Tauck river cruises attract upscale, well-traveled professionals in the 55-and-older age range, with most people coming from English-speaking countries (and the United States in particular). Many passengers have been on Tauck land trips already. Select "Tauck Bridges" sailings are also ideal for multigenerational family groups, with family-specific activities provided onboard and during shore excursions.

The daily dress code on a Tauck river cruise is casual and comfortable, but at night the vibe is somewhat dressier with men typically donning slacks and button-down or collared shirts and women in slacks or skirts and blouses.

On a one-week cruise, Tauck holds one gala night (more on longer cruises) for which passengers are requested (but not required) to dress up. Most do dress up, with men wearing jackets (though not necessarily ties) and women putting on dresses or adding dressier tops. The event is often held off the ship, at a palace or castle.

T-shirts, jeans, flip-flops and sneakers are not permitted in main dining room in the evening, though these are allowed in the ships' alternative restaurant.

Cruises with Tauck are all-inclusive affairs, with almost everything included in the cost of the fare. Included are all meals, shore excursions, all drinks (including unlimited beer, wine and spirits), transfers, crew gratuities, Wi-Fi, onboard lectures and entertainment and, occasionally, pre- or post-cruise hotel stays.

You'll pay extra for spa treatments, laundry and any items from the small onboard gift shops.

A river cruise with Tauck is all about the destinations visited and so the excursions are the most popular activities by far. In most cities, passengers have a choice of sightseeing options that range from walking tours to tastings to museum visits. Onboard lectures also typically draw a crowd, as does any destination-specific entertainment (local dance or folk music troupes, as an example).

Best for: Luxury travelers who like tour-focused travel where everything is taken care of for you

Not for: Independent travelers who like to do their own arrangements and exploration