River cruising often conjures images of quiet mornings, clinking wine glasses, and retired couples taking in castle views. But for Heidi Rosenstrouch and her family, Tauck’s Rhine River itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam proved that luxury and family-friendly can go hand in hand.

In this heartwarming episode, host Dr. Krystal Sodaitis chats with longtime friend Heidi about why Tauck’s all-inclusive, detail-driven style turned out to be the perfect reset after the stress of the pandemic. From personalized service (yes, someone hunted down a Rummikub set mid-cruise!) to  friendships forged on deck, Heidi reflects on how Tauck made luxury feel personal—not performative.

Whether you’re curious about river cruising with teens or wondering if smaller ships can still wow, Heidi’s story offers something rare: luxury that feels like home.

 

About the Guest

Heidi Rosenstock lives in Houston, Texas, and is a self-proclaimed “non-cruiser”—except when it comes to thoughtfully crafted experiences like her family’s Tauck river cruise aboard the MS Grace. She and her husband took their two high schoolers on a summer trip through the Rhine, and the result was a mix of laughter, comfort, and adventure.

About the Host

Dr. Krystal Sodaitis is a pediatrician, executive, and life coach for neurodiverse physicians—and the passionate host behind Luxury Cruising. She brings expert insight and honest excitement to every interview, helping curious travelers elevate their adventures at sea.

📍 Website: luxurycruising.net
📧 Email: [email protected] 
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/krystalsodaitis

👥 Want to be a guest? Fill out this form to connect. 

 

Key Takeaways

1. Tauck Makes It Easy – No hidden fees, no tipping stress, and no overthinking—just seamless, high-touch luxury.
2. River Cruising with Teens? Totally Doable – With the right itinerary, high schoolers can enjoy hiking, biking, and bonding, too.
3. It’s the Little Things – From refillable sparkling water bottles to beds that face castle views, the details really matter.
4. The Crew That Listens – When Heidi’s group wanted to play Rummikub, staff sourced the game overnight. That’s next-level care.
5. Service is the Real Luxury – Whether arranging alternate transport for mobility issues or customizing excursions, Tauck’s team went above and beyond.
6. Family + Friends = Magic – Heidi’s family bonded not only with their travel companions, but with unexpected fellow teen travelers, making evenings unforgettable.
7. Intimate Feels Intentional – With fewer than 100 people on board, the ship felt like a floating boutique hotel, not a megacruiser.
8. Luxury = Anticipation – Heidi defines luxury as knowing what you need before you ask. Tauck nailed it.