Sapphire

Intimate ship

Tauck's ms Sapphire glitters along the waters of the River Seine as it explores rural Etretat, Calvados country and the abbeys of Breuil-en-Auge, Normandy’s beaches, Honfleur, Rouen and Monet’s Giverny.

98guests
2,000gross tons
0cruises now

The 98-guest ms Sapphire from Tauck River Cruises.

At a glance

Sapphire is an intimate-size cruise ship operated by Tauck River Cruises, in service since 2008. It carries 98 guests and 36 crew (2.7 guests per crew member) at 2,000 gross tons. It ties with 3 other ships as the 5th largest of 9 Tauck River Cruises ships by guest capacity. It is rated 4.5 out of 5 by Cruiseable and 4 out of 5 by Cruise Critic.

Builder's plate

Specs

Cruiseable: 4.5 / 5
Cruise Critic: 4 / 5

Guests: 98
Crew: 36
Gross tons: 2,000
Decks: 4
Length: 361 ft
Beam: 37 ft
Maiden voyage: 2008
Refurbished: 2017
Space ratio: 2.7; Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew: 2.7
Horsepower: 2,130

Bliss scores

What Sapphire is best at

We have not scored this ship yet. Until we do, its cruises rank neutrally in the app's Bliss search.

Our review

Tauck's ms Sapphire: Explore France at a leisurely pace

The river cruise ship ms Sapphire from Tauck glitters along the waters of the River Seine as it explores France's from its rural villages to Normandy’s beaches and Monet’s Giverny.

As you cruise, the ship’s comfortable public spaces are ideal spots for socializing or simply relaxing as you glide past the remarkable scenery along Europe’s rivers — meeting your shipmates for a cocktail, kicking back in the Jacuzzi or chatting as you bask in the sun.

ms Sapphire has been redesigned to accommodate no more than 98 guests with an innovative deck plan featuring 14 300-square-foot Suites and 20 225-square-foot cabins. The ship also offers walk-in closets, marble baths with full-size tubs and two French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Who will enjoy sailing ms Sapphire?

Tauck's core riverboat audience is well-traveled and well-heeled, in the 55-plus age range, and many are repeat Tauck customers.

Where ms Sapphire sails

Tauck's Swiss Sapphire cruises the River Seine in France from magical Paris to Calvados country to Normandy’s beaches and Monet’s Giverny.

Read the full review

Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. Henrik Berger Jørgensen / Creative Commons BY ND

Dining

Dine on fine, freshly prepared cuisine with regional wines and beer included at lunch and dinner onboard, with attentive, friendly service — plus regional treats and tastings — as you enjoy great views of the passing scenery in the panoramic main dining room.

Open seating in dining room with flexible dining times
European-style dinner is a set menu with appetizer, soup and salad as well as four or five good entrée selections including a vegetarian option. Regional wines are served, as are soft drink, beer and juices.
Vegetarian meals available
Alternate dining venue Arthur's for lunch and dinner, as well as a lighter breakfasts in the morning
Al fresco dining on Sun Deck (weather permitting)
American breakfast room service available in Category 7 suites
Complimentary snacks served 10 am to midnight
Unlimited complimentary beverages including regional wine, beer and premium spirits in addition to specialty coffee, water and soft drinks

Amenities & activities

The onboard meals, wine and beer with dinner, entertainment and port charges are included in the fare.
Your ship is equipped with bicycles that you and your companions can use for independent exploration along the riverside, past lush vineyards, through a historic village or wherever your heart takes you.
Onboard entertainment includes enrichment lectures, piano music nightly, in-room movies, culinary demos, local entertainment and “themed” fun
Complimentary Internet
Fitness center
Massages available
Putting green on Sun Deck
24-hour Jacuzzi on Sun Deck

Cabin highlights

Some 70 percent of Emerald's cabins measure 225 square feet or larger and 14 lush 300-square-foot Tauck Suites. Some 85 percent have floor-to-ceiling windows with real Fren balconies that open on to a balcony in the fresh air. Bedding and amenities include:

400-thread-count satin bed linens
Puffy white duvets and pillows of very fine mako cotton with a hypoallergenic 90% down filling
100% cotton temperature-balancing blankets
In-room movies
Minibar
Adjustable heating and cooling
Molton Brown bath products
Terry cloth robes
Hair dryers
Two 110-volt and two 220-volt outlets included in every cabin for small electronics
Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks

Your take

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Interested in a cruise on this ship?

For pricing, itinerary information and to reserve your spot on Tauck's ms Sapphire, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant by email or by calling 1-877-322-3773.

SEE ALL MS SAPPHIRE SAILINGS

Photos

Inside and out

Destinations 4

The iconic Notre Dame Cathedral on Ile de la Cite in Paris.
A nice capture of the Arc de Triomphe (Arch of Triumph), at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, Paris.
Saint Severin in Paris, France.
View of the Seine in Paris with Notre Dame in the background.