Ships
MS Sapphire
Overview
About This Ship
ms Sapphire offers a seamless combination of luxury and comfort along the magnificent River Seine, revealing the greatness of Paris and the historic riches of Normandy… it tells tales of Paris and how one of the world's greatest cities made history along its banks… brings first-hand views of the painted Impressionist landscapes and light that inspired artists such as Claude Monet… and provides an authentic slice of northern France riverside life.
One of the 361-foot (110-meter) riverboats in Tauck's Destination Fleet, this newly redesigned riverboat debuted in 2017 with a new deck plan optimized 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.
Stateroom Breakdown
Deck Plans
Sun Deck
Diamond Deck
Ruby Deck
Emerald Deck
Onboard Experience
Your day starts with breakfast onboard… sharing your favorite table by the window with the couple you became friends with at your welcome dinner… enjoying your favorite buffet selections just the way you like them… The riverboat docks right around the time you're finished with breakfast; you couldn't have asked for better timing… As you step off the ship, our local experts eagerly await to show you around the ancient village they call home, a place whose wine-making traditions stretch back over a thousand years; soon it may feel like home to you as well. You'll spend the morning exploring with your local guide before returning to the riverboat to continue your cruise. Back aboard, you'll have some time to explore your "floating hotel." Or decide to relax and chat with friends as you bask in the sun, sipping a cool drink. Refreshed, you head into the lobby just in time to watch the riverboat dock. Lunch today might be something you have never experienced before… like a home-hosted, traditional meal at a private ranch, known as a manade, in La Camargue. As you make your way across the plains and marshlands of this wild corner of Provence, your Tauck Director and local guide fill you in on the culture that surrounds you. You don't want it to end, but alas, it must… another Tauck experience to check off on the "wow" list… Returning to the riverboat, you notice the lights reflecting on the river, and engage in a few moments' reflection of your own… taking in the magic of the riverscape one last time. After dinner, you meet your companions for a little more camaraderie around the piano in the lounge before calling it a night. Drifting off to sleep, you smile… realizing that you'll soon be waking up in another magical town… to embark on another perfect day of your Tauck river cruise…
Welcome Aboard ms Sapphire
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 sit 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.
Lounge on the Sun Deck of ms Sapphire
Whether you practice your putt at the on board putting green, relax in the Jacuzzi, or take in the views of the passing landscapes on a lounge chair, ms Sapphire has an option for everyone to enjoy.
The central hub onboard ms Sapphire
Aboard ms Sapphire, 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.
Wine and dine at Compass Rose
Enjoy a variety of international and regional dishes when you dine at Compass Rose, the main dining venue aboard ms Sapphire. 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.
All the amenities of modern luxury offered along the river
Accommodating no more than 98 guests, the newly redesigned ms Esprit sports a new deck plan optimized for the utmost in spaciousness and comfort.
Enjoy casual dining offerings at Arthur's
Casual dining venue, Arthur's, serves guests lighter breakfasts in the morning and offers classic favorites for lunch and dinner.
Gallery