Tauck Rhine River Cruise Review — Beyond the Ordinary
By John and Sandra Nowlan
(Photo above: John & Sandra at the top of Heidelberg Castle.)
Our late fall river cruise with Tauck was called Rhine Enchantment, but the enchantment extended well beyond the seven delightful nights we spent on the luxurious riverboat, the 130-passenger MS Inspire, from Basil, Switzerland to Amsterdam. Our group of mostly folks 60+ numbered 116; with all guests from the US except for the two of us Canadians.
The 10-night all-inclusive package included:
- three nights in historic Milan, Italy
- a high-speed train ride through the Alps
- the seven-night cruise with the last day and night docked at Amsterdam to enjoy the canals and gabled architecture of the Netherlands capital
Tauck, the Connecticut-based company, which celebrated its 100th year of upscale guided tours in 2025, is unique among the many tour companies that ply the historic waters of western Europe.
How so?
Most Tauck riverboats are the standard 143 feet in length and they hold a maximum of just 130 guests while competitors often accommodate up to 190 passengers.
The Inspire's rooms are more generous in size and the staff/guest ratio sets the industry standard. There’s one main dining room, Compass Rose, with room for all guests plus a small alternate dining area, Arthur’s, at the stern of Deck 3. The main hub, the Panorama lounge, can also accommodate everyone and has wonderful views at the front of Deck 3.
MS Inspire's top deck includes a hot tub, miniature golf and lots of areas for lounging.
VIDEO: John shows us the MS Inspire's top deck, below.
Brief Overview: Is This Tauck Rhine Cruise For You?
The MS Inspire is a 130-passenger river boat operated by Tauck doing 7-night cruises on the Rhine River in the spring, summer and fall, many combined with pre- and/or post-cruise hotel touring in the region, and some itineraries with longer cruises as well.
How does Tauck stack up against its riverboat competition in Europe?
Here are some great reasons to consider a Tauck Rhine River cruise-tour combo:
- The brochure/website cost for this 10-night Tauck Rhine Cruise-Tour is pricey, starting at $8,390 per person. But remember, everything is included: transfers, all tours, all gratuities, all dining, all drinks.
- Fewer guests with larger rooms.
- Exclusive events like the private viewing of The Last Supper.
- A special gala dinner off the boat at an historic palace or castle.
- Cash provided for pay toilets or local treats.
- Dedicated service from a cruise director and three Tauck tour directors.
Potential drawbacks to a Tauck Rhine River cruise:
- Pricier than other Rhine River cruises offered by lines line Viking.
- Homogenous passenger mix mostly from US; if you’re looking for a more international crowd as you might find on Viking, AmaWaterways or Avalon, this isn’t it.
Continue reading this review for further insights. And for booking assistance, we're happy to help; please show your interest via the form at the end of this review.
3 Hotel Nights in Milan, Italy …
Tauck is also unique in the exclusive events it offers to all guests at no additional cost. This was evident in our three-night, pre-cruise stay in Milan.
These aren’t your typical cruise-tour experiences. A driver met us at the airport and took us to the five-star Hotel Principe di Savoia. The century old landmark, decorated in classic Italian and Art Deco style, was our base for bus rides and guided walks through the city including priority access to Il Duomo, the city’s massive Gothic cathedral.
In the evening our three Tauck tourdDirectors broke us into small groups for an exclusive, private viewing of Leonardo da Vinci’s mural masterpiece, The Last Supper.
Also in Milan we were taken to the shores of pristine Lake Como, in the shadow of the snow-capped Alps. Tauck rented several private boats to cruise us by opulent villas and small, medieval towns. In Bellagio, nicknamed “The Pearl of the Lake,” we had free time and Tauck tour directors gave each of us five Euros to buy a coffee and use the café’s facilities. This was just one of several special (and much appreciated) touches by Tauck.
Then to Lugano, Switzerland …
Leaving Milan for phase two of our Tauck adventure, we took buses to Lugano, Switzerland, where Tauck had arranged for four private, first-class train cars to be added to a high-speed train through and under the Alps to the city of Basel.
We left exactly on time (after all, this is Switzerland) and reached speeds of up to 155 mph. The most astonishing part of our three-hour rail ride was the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world’s longest and deepest, running for 35 miles and up to 7500 feet below the mountains. Between the many shorter tunnels, the alpine views were stunning.
Embarking the MS Inspire in Basel
Reaching Basel (on time, of course) three comfortable Tauck buses took us to the banks of the mighty Rhine where our riverboat, MS Inspire, was waiting. This well-maintained craft, with a crew of 50, was built in 2013 with renovations in 2020.
Cabins on MS Inspire
After easy registration in the large and bright Panorama Lounge and an introduction from Tauck Cruise Director Tea Clougher, we went to our room on Deck 2 (# 222) where our luggage had already arrived from Milan. On Deck 3, 22 Inspire Suites are a spacious 300 square feet while our room, like most on Deck 2, was a cozy 225 square feet, more than adequate for our time aboard.
French balconies with floor to ceiling windows, plenty of storage space, both European and North American electric outlets, 400 thread count satiny sheets, Molton Brown toiletries and a shower with both traditional and rain heads were perks we enjoyed. Cozy bath robes were provided but, unfortunately, just one size of slippers was available. Too big for Sandra; too small for John. (It’s a bit petty, but the toilet seat dropped with a loud bang; would have been nice if had a soft-drop like most cabins/hotel rooms.)
