and I could imagine it being even livelier at night or on weekends. We stopped for a classic Belgian lunch of mussels and fries with a cold beer – simple but so good.
Ghent
This day we could choose between Bruges and Ghent. Having been to both before, we picked Ghent to avoid the big crowds, and it was definitely the right move. Even though it was busy, it felt more open and relaxed. We wandered the shops, enjoyed lunch, and visited some historical sights. A guided museum tour followed by a boat ride into the city centre was a lovely way to see more of it from the water.
Gorinchem & Countryside Bike Tour
I joined a countryside bike tour in Gorinchem on what turned out to be one of the hottest days of the trip. The heat didn’t put me off though – we cycled over bridges, through parks, and past fields of horses and tall sunflowers. Afterwards, a short ferry ride brought us right back to the ship’s doorstep.
Slot Loevestein Castle
One evening we took a scenic water taxi to a stunning 14th-century castle. The history was just as fascinating as the building itself, especially the story of Hugo de Groot, who escaped imprisonment here hidden inside a book chest thanks to his wife. We had dinner in a marquee with a live harpist playing in the background, then simply strolled back to the ship, which was docked right outside.
Rotterdam
We reached Rotterdam in the evening and stayed on board that night. The next day, we joined a city and “Beer-and-Boat” tour with Willem, our local guide. His enthusiasm and knowledge made the day. We visited three bars by water taxi and heard great stories about Rotterdam’s history. I was really taken by the city’s mix of modern skyscrapers and canals, and it was fun to see the old Holland America headquarters, now a hotel.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam was our last stop, and it’s a place I can never tire of visiting. I’ve been many times, but each trip I discover something new. This time we took a canal cruise from the Rijksmuseum area, which was a fantastic way to see more of the city. We skipped the walking tour and just enjoyed the warm weather, stopping for beers and taking our time exploring.
Life On Board
Life on the MS Grace was a brilliant mix of elegance, entertainment, and good food. Evenings brought a variety of shows – from a classical accordion and violin duo playing European favourites, to the Diamond Baritones performing Queen, ABBA, and other rock hits in a classical style. The crew put on their own entertainment night too, complete with an energetic Riverdance routine that got everyone clapping along.
One of my favourite nights was the 1920s-themed party for Tauck’s 100th birthday. Guests dressed up with headbands and feather boas, there were fun props for photos, a towering cake, and plenty of ice cream. The food was excellent throughout the trip, but the standout had to be the champagne and oysters followed by a five-course gourmet dinner. It was pure indulgence.
Final Thoughts
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure if Tauck would be my style. I thought it might feel a bit formal or attract an older crowd, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Everyone – staff and guests – was warm and friendly, and the whole atmosphere on board was relaxed but still really special. Yes, it might seem pricier than some river cruises at face value, but with everything included and the level of quality, I think it’s great value. I’d happily book another Tauck cruise in a heartbeat.
If you’re tempted to try it for yourself, give me a call on 01252 940745 and I can help you plan an unforgettable river cruise holiday.