Tauck entered the European river cruising game back in 2004 with its first river cruise vessel and has since expanded into an eight-ship operation. This year, it finished its two-year project to refurbish half of its river fleet with the relaunch of the Treasures and the Espirit, which have fewer and larger cabins and more dining options. The company has completely overhauled the look and feel of the lower-deck cabins on many of its vessels by introducing a lofted lower-deck cabin concept, effectively bringing more light and space to the traditionally smaller and darker staterooms. This year it also launched more shore excursion options.