Tauck River Cruise Review: MS Inspire on the Rhine

Guests can also choose Tauck's innovative Loft Suites. These suites are unique to Tauck. Despite your bed and bathroom sitting just below water level, you still benefit from a balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows on a raised platform which acts like an elevated conservatory within your suite. Climb the five small steps to sit at a large square table with comfortable armchairs as you look out of your large window at the scenery outside. This window opens vertically, allowing you to step up and lean out for that indoor balcony feel.

A real 'wow' factor when you set foot on board Inspire is her grand atrium. This focal point provides lengthy views to each end of the vessel, and her golden staircases, twinkling in the sunlight, are perfectly situated for ease and manoeuvrability between each deck.

I particularly enjoyed the spacious sun deck which consisted of lots of seating space/sunbeds to relax in the sun, a small golf putting green and a small jacuzzi style pool. This was a great place to take in the scenery and castles, particularly whilst sailing through the middle Rhine. Even when a lot of guests were utilising the sun deck, it felt so spacious and never crowded. If you've overindulged (and you're allowed to!), you may want to visit Inspire's gym, sauna and steam room, or walk a few laps of the deck to shake off those extra pounds, then book yourself in for a very reasonably priced spa treatment or massage.

Another key thing that sets Tauck apart from other river cruise lines is their three Tauck Directors and one Cruise Director who assist and guide all guests throughout each voyage. Now I have to emphasise just how good Tauck's guides really are; Tauck's guides were so enthusiastic, charming and fun that they truly had me engaged and engrossed.

Tauck offers a truly all-inclusive experience with all food, drinks, excursions and entertainment included in the cruise fare. On the last day before disembarkation, the including excursion was a full day experience, the cruise directors provided all guests with cash to be able to buy lunch off the ship. "Tauck Surprises" along the way were a staple of our cruise, from complimentary drinks in local beer gardens to delicious chocolate treats from secluded local shops.

Guests can choose from two dining options on board, the main dining room (Compass Rose) and a more casual venue at the aft of the ship, Arthur's (with the choice of dining al fresco). Both serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and are both a la carte (bar breakfast in Arthur's which is a light buffet). Every meal I had on board was exceptional, from fine dining in Compass Rose to casual burgers, salads etc. in Arthur's. On one night we had the opportunity to have dinner off the ship in a fabulous medieval palace in Germany, this was a fantastic three-course meal paired with local wines, all included in the cruise fare.

After dinner we often found ourselves in the Panorama Lounge to enjoy a drink and some low-key entertainment before heading to bed looking forward to the next day's exploring. Entertainment on river cruises is nothing like an ocean cruise. We had local performers join the ship for three different nights during our voyage, all of whom had everyone dancing, laughing and enjoying themselves. Other evenings featured Tauck's resident pianist.

Our itinerary consisted of Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Heidelberg, Strasbourg. Lucerne and Basel with a fantastic mix of excursions to choose from walking tours to castle hikes to wine tours to biking tours and much more. My personal favourite was when we were taken to the peak of Mount Pilatus by gondola and then took the scenic train back down. What an experience! As with most river cruise itineraries, you're up early with either a morning tour or full day adventure; you can come back on board for lunch, or enjoy eating out at Tauck's expense on a full day tour.

The local guides in each destination were passionate and knowledgeable. All staff on the ship also provided exceptional service at all times and nothing was ever too much trouble for them. I would not hesitate to recommend a Tauck Rhine river cruise to anyone wanting a truly all-inclusive luxury experience, with exceptional service and amazing destination exploration.