About ms Esprit
ms Esprit belongs to Tauck's Inspiration series and entered service in 2017. Built to navigate the lock systems and bridge clearances of European waterways, she measures roughly 110 metres in length and accommodates up to 98 guests in 49 staterooms across 3 passenger decks.
Tauck has been guiding land journeys since 1925 and entered river cruising in 2006. Its European fleet of Inspiration-class ships is known for spacious 300-square-foot suites at the bow, a fully inclusive fare, and a high crew-to-guest ratio. Tauck Bridges departures are designed specifically for grandparents travelling with grandchildren. ms Esprit reflects that brand DNA — from the design of her public spaces to the inclusions in her base fare.
The ship's typical home waters are the Rhône & Saône, where she runs 4 distinct itineraries during the operating season. Repositioning sailings, themed wine cruises and Christmas-market voyages may be added in autumn and early winter.
Cabin categories
The following stateroom and suite categories are offered onboard. Square-foot figures are quoted from the operator's published deck plans and exclude balcony floor space.
| Category | Square feet | Deck | Window / view | Max guests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 Stateroom | 150 sq ft | Emerald Deck | Fixed window | 2 |
| Category 2 French Balcony | 150 sq ft | Ruby Deck | French balcony | 2 |
| Category 3 French Balcony | 225 sq ft | Diamond Deck | French balcony | 2 |
| Loft Cabin | 225 sq ft | Diamond Deck | Two-storey French balcony | 2 |
| Suite | 300 sq ft | Diamond Deck | French balcony | 2 |
Deck plan
ms Esprit is laid out across 3 passenger decks plus the open-air sun deck. Public spaces, cabins and crew areas are arranged in the configuration described below.
Onboard amenities
- Sun deck with shaded lounge area
- Panoramic lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows
- Main restaurant serving open-seating regional cuisine
- Casual bistro for breakfast, lunch and late-night snacks
- Reception with 24-hour staff and concierge service
- Lift between most passenger decks
- Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- Hair salon and small fitness room
- Wellness centre with sauna or steam room
- Specialty restaurant with reservation-only seating
- All-inclusive beverages, gratuities and shore excursions
Featured itineraries
The voyages below are representative of those ms Esprit sails during her primary season. Exact ports, departure dates and durations vary by year — consult the operator for current schedules.
| Itinerary | Length | Sample ports | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burgundy & Provence | 8 nights | Lyon · Mâcon · Tournon · Viviers · Avignon · Arles | Rhône & Saône |
| Taste of Southern France | 8 nights | Lyon · Beaune · Vienne · Tournon · Avignon · Arles | Rhône & Saône |
| Paris & Normandy | 8 nights | Paris · Vernon · Les Andelys · Rouen · Caudebec · Honfleur | Seine |
| Seine Impressions | 7 nights | Paris · Giverny · Rouen · Le Havre · Honfleur · Vernon | Seine |