hey everyone welcome to popular cruising I am your host Jason Leppert here with a
review of Tauck's Inspire this was the first time I had ever traveled with Tauck
and I was eager to see what the tour company was all about specifically on
one of its signature cruises remember to watch all the way to the end of the
review to see our final evaluation of pros and cons to start let's look at the
Inspire's riverboat specifications the lifestyle onboard is luxury in
amenities but mostly in a country-club casual atmosphere if the riverboat looks
familiar to others on the waterway it's because it's operated by Scylla and
chartered by Tauck it first launched in 2013 has an intimate guest capacity of
only 130 a crew capacity of 39 and a resulting guest to crew ratio of three
point three three to one accommodation wise there's a wide variety of staterooms
and suites on board beginning with category 1 cabins these
sit down into the hull and thus feature a window at the upper edge of the room
plus 150 square feet of space including a minibar with complimentary water and
soft drinks meanwhile category 2 cabins have the same amount of space and
comparable amenities but with an added French balcony to allow more natural
light and a bit of the outdoors in then category five ones naturally jump up in
size to 190 square feet also with a French balcony but with an adjusted layout
with a bathroom near the veranda which amounts to a larger corner shower
configuration if you haven't already done so we encourage you to please
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latest videos we personally enjoyed a category 7 cabin which was really much
more of a suite at an ample 300 square feet in size it was indeed teddybear
approved and even featured a separate dining space off from the television and
an expansive pair of French balconies
besides a stocked refrigerator there was a welcome coffee maker and perhaps most
impressive a massive walk-in closet which is more than enough for a
week-long sailing the bathroom was also equally large
complete with delightful Molton Brown toiletries a lovely floral display and
sizable shower with a handy retractable bench wand shower head and another rain
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traditionally using the contact information below activities onboard are
understandably fewer on a smaller riverboat but the atrium is still
surprisingly grand with a classic symmetrical colonnade and crystal
chandeliers off from an exploratory globe is the reception desk
as well as the Tauck desk where you can consult with the cruise director there's
also a small boutique to buy several souvenirs and clothing as well as a side
library of bookshelves and various volumes opposite the library and past
the central staircase is also a helpful elevator for those with limited mobility
to get from deck to deck downstairs there's a bonus retail display in
addition to hair products and a hair salon itself it was definitely nice
being able to get a convenient trim here on the other side there's also a fitness
center with ellipticals and treadmills as well as a dedicated massage room for
spa treatments
and another surprising inclusion for a riverboat in the form of a steam bath
and sauna which would be a fantastic way to warm up after touring chilly
Christmas markets or another way to warm up would be to grab a hot chocolate or an
included specialty coffee or a complimentary cocktail at the panorama
lounge and bar as a handsome observation venue this room is already a fine social
gathering space but being able to enjoy house soft drinks wine beer and spirits
not just at lunch and dinner but at any hour really goes a long way in setting
Tauck apart from its competition it's also worth pointing out just how
wonderful the crew is always friendly and super accommodating
furthermore the space here is exceptional for reading a good book or
taking in the passing scenery
just in front is the outdoor bow terrace for getting even closer to the
surroundings
thanks to these nifty wooden benches
or there's the stern terrace for doing the same at the back of the vessel
except smoking is allowed here so be warned of course to get away from any
fumes you can take these stairs up to the Sun Deck where off from passing
river boats guests can enjoy a putting green to pass the time
or take a dip in the plunge pool alternatively nice to cool off in during
the summer months all while enjoying the marvelous sights
of Europe's beautiful river valleys lined with imposing castles and so much
more
stretching the length of the sundeck are plenty of loungers and chairs to relax
by
either in the sun or under shade plus there's alfresco tables guests can
potentially dine at in addition to more outdoor furniture at the front of the
ship forward of the wheelhouse
bicycles are also on hand for guests wishing to take a spin on shore
which is sure to work up an appetite in perfect time for dining off from the
wine cellar the main dining room onboard is the compass rose which is also
included open seating meals here are self served at breakfast and lunch and fully
served at dinner there's a good selection of four tops and above for
those looking to socialize but very few two tops just for couples the central
buffet generally presents a wide selection of items but quality varies
the majority of the food is very good but some dishes are lacking in flavor
profile however the carving station is always a
highlight as are most courses at dinner like these artful plates
what actually most stood out to us were specialty desserts that occasionally
extended into the lobby and lounge like this fantastic ice cream bar complete with
sublime cherries jubilee topping
or the marvelous chocolate extravaganza buffet
but what proved to be our favorite dining venue overall is Arthur's an included
alternative restaurant for a la carte meals available at leisure throughout
the day which also offers a great view off the stern and features a bonus hot
chocolate coffee and cookie stand there's even a wonderful collection of
black and white Tauck photographs
displaying the company's very interesting history here but what
really sold it for us was the wide variety of delicious comfort foods and
gourmet grill items such as these
as on any small riverboat entertainment is not as lavish as that on larger
seagoing cruise ships but there is some encompassing on-demand selections from
in cabin televisions ranging from Hollywood movies to inspirational travelogues
or back in the lounge there is nightly live piano music
as well as the periodic staging of local performers and musicians
as well as a display of fun crew talent
with an element of audience participation but as you would expect
from a successful tour company Tauck specializes in shoreside excursions
including a signature sparkling event as here the three-winged manor house and
garden are used as a filming location and it hosted our evening complete with
live string music and naturally a fancy dinner
other touring days took us to explore the likes of Luxembourg
and the Grand Duchy's beautiful grounds
and by way of massive elevator
a stunning look over the valley below
there was also a terrific stop to visit Heidelberg in Germany particularly its
stunning castle inside and out shore excursions are very well organized for
those who like being led by the nose everywhere but occasionally the
organization of them felt a bit too rigid such as the slow pacing of
disembarkation from the ship to the busses and daily briefings occasionally
presented on the coaches where it could be missed if not on tour instead of back
on board our final port of call was Basel Switzerland where we discovered
this wondrous kinetic fountain enjoyed alley performers' giant bubble art among
a long row of shops
stepped into the Basel Minster cathedral on its 1,000 year anniversary to the day
and gazed upon the Rhine River and its many bridges
to conclude here's our list of pros and cons for traveling aboard Tauck's Inspire
among the few things we disliked and considered pains in the aft were the
riverboat's similarities to other chartered Scylla vessels mixed food quality at the
main dining room and the regimented structure of shore excursions but far more
importantly we like these to take a bow exceptional service from the Tauck and
Scylla staff delicious dining at Arthur's and the line's all-inclusive
amenities including prepaid gratuities thanks for watching please feel free to
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