MS Esprit
Newly redesigned for a more intimate cruising experience, ms Esprit offers a seamless combination of luxury and comfort as you glide along the Danube and Rhine Rivers... enjoy views of fairy-tale castles that line the riverbanks from the Sun Deck... gaze at picture-book villages while you dine at Compass Rose, or simply enjoy the camaraderie of fellow passengers in the lounge before heading out, ready for the adventures that lie ahead...
One of the 361-foot (110-meter) riverboats in Tauck's Destination Fleet, this newly redesigned riverboat debuts in 2017 with a new deck plan optimised for the utmost in spaciousness – with 70% of her cabins measuring 225 square feet or larger – and accommodating no more than 98 guests, while similar-sized riverboats average about 160. Guest amenities inside her 14 lush 300-square-foot Tauck Suites include brocade upholstery, roomy walk-in closets with built-in drawers, spacious bathrooms with separate showers, and two French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to idyllic riverscapes. She also sports twenty roomy 225-square-foot cabins, four 183-square-foot cabins and one 182 square-foot cabin, similarly furnished. Eight 150-square-foot cabins are cozy and comfortable, and are similar in décor and style to our larger suites. 85% have floor-to-ceiling windows with real French balconies that open on to a balcony in the fresh air; all have in-room movies, minibar, adjustable heating and cooling, private bathroom and shower with pampering toiletries. In addition to our main dining room, The Compass Rose, the ship also features Arthur's, a second dining venue offering casual fare.
Accomodation Types
ms Esprit has been redesigned with a new deck plan optimised for the utmost in spaciousness with over 70% of the cabins measuring 225 square feet or larger. The ship boasts 14 spacious 300-square-foot Suites, 20 225-square-foot cabins, four 183-square-foot cabins, one 182-square-foot cabin and eight-150-square foot cabins.
85% of the cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows with real French balconies. All cabins are equipped with in-room movies, minibar, adjustable climate control, private bathroom with shower and pampering toiletries.
Cabin beds are fitted with 400-thread satin bed linen, mako cotton pillows, 100% cotton blankets and thick pillow top mattresses. A variety of Tauck-exclusive Molton Brown bath products are provided along with terry cloth robes, towels and hair dryers.
- In Category 7 Tauck Suites, American breakfast room service available and a shipboard credit (one per stateroom) is provided to be used onboard for spa services, gift shop purchases, etc
- 110-volt and 220-volt outlets included in every cabin for small electronics; minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks
- Complimentary Internet & Email available
Category 7 Suite
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 180 cm (two beds 200 cm x 90 cm each when separate); 79" x 71" (two beds 79" x 35"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
Pull-out sleeping sofa 190 cm x 110 cm – 75" x 43", two club chairs & coffee table, a desk and a TV credenza, Walk-in closet and dresser, 400 thread count cotton linens\white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers, Large bathroom with separate shower featuring rainfall shower head (note: no bathtub)
Stateroom Amenities:
Two floor-to-ceiling French Balconies, each 98 inches wide x 75 inches high each with one sliding door that opens, Quad cabin made possible by pullout couch (only for children), Coffee maker plus mini-bar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily, 32" LED TV, Breakfast room service, Iron plus ironing board, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, safe and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available, a shipboard credit (one per stateroom) is provided to be used onboard for spa services, gift shop purchases, etc
Category 6 Cabin
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 160 cm (two beds 200 cm x 80 cm each when separate); 79" x 63" (two beds 79" x 31.5"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
Two chairs plus a desk, Built-in closet with drawers, 400 thread count cotton linens\white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Stateroom Amenities:
One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens, Refrigerator stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily, 32" LED TV, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, safe and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available
Category 5 Cabin
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 160 cm (two beds 200 cm x 80 cm each when separate); 79" x 63" (two beds 79" x 31.5"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
Two chairs plus a desk, Built-in closet with drawers, 400 thread count cotton linens\white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Stateroom Amenities:
