Tauck River & Small Ship Cruising is delivering unique experiences

This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2018 issue of International Cruise Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.

With more than 90 years’ experience in meeting the evolving expectations of river cruise passengers, Tauck River Small Ship Cruising is finely tuned to the latest market trends. 

Katharine Bonner, senior vice president of Tauck, notes that word of mouth, combined with passengers’ desire for more intimate travel experiences, is fuelling the industry’s growth. “Many more people have experienced a river cruise now, and almost everyone loves it and tells their family and friends,” she says. “In general, we find passengers wanting an experience within a smaller group, as it leads to greater ease of travel and helps them get to know their fellow traveller better, as well as helping to deliver an authentic experience in the destination. You now see the influence river cruising has had on the ocean cruise market – suddenly you hear about many small ships being built, when the trend had been bigger and bigger still. Clearly there’s room for both.”

Making sure the infrastructure keeps pace with market growth is a key challenge, but Bonner observes that the industry is pulling together to achieve it. “I was delighted to learn there will be a new docking location in Lyon, France, as well as an extension on the Andelys dock on the Seine,” she says. “In other cases, individual

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