Meet Angela Kibsey, a seasoned Tier One Travel Consultant with over 28 years of experience in the travel industry. Angela’s passion for travel and her dedication to crafting personalized vacation experiences have made her a trusted advisor for countless clients. Recently, Angela embarked on a remarkable journey with Tauck River Cruises, exploring the hidden waterways of Flanders and Holland and beautiful destinations aboard the MS Inspire. Join us as Angela shares her insights and experiences from this unforgettable 7-day cruise from Brussels to Amsterdam, offered by the esteemed Tauck River Cruises.

About Tauck

Traveling with Tauck offers a unique and unparalleled experience in the world of river cruising. With almost 100 years of expertise in crafting exceptional journeys, Tauck is renowned for its all-inclusive packages that ensure a seamless and stress-free adventure. From meticulously planned itineraries to top-notch service, Tauck’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect of their luxury river cruises.

What sets Tauck apart is its commitment to providing immersive, authentic experiences showcasing local culture. Guests can expect exclusive access to iconic landmarks, private tours, and local experts who bring destinations to life with their in-depth knowledge. Tauck’s dedication to quality extends to their onboard experience as well, where guests enjoy luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and personalized service. With all gratuities, transfers, and even alcoholic beverages included, travelers can truly relax and savor every moment of their journey. Choosing Tauck means opting for a hassle-free, enriching, and memorable travel experience.

The MS Inspire

The MS Inspire is one of the gems in Tauck’s fleet of river cruise ships, epitomizing luxury and comfort on the water. This intimate ship accommodates just 130 guests, providing an exclusive and personalized cruising experience. With a high staff-to-guest ratio, every passenger receives great service, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing voyage.

This intimate, small ship provided a unique way to explore charming villages and delve into local history, often venturing off the beaten path. Tauck’s fleet of complimentary bicycles offers a great way to discover these hidden gems up close. The world-class cuisine on board ensured a delightful culinary experience. It’s easy to see why Tauck is a good reason to choose a river cruise for your next vacation.

Q&A with Angela about her Tauck River Cruise

Q: When was your trip and what was the itinerary?

Angela: The trip was called “Hidden Waterways of Flanders and Holland,” and it took place from June 19th to 26th, 2024. We traveled from Brussels to Amsterdam over 7 days.

Q: Why did you choose Tauck River Cruises for your journey?

Angela: It was offered to me as a travel consultant, and since Tauck is an Ensemble Preferred supplier (Tier One Travel’s consortium), I jumped at the opportunity!

Q: What did you like the most on the MS Inspire?

Angela: I loved how easy it was to get around the ship. With only 130 people on board, it was simple to move from one area to another.

Q: How were the accommodations on the MS Inspire?

Angela: We stayed in a Category 7 suite, which was very spacious and had a walk-in closet. The French balcony provided extra space in the cabin, and the floor-to-ceiling windows were stunning. The bathroom was a great size, and we had no issues with both of us using it at the same time.

Q: What amenities stood out to you the most during your cruise?

Angela: Everything is included! All drinks, all the time! There’s no bill when you get off the ship unless you had a massage or went shopping in the cruise boutique.

Q: How did you spend your days onboard the cruise?

Angela: We were at a port every single day, so there wasn’t much downtime. When we did have a couple of hours, we enjoyed sitting on the rooftop with a beautiful glass of wine or an ice-cold beer.

Q: Did you make any new friends or connections on the cruise?

Angela: Yes, we made many new friends and connections. We traveled with five other travel agents and their plus-ones, as well as Joe Scardigno, the national account manager for Tauck.

Q: What was your favorite meal or dining experience on the cruise?

Angela: This is a tough one as the food was absolutely amazing! The Captain’s dinner was especially good, with Surf and Turf delivered by silver platter and white glove service. Quite the presentation! The MS Inspire also had a casual dining restaurant called Arthur’s, where I had the best Mac and Cheese I’ve ever had.

Q: What was your favorite local cuisine that you tried?

Angela: The cheese, OMG the cheese! We visited a local cheese farm and I tried about 20 different types of cheese. We even brought some home with us!

Q: What was the most memorable excursion or activity on the trip?

Angela: There were so many highlights! One of my favorite days included beer tasting in Antwerp. Despite the pouring rain and umbrellas in hand, we visited three local pubs and tried some of the most popular beers in Belgium. Did you know there are over 1,000 different types of beer in Belgium? I also loved the Cheese Farm excursion. We were bussed from Amsterdam to Volendam and then biked over 20 kms to a local cheese farm. Upon arrival, we saw how the cheese is made and how the cows were treated, followed by sampling and purchasing the cheese.

Q: Did you have a favorite city or location you visited, and why?

Angela: I really liked Ghent and Bruges in Belgium. They look like Disneyland with medieval castles and buildings everywhere. Lots of outdoor cafes and pubs, and they’re charming and less busy than Brussels and Amsterdam. The people were very friendly too! The chocolate, beer, and fries are amazing in Belgium. I didn’t know much about Belgium prior to going, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

Q: What was your favorite part of the trip?

Angela: All of it! Traveling with Tauck is seamless. They take care of EVERYTHING! It’s an all-inclusive river cruise, and even the gratuities and all alcohol are included all the time. Transfers to and from the airport are also included. Tauck is quite casual, so no need for a suit and tie, although people do dress up a bit for dinner (no jeans or shorts, though).

Q: How did this trip compare to other cruises you’ve been on?

Angela: It can’t compare.

Q: Why do you recommend Tauck River Cruises to others?

Angela: As I mentioned earlier, it is truly an all-inclusive experience. We had no bill to pay at the end of the cruise, and you can’t say that about the other river cruise companies (with the exception of Scenic).

Q: Do you have any tips for future travelers considering a Tauck River Cruise?

Angela: Just do it! It is worth it. They do cost more upfront, but that’s because they include everything. The service onboard the ship is like no other. The attention to detail is incredible, and the staff even took the time to learn our names. Now that is above and beyond.

Angela’s journey with Tauck River Cruises was filled with unforgettable experiences, delightful connections, and a seamless travel experience that she highly recommends. If you’re dreaming of luxury European river cruises, Tauck offers an exceptional all-inclusive experience that is sure to surpass your expectations. For more information or to plan your next adventure, feel free to reach out to Angela.

READY TO SAIL EUROPE’S MOST POPULAR RIVERS?

When you’re ready to book your next cruise, contact one of our Tier One Travel consultants. They will find the perfect place for your next vacation and will craft something incredible that is suited to your unique needs and will make sure your travel plans will be as stress-free as possible.

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