One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens, Refrigerator stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily, 32" LED TV, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, safe and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available
Category 4 Cabin
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 160 cm (two beds 200 cm x 80 cm each when separate); 79" x 63" (two beds 79" x 31.5"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
Two chairs plus a desk, Built-in closets with drawers, 400 thread count cotton linens\white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Stateroom Amenities:
One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens, Refrigerator stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily, 32" LED TV, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, safe and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available
Category 3 Cabin
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 156 cm (two beds 200 cm x 78 cm each when separate); 79" x 61" (two beds 79" x 31"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
Two chairs plus a desk, Built-in closet with drawers, 400 thread count cotton linens\white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Stateroom Amenities:
One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens, Refrigerator stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily, 32" LED TV, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, safe and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available
Category 2 Cabin
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 160 cm (two beds 200 cm x 80 cm each when separate); 79" x 63" (two beds 79" x 31.5"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
Two chairs plus a desk, Built-in closet with drawers, 400 thread count cotton linens\white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Stateroom Amenities:
Refrigerator stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily, 32" LED TV, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, safe and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available
Category 1 Cabin
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 156 cm (two beds 200 cm x 78 cm each when separate); 79" x 61" (two beds 79" x 31"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
Two chairs plus a desk, Built-in closet with drawers, 400 thread count cotton linens\white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive, Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Stateroom Amenities:
Two 2' x 3' windows, Refrigerator stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily, 32" LED TV, 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, safe and individual climate control, Onboard wi-fi available
Deck Plans
ms Esprit has been redesigned with a new deck plan optimised for the utmost in spaciousness with over 70% of the cabins measuring 225 square feet or larger. The ship boasts 14 spacious 300-square-foot Suites, 20 225-square-foot cabins, four 183-square-foot cabins, one 182-square-foot cabin and eight-150-square foot cabins.
85% of the cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows with real French balconies. All cabins are equipped with in-room movies, minibar, adjustable climate control, private bathroom with shower and pampering toiletries.
Cabin beds are fitted with 400-thread satin bed linen, mako cotton pillows, 100% cotton blankets and thick pillow top mattresses. A variety of Tauck-exclusive Molton Brown bath products are provided along with terry cloth robes, towels and hair dryers.
- In Category 7 Tauck Suites, American breakfast room service available and a shipboard credit (one per stateroom) is provided to be used onboard for spa services, gift shop purchases, etc
- 110-volt and 220-volt outlets included in every cabin for small electronics; minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks
- Complimentary Internet & Email available
Sun Deck
- Putting Green
- Whirlpool
- Lounge Chairs
Diamond Deck
- Arthur's
- Category 7 Suites
- Category 5 Cabins
- Category 3 Cabins
- Panorama Lounge
- Bar
- Reception
- Tauck Desk
- Boutique
Ruby Deck
- The Compass Rose
- Kitchen
- Engines
- Category 6 Cabins
- Category 4 Cabins
Emerald Deck
- Category 2 Cabin
- Category 1 Cabins
- Engines
- Crew Quarters
- Massage
- Fitness
Dining
Open seating in main dining room, The Compass Rose; flexible dining times; vegetarian meals always available.
- Alternate dining venue, Arthur's, offering classic favourites at lunch and dinner and lighter breakfasts in the morning
- Al fresco dining on Sun Deck, weather permitting
- Complimentary snacks served 10:00 AM – midnight
The Compass Rose
Experience complimentary · Cuisine fine
Wine and dine at The Compass Rose
Enjoy a variety of international and regional dishes when you dine at Compass Rose, the main dining venue aboard ms Esprit. Offering flexible dining times and open seating, Compass Rose boasts a formal, yet comforting atmosphere that is complimented by the knowledgeable and friendly wait staff.
