TRAVELCruise ship tours: Tauck's SavorThe MS Savor is the second of what will be four 130-guest Inspiration Class European river cruise ships owned by Connecticut-based Tauck Tours.Peter KnegoBuilt by the Vahali Shipyard at Belgrade, Serbia, the 2,600 gt MS Savor is 443-feet long by 36.9-feet wide and has a draft of 5 feet.Peter KnegoFollowing the identical MS Inspire by two months, the MS Savor was christened in June 2014 by Liz Tauck, daughter of Tauck Tours founder, Arthur Tauck. Two more of these ships, the MS Joy and MS Grace, are scheduled to join the fleet in 2016.Peter KnegoThe MS Savor (left) is an enlarged and enhanced version of Tauck’s prior Jewel