Tauck Cruises: Luxury Small Ship Cruises | Great Lakes Cruises

For nearly a century, Tauck Cruises has been a leader in premium travel experiences, offering meticulously curated journeys that blend luxury, exclusivity, and in-depth exploration. Partnering with Ponant cruises on the Great Lakes and Silversea cruises for its New England and Eastern Canada tours, Tauck provides small luxury cruises through the Great Lakes and beyond, delivering seamless, all-inclusive voyages that redefine adventure on the water.

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Explore Tauck Great Lakes Cruises for 2025 & 2026

​Tauck Great Lakes Cruises offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, all aboard sophisticated small luxury cruise lines designed for comfort and intimate exploration.

One of Tauck's greatest features, compared to other cruise lines, is its inclusion of shore excursions in the ticket price. With experience as one of the world's most renowned tour operators, these excursions go beyond the ordinary -- diving deep into the Great Lakes most incredible destinations and wonders.

For those wishing to explore beyond the Great Lakes, Tauck also offers Eastern Canada and New England Cruises. These voyages travel along the St. Lawrence Seaway, the expanse that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, and to New England's most magnificent remote and urban locations.

Find Tauck Tours' Great Lakes and Eastern Canada to New England cruises below.

2025 & 2026 Great Lakes Cruise | Ponant's Le Bellot

Route: Chicago to Toronto Cruises
Duration: 9-night cruise with 2-night pre/post hotel stays
Key Stops:

• Chicago, IL
• Milwaukee, WI Cruises
• Muskegon, MI
• Mackinac Island, MI
• Cleveland, OH
• Detroit, MI
• Dearborn, MI
• Niagara Falls, ON & the Welland Canal
• Toronto, ON Cruises

Map of Tauck® Tours' Great Lakes Cruise

2025 & 2026 Eastern Canada & New England Cruise | Silversea's Silver Shadow

Route: New York to Quebec City, Quebec 
Duration: 10-night cruise with 2-night pre/post hotel stays
Key Stops:

• New York City, NY 
• Quebec City, QC
• Boston, MA
• Halifax, NS
• Charlotte Town, PEI
• Newport, RI

Map of Tauck® Tours' Eastern Canada & New England Cruise

Tauck Cruise Line & Ponant: A Seamless Partnership

Tauck Cruise Line charters Ponant Cruises on the Great Lakes for select weeks each year, ensuring guests receive top-tier service, all-inclusive experiences, and exclusive, in-depth land tours at each port. Ponant’s Explorer Series yachts, including Le Champlain and Le Bellot, offer an eco-conscious, luxurious sailing experience, while Tauck’s expert guides provide rich cultural and historical insights, ensuring a truly immersive travel experience.

The Luxury of Ponant with the Exclusivity of Tauck

Tauck’s collaboration with Ponant Cruises offers guests an intimate small-ship luxury experience with a strong focus on elegance, cultural immersion, and personalized service. Sailing the Great Lakes aboard Ponant’s state-of-the-art yachts, travelers enjoy: Eco-friendly, yacht-style cruising, Limited passenger capacity leading to an uncrowded experience, 
Expertly guided shore excursions, and Michelin-inspired dining. 
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From scenic coastlines to historic landmarks, Tauck & Ponant redefine luxury small-ship cruising with a seamless blend of comfort and discovery.

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What the Cruise Includes

• All gratuities covered for Tauck Directors, ship staff, and local guides.
• Exclusive Tauck shore excursions and distinctive inclusions, valued at $4,893.
• Two-night hotel stays in both Chicago and Toronto, with a choice of:
  • Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park & Fairmont Royal York.
  • Four Seasons Hotel Chicago & Four Seasons Hotel Toronto (additional cost for Four Seasons option).
• Seven-night voyage aboard a Ponant ship, cruising Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, and Michigan.
• Architectural cruise in Chicago, with a choice of
  • Chicago Art Institute visit or Millennium Park Walking Tour.
• Private off-road adventure at the Lake Michigan dunes.
• On Mackinac Island, a choice of:
  • Horse-drawn carriage tour or bicycle tour.
  • Lunch at the Grand Hotel.
• In Detroit, a choice of
  • City landmarks tour, including the Motown Museum.
  • Tour of The Henry Ford & Greenfield Village in Dearborn.
• In Toronto, a choice of:
  • Royal Ontario Museum or Ontario Art Gallery
• Private boat excursion to Niagara Falls.
• Airport transfers included upon arrival and departure.
• Aboard ship, all non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages included throughout the day.
• 28 gourmet meals served on land and sea.
• All service charges, fuel surcharges, taxes, and porterage included.

