Review: Our Tauck River Cruise in Belgium and Holland

Carol and I just returned from a memorable Tauck river cruise sailing through Belgium and Holland, and we offer this review.

Before I get started, if you’ve yet to visit Belgium and Holland in the spring, let me encourage you to book your trip right now for 2026.

Strolling the streets of Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and Amsterdam was nothing short of magical, but the explosion of color and beauty in the Keukenhof Gardens was way beyond my expectations.

Carol in Keukenhof Gardens

Further, we enjoyed the renowned Belgian chocolates (think Godiva) and were instantly converted into Belgian beer lovers. I’ve yet to mention the waffles, fries, and even the Dutch herring.

The architecture was spectacular, and the problematic histories of both countries were complex to ponder. We found the locals to be welcoming, and English is spoken everywhere.

Lastly, what a joy it was to explore these beautiful destinations without the massive crowds that will descend upon Europe in the coming months.

In short, Carol and I both loved this itinerary and recommend it highly.

To view scores of photographs from our journey, please visit our Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn pages using the hashtag #rbtauckriver.

Let’s Talk About Tauck River Cruises

As luxury travel advisors — and as travelers ourselves — we’ve experienced many exceptional river cruises, but our time with Tauck continues to stand out in the best ways possible.

For those unfamiliar with Tauck, they’re a family-owned travel company founded in 1925, renowned for offering fully inclusive, upscale journeys with a focus on cultural immersion and seamless service. Whether you’re on land or on the water, a Tauck tour blends luxury, local expertise, and behind-the-scenes access in a way that few other operators can match.

This particular cruise — “Belgium & Holland in Spring” — was a nine-day itinerary that began in Brussels and concluded in Amsterdam. Along the way, we explored storybook towns like Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Dordrecht, and Delft, all while gliding past windmills, tulip fields, and charming canals. The timing couldn’t have been better — with the famed Keukenhof Gardens in full bloom and spring festivals dotting the route.

Life Onboard the MS Joy

The MS Joy is one of Tauck’s newer Inspiration-class ships and feels like a floating boutique hotel. With a maximum capacity of just 130 guests, there’s a strong sense of space and serenity onboard.

Our stateroom was elegant and well-appointed, featuring plush bedding, a marble bathroom with rainfall shower, and floor-to-ceiling windows that opened to the water — perfect for watching the countryside drift by with a morning coffee in hand. Suites (measuring up to 300 square feet) offer even more room to relax, with walk-in closets and spacious sitting areas.

In fact, Tauck’s MS Joy offers 22 Tauck Suites, each measuring a generous 300 square feet — and this is a major differentiator. None of Tauck’s river cruise competitors offer this many suites of this size, giving guests more space and comfort than virtually any other ship sailing European rivers.

Public areas include a beautiful Panorama Lounge, a cozy Compass Rose dining room, and an intimate alternative restaurant, Arthur’s, for lighter fare. And of course, there’s a rooftop sun deck — ideal for photos, sunsets, or simply watching the ship navigate one of the many scenic locks or bridges.

Private Tauck Showing: Girl w/ a Pearl Earring

What Sets Tauck Apart?

What makes Tauck different isn’t just the luxury — it’s the all-inclusiveness and the access. Everything from excursions to gratuities is included, which means there are no surprise charges and no “upselling.” Better still, many of the experiences are exclusive to Tauck. On this trip, we enjoyed a private gala dinner at the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague, dining beneath masterpieces like Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring — a truly once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Tauck’s tour directors are another highlight: knowledgeable, warm, and always two steps ahead of what you might need next. The logistics are flawless, and you’ll feel pampered but never fussed over — a balance that’s hard to strike and easy to appreciate.

Review Our Tauck River Cruise in Belgium and Holland 10

Carol samples her first true Belgian Waffle.

Highlights of the Itinerary

Brussels: A city of art nouveau, grand squares, and world-famous chocolate.
Bruges: Like walking into a fairy tale. We explored cobblestone streets, took in the historic guild halls, and sampled incredible Belgian beer.
Antwerp: Home to vibrant street life, cathedral art treasures, and some of Belgium’s best mussels.
Dordrecht & Kinderdijk: A morning spent among UNESCO-listed windmills, with scenic sailing along tranquil canals.
Delft & The Hague: The blend of Dutch blue ceramics and political history made this a standout.
Amsterdam: Canals, bicycles, markets, and a final visit to the jaw-dropping Keukenhof Gardens.

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The famous Grote Markt in Brussels, Belgium. Notice the lack of crowds!

Who Is This Cruise Best For?

This Tauck itinerary is ideal for:

Garden lovers and springtime travelers
Guests who appreciate art, history, and architecture
Foodies eager to experience Belgian and Dutch cuisine
First-time river cruisers looking for a worry-free experience
Seasoned cruisers ready to be surprised by Tauck’s polish and perks

Final Thoughts

Carol and I left this cruise reminded of why we continue to recommend Tauck to our luxury clients. Their attention to detail, warm hospitality, and uniquely immersive experiences make them a consistent favorite.

We highly recommend Tauck river cruises and give them our highest praise.

See More from Our Journey:
This experience was part of our recent Tauck river cruise through Belgium and Holland.
To see all of our daily highlights, reflections, and photos, visit our full cruise landing page here.

WE’VE GOT THE PERKS

HOW TO BOOK A TAUCK JOURNEY

As our clients have learned over the years, there is no financial advantage to booking directly with any travel brand. The price will be the same if you book with us or book with Tauck directly.

However, as a Tauck Certified Agency, we have complimentary perks if you book with us and are a first-time traveler with Tauck. That’s right. Book your Tauck journeys with Roaming Boomers Travel, and we will add a complimentary one-night pre or post-journey hotel stay to your booking (subject to availability).

If you have already traveled with Tauck and make a new booking with us before July 31st, and that new booking is for the following calendar year, Tauck has “The Gift of Time” (free hotel night) available to their past guests. We’ll be sure to get that added to your booking.

As I’m sure you know, the travel industry is very busy. Therefore, call us today to get the best available options. And, of course, if you have more questions, please feel free to call.

For more information or to book a fun Tauck journey, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here), and we’ll reach out to you.

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