VIDEO: Below, John shows us around their Deck 2 cabin, #222.
Cruise Excursions
All tours on our cruise were complimentary, usually with several choices. The riverboat stayed in Basel the next day with half our group visiting the world-class Basel Art Museum while an excellent local guide took the rest of us on a walking tour of the Old Town and its culinary heritage.
Every guest had a Vox and earpiece to hear the guide’s commentary. After a tasting at an exquisite chocolate shop, a Tour Director gave each of us 25 Euros to splurge on Swiss chocolate and cheese.
This thoughtful bit of spending money is another unique indulgence that sets Tauck apart from the competition.
Other Tauck excursions we particularly enjoyed included the Alsatian Wine Route with a tasting visit to one of the many Riesling producers in the region and a guided tour of the 13th century Heidelberg Castle that dominates the view of the bustling university town below. We were all given tickets to ride the funicular.
In Colmar, France, many on our bus were startled to see a 39-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty at the city’s north entrance. We soon learned that the statue’s designer, Frederic Bartholdi, was born in this eastern France city where there’s also a museum to honor his life and work.
Cruising Down the Middle Rhine
Sailing down the fast-flowing Rhine was a special treat as we passed the legendary Lorelei Rock and many small villages with countless vineyards climbing up fertile hillsides. These were often topped with medieval castles, some in ruins, others that welcome visitors.
A Tauck Director offered a full commentary. The Middle Rhine is especially picturesque but after Dusseldorf it becomes quite industrial.
READ MORE: Here’s Heidi useful overview of the Rhine River, including which bits are the most scenic.
VIDEO: John & Sandra show us the scenic Middle Rhine from the decks of the MS Inspire., below
MS Inspire Dining
Dining was a special treat on MS Inspire. The Bulgarian Executive Chef Petar Petrov, and his team of 10 chefs and cooks, consistently produced fine meals from what looked like a very small galley. Breakfast and lunch were mainly buffet-style with several made to order specials. While sailing through Germany the chefs grilled a half dozen varieties of sausage, served of course with sauerkraut.
Dinner was always an elegant occasion with three appetizer choices, two soups and five or six entrees. Typical menus included beef tenderloin, Alaska king crab legs, rack of lamb and black cod. We’re fussy about fish and were delighted with the quality of all seafood. Fine wines were poured and topped up whenever a guest wished.
Two special occasions stood out. Near the end of the cruise, Tauck’s 100 years of touring was celebrated with the Chef’s Signature Dinner, a five-course feast featuring a starter of shrimp cocktail with sturgeon caviar followed by Austrian cream of pumpkin soup, an appetizer of North Sea scallops and three main course choices — beef tenderloin with lobster tail; grilled swordfish steak; or a chevre and brie cheese soufflé. Dessert was a layered chocolate sponge cake with orange sauce. The European wines were especially good.
READ MORE ABOUT TAUCK. John & Sandra Nowlan compare Tauck and Viking river cruises.
READ MORE: Here's a review of a Tauck River cruise on the Seine.
Special Evening Out
On every European river cruise, Tauck gives guests an exclusive evening of fine dining and entertainment at an historic palace or castle. Its choice for this special occasion was Schloss Biebrich, a palace in Wiesbaden, Germany, dating from 1702. Just a short stroll from our dock on the Rhine, the palace, with its massive, chandelier-filled dining room, was a magical setting for this unique Tauck tradition.
The starter of meatballs, grilled antipasti vegetables and marinated veal strips came on a trio of tiered trays. For the main course, guests could choose among roasted chicken breast, salmon fillet or tortellini with asparagus filling and lime sauce. Dessert was a crispy swan-shaped cream puff. The wines were all high-quality German Riesling, sauvignon blanc and merlot.
A harpist played beautiful melodies during dinner and, between courses, a soprano showed immense range as she alternated between high opera and Elvis ballads.
Full marks to Tauck.
After Dinner Entertainment Aboard MS Inspire
Evening entertainment on the riverboat was also exceptional. In addition to the resident pianist, local guest entertainers came aboard including a violin-accordion duo; a gentleman singing German lieder; and a humorous four-man combo playing a variety of instruments including cowbells and an alpenhorn.
To continue the celebration of Tauck’s 100th anniversary, guests were invited to dress in their Roaring 1920s finery for an evening party. Flappers, feathers, pearls and boas were prominent among the ladies while many of the men had a 20s gangster look.
Ending in Amsterdam
Our riverboat adventure ended in Amsterdam but, typical of Tauck, the boat was docked there for a day-and-a-half day and the company arranged for several private boats to take all guests on a cruise through the elaborate canal system.
On the morning of the eighth day, transportation to the airport or local hotels was seamlessly coordinated for all guests. At the airport, a Tauck rep even escorted us to our airline check-in counter. As Cruise Director Tea Clougher told us, “We want guests to know they can depend on us, especially if something goes wrong. If you’re sick or injured, we’ll care for you.”
This positive, guest-oriented attitude has now sustained Tauck for 100 years and will undoubtedly continue. Tauck’s reputation and growth is based on word-of-mouth, not advertising. We were told that instead of ads, those dollars are put into improving the product. It shows.
Interested In This Tauck Cruise?
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HEIDI SARNA