Tauck & Silversea: The Height of Luxury Cruising

Tauck’s collaboration with Silversea Cruises delivers a world-class small-ship luxury experience, combining the exclusivity of intimate cruising with Tauck’s signature guided explorations. Sailing through New England and Eastern Canada, Silversea’s Silver Shadow provides all-suite accommodations, personalized butler service, and all-inclusive amenities, ensuring a sophisticated and stress-free journey.
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Silversea’s intimate ships allow access to smaller, less-traveled ports, offering a more exclusive exploration of historic cities, scenic coastlines, and cultural landmarks. Guests enjoy expert-led shore excursions, immersive cultural experiences, and world-class gourmet dining, curated to provide an enriching and luxurious adventure.

What the Cruise Includes

• All gratuities included for Tauck Directors, ship staff, local guides, and drivers.
• Exclusive Tauck shore excursions and distinctive inclusions, valued at $4,242.
• A 10-night voyage aboard the luxurious Silver Shadow, featuring all-suite accommodations with ocean views.
• Two-night pre/post stays in New York City and Quebec City, including:
  • One night in New York City, featuring guided city sightseeing.
  • One night in Quebec City, including a visit to Montmorency Falls, a breathtaking natural wonder.
• Curated shore excursions led by Tauck Directors and local experts, featuring:
  • A scenic drive along Newport’s Ocean Drive, with a choice of:
    • Touring The Breakers, the Vanderbilt mansion.
    • Visiting Green Animals Topiary Garden, home to 80 stunning “bush” sculptures.
  • Guided historical tours of Boston, Halifax, Charlottetown, and Quebec City.
• Onboard enrichment, with Tauck Directors providing expert commentary and insights along the journey.
• Aboard Silver Shadow, all-inclusive luxury, featuring:
  • Select wines, premium spirits, and soft drinks served throughout the day.
  • Gourmet, regionally inspired cuisine crafted by world-class chefs.
  • Personalized butler service in every suite.
• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
• 34 gourmet meals (12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 12 dinners) served on land and sea.
• All cruise fare, port charges, fuel surcharges, taxes, and porterage included.

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The Small Luxury Cruises Advantage

​Tauck’s small ship cruises offer a uniquely intimate and enriching alternative to larger cruise lines, ensuring an elevated travel experience with personalized service, exclusive excursions, and luxurious accommodations.

Personalized Service

• Fewer Passengers on Board allowing for the staff to focus on guests and to personalize the hospitality
• They are able to offer tailored customer experience
• The atmosphere is more intimate and refined

Exclusive Shore Excursions

• Excursions are included with your trip
• Since there are no large crowds to worry about, they are able to provide authentic immersive experience
• Expert-led unique tours ran by Taulk

Luxurious Accommodations​

• Luxury designed staterooms and suites, many which include private balconies so you of not miss any of the beauty
• High-end Amenities 
• Elegantly designed on board spaces like the Spa

Seamless Embarkation & Disembarkation

• You get avoid the long lines and crowded Terminals and enjoy a quick and easy onboarding process
• Exclusive Docking at ports that may be smaller and less-traveled allowing for more access to remote destinations 

Culinary Excellence & World-Class Dining

• Menus Crafted by Renowned Chefs
• They feature cultural inspired meals made with fresh ingredients
• They offer Open-Seat Dining and Casual Dining so guests can eat at their chosen time
• Fine Wines, Spirits, and Artisanal Cocktails are Provided 

Enriching Onboard Experiences

• Hands on activities are provided such as cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and art workshops.
• Plenty of entertainment will be featured on board weather you like live music or theater performances they will have something for everyone
• Lecture and Cultural Presentations will be led so you can get a better understanding of the places you are visiting and fully immerse yourself in the experience 

Cruise the Great Lakes in Ultimate Comfort

​With luxury Great Lakes cruises, passengers enjoy exceptional service, fine dining, and unforgettable itineraries. Scenic luxury cruises and tours through the Great Lakes offer unparalleled beauty and discovery at every turn.

​Book your Tauck Cruises 2025 & 2026 itinerary today and experience the best in small luxury cruises.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is included in a Tauck Cruise?

Tauck Cruises are all-inclusive and covers your accommodations, meals, excursions, entertainment, select beverages, and the gratuities.

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How many passengers are on a Tauck small luxury cruise?

Tauck’s small ship cruises typically accommodate between 184 to 264 passengers

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Are Tauck Cruises suitable for families?

Yes! Tauck offers family friendly itineraries!​

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What makes Tauck Cruises stand out?

They focus on small Luxury Ships so they can offer an incomparable exclusive experience. They are able to give guests a personalized experience unlike larger cruises.

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How do I book a Tauck Cruise for 2025 or 2026?

Thats what we are here for! We will help you find the best Tauck Cruise for you within the date ranges that you want. Click below to reach out to one of our experts so they can get you the best price on your Tauck Cruise today.

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Last updated 3/19/25 RC