Tauck Brings Inaugural "Cruise Control" Retreat to the Danube

WILTON, CT (December 15, 2025) – Demand for women's wellness and professional enrichment within the travel industry continues to rise, and Tauck responded this November by bringing 120 guests on its first ever Cruise Control: A Riverboat Retreat for Women in Travel along the Danube.

Supported by sponsors Silversea, United Airlines, and Approach Guides, the departure represented a new Tauck platform designed to foster both personal well-being and professional development for women in the travel industry. Embarking from Budapest on November 4th aboard the ms Savor, the seven-day journey offered an immersive exploration of leadership, connection, and empowerment. Guests engaged in a series of discussions including a roundtable panel with Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh, psychotherapist and All Is Calmish author Niro Feliciano, and superyacht captain Sandy Yawn from Bravo's "Below Deck," alongside additional leadership and women's wellness programming led by personal branding coach Hannah Power, midlife and menopause specialist Jackie Giannelli (FNP-BC, MSCP), AI expert Jennifer Raezer, and McCabe World Travel founder Damian McCabe.

"There was something about being on the Danube that made this wellness event different from any I've done before—breathtaking moments of awe and wonder paired with authentic, connected conversations and many 'aha' moments," said author Niro Feliciano. "Each of us left a little wiser and more joyful—all in all, a truly magical experience."

Throughout the sailing, guests experienced the Danube in ways that connected the retreat's programming with the region. Each morning began with optional yoga sessions, reflecting the journey's emphasis on well-being, while guided market exploration in Budapest, a tasting tour in Dürnstein's famed wine region, and a chef-led stroll through Bratislava echoed the culturally rich experiences featured on Tauck's Essence of the Danube itinerary. Guests were also treated to a special early visit to Vienna's holiday markets and to an "Open House" aboard ms Savor, where they toured a selection of staterooms and suites to better understand the ship's layout and amenities. A Tauck-exclusive Imperial Evening at Palais Pallavicini in Vienna, featuring dinner and musical entertainment, marked a culminating highlight of the cruise.

CHARTING 2026 AND BEYOND
Given the exceptional response to the inaugural retreat, Tauck confirmed it will continue exploring ways to expand women's personal enrichment and special programming based on the energy and interest generated onboard. Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh, who also presented during the retreat, emphasized the importance of creating space for meaningful dialogue and belonging within the travel industry:

"Cruise Control brought together an extraordinary group of women and allies who enrich our industry every day. The depth and caliber of the program sparked the kind of honest, energizing conversations that create true connection, something our industry clearly craves and deeply appreciates. The response was immediate; advisors shared that they felt more confident in their businesses and are already booking new clients. We're grateful to our guests, partners, and sponsors for making this special journey so memorable." 

About Tauck
Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, Tauck has been family owned for four generations. The company is a world leader in upscale guided travel, with more than 170 land itineraries, safaris, river cruises, small ship ocean cruises, and family travel adventures across 70+ countries and all seven continents. Tauck was named "Best Tour Operator" in Virtuoso's 2025 Global Awards, and in each of the last 28 years, has been honored in Travel + Leisure magazine's annual "World's Best Awards," and has been named to the Best River Cruise Lines list by Condé Nast Traveler for 13 consecutive years, most recently in the 2025 Readers' Choice Awards. 

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PLEASE NOTE: Supporting images are available for download here.