Arthur's
Experience complimentary · Cuisine casual
Enjoy casual dining offerings at Arthur's
If you're looking for casual dining options, Arthur's is your place. Named after our Chairman, Arthur Tuck Jr., Arthur's serves guests lighter breakfast options in the morning and offers classic favourites for lunch and dinner.
Entertainment
Onboard entertainment includes enrichment lectures, piano music nightly, in-room movies, culinary demos, local entertainment and "themed" fun
Panorama Lounge & Bar
The best place to unwind after a day of adventures.
The Panorama lounge and bar is the sole lounge found onboard ms Emerald. Sporting an extensive cocktail menu, grab a drink and join fellow passengers and relax on one of the many plush chairs and couches, taking in the breathtaking views of the river as it passes by.
During cocktail hour, enjoy the soft and relaxing sounds of the piano as a pianist plays live music, radiating throughout the lounge as a perfect compliment to the days events that preceded.
Lido Bar
The gracious aft lounge in the stern of your riverboat sports an innovative 180° curved glass wall that opens to the fresh air (weather permitting).
Sun Deck
Lounge on the Sun Deck of ms Esprit
Whether you practice your putt at the on board putting green, relax in the Jacuzzi, or take in the views of the passing European landscapes on a lounge chair, ms Esprit has an option for everyone to enjoy.
Lobby
The central hub on board ms Espirit
Aboard ms Esprit, explore all that the ship has to offer including a large variety of onboard entertainment options such as enrichment lectures, nightly piano music, in-room movies culinary demos. local entertainment and "themed" fun.
Enrichment
On a Tauck river cruise, fewer guests means more of everything else. More space to stretch out. More time to soak it in. More quiet moments – and more meaningful ones, too. Smaller ships mean more space to call your own, fewer lines to navigate, and a front-row seat to everything – onboard and ashore.
Fully Guided
Our Tauck Directors and handpicked local guides are more than experts – they're the heart of your journey, offering thoughtful service and deep knowledge that bring each destination to life.Exclusive Access
From after-hours museum visits to private palace tours, Tauck opens doors that others can't. These behind-the-scenes experiences give you a unique view of Europe's cultural treasures, away from the crowds.Small Group Excursions
On land, the experience stays personal. Our guests explore in smaller groups, with a thoughtful guest-to-guide ratio of just 15 to 1. Each excursion is carefully timed and orchestrated to avoid the crowds – so you can enjoy Europe's cultural treasures with space to truly appreciate them.Bicycles
Bicycles available aboard for use ashore.
Health & Fitness
Fitness Centre
Fitness centre; massages available; putting green on Sun Deck; Jacuzzi on Sun Deck – available 24 hours
Kids & Teens
Tauck Bridges on the river offers family bonding, adventure, exploration and FUN... in Paris during a scavenger hunt in the Louvre, listening to stories of WW II in Normandy, discovering castles on the Rhine, ascending Mt. Pilatus in Lucerne for breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, on a canal boat cruise in Amsterdam discovering the Netherland's capital city, aboard a Douro River cruise in Portugal – or aboard a fabulous expeditionary ship in the Galápagos Islands. These are the memories that last lifetimes.
Tauck Bridges
Tauck Bridges trips are designed for family travelers of all ages and generations to enjoy together. From celebrating different cultures and traditions, discovering natural wonders and learning about history firsthand, these trips help build bridges of understanding between young and old, locals and travelers, all over the world. They are also designed to include interactive experiences that not only invite everyone's participation, they're lots of fun for every age and generation!
Bicycling with Your Family Ashore
A family cycling excursion through the countryside on your Tauck family river cruise
Whether you're cruising the Rhine, Danube, Rhône or Seine, you can stretch everyone's legs a bit with a leisurely family bicycle ride through the countryside on your Tauck family river cruise. It's a perfect way to experience the centuries-old castles, lush vineyards and other unique landscapes along the river you're cruising. Our river cruises offer numerous opportunities for cycling along Europe's rivers; every Tauck riverboats has bicycles aboard for use by guests ashore.
Shipboard Fun for Kids
Onboard fun for everyone on your Tauck family river cruise
There's always something fun for kids of all ages to do onboard a Tauck riverboat, and it's the best place to socialize! Meet local dancers, musicians, and artists who come aboard to demonstrate their
talents. Make local treats with chefs and savor tastings, from crêpes in France to pastries in Austria. Enjoy the putting green, hot tub or plunge pool on the Sun Deck, or the fitness center. Language lessons, song and dance fests, and group games fill your evenings with family fun and new friendships.
Useful Information
Mobility Onboard and Ashore
Ashore – Guests with restricted mobility may have difficulty managing the pedestrian-only city centers, cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces that exist throughout Old World Europe.
Onboard – Guests may need to walk across narrow gangways and ascend or descend stairs when embarking or disembarking the riverboat due to "double-docking" or the docking location. An able traveling companion who can help guests who require assistance must accompany them throughout their journey.
Dietary Requirements
Many special dietary needs can be accommodated on Tauck journeys with advance notice, but cannot be guaranteed. Different destinations make some dietary needs harder to accommodate than others. Tauck will do everything possible in communicating your requests to hotels and restaurants. Common dietary requests like ‘low sodium’ or ‘vegetarian’ are likely to be accommodated much easier than very special or unique dietary needs. Meals that are full a la carte offer more flexibility for special dietary requests as do some limited a la carte meals. For the occasional ‘set menu’ or ‘buffet meals’ on Tauck journeys, unique dietary needs may prove a bit more challenging.
Dress Code
Typical dress for any Tauck journey is casual attire. Some journeys may include a specific dinner function or an event in which gentleman may be required to have, or feel more comfortable wearing, a sport jacket. But overall the rule of thumb is casual comfortable clothing. The final tour documentation will mention occasions (if any) on a journey in which a sport jacket or dressier clothing is suggested.
Age Restrictions
Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. In some cases there may be age restrictions on activities, and all children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 or older to make a reservation. Note: Children age 3 and older at the time of travel are welcome on many Tauck Bridges itineraries. Minimum age for our Tauck Bridges river cruises is 4 years old.
We ask that you use good judgment if considering bringing a young child or children on a Tauck journey. Many of our itineraries do not cater to young children's interests, patience or stamina, and therefore aren't really suited to children of too young an age. Young children's behavior can be unpredictable, and with consideration for all fellow travelers wanting to enjoy their vacation to its fullest, it is important to know and understand that Tauck has the right to ask any tour member who is disruptive to a group to leave the tour whether they are 6 or 96 years of age.
Family travel is important to us. The bond between children and adults as they experience the world together makes for special memories that last lifetimes. It is for that reason we created 'Tauck Bridges' – journeys for the whole family to enjoy together. Each of these kid-friendly family-oriented journeys has a minimum recommended age rating to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all our guests.
What's Included
Just about everything! Virtually every travel expense is included in one up-front price – airport transfers as specified in the itinerary, all hotel and ship accommodations, entertainment, meals as specified in the itinerary, special meals, land and cruise transportation, sightseeing, shore excursions, luggage handling, most taxes, concierge-style services Tauck Directors, services of local guides and more.
Meals are freshly prepared and regionally driven, both on the riverboat and at local restaurants. Complimentary beverages – from specialty coffee, tea, and soft drinks to house wine, beer and premium spirits – are included on the riverboats, all day, every day.
All appropriate gratuities for luggage handling, bellmen, doormen, dining room servers, and ship staff are included. Tauck Tour Director and Tauck Cruise Director gratuities are included on all river cruises.
Over 100 cost components are included on every cruise – which means no hidden costs, no surcharges, no on-tour surprises!
- River Cruise Ship
- Boutique Size
- Luxury Style
- Launched in 2010
- Refitted in 2018
- Currency EUR
- 98 Passangers
- 36 Crew
- 4 Decks
- 37 Cabins
- 14 Large Cabins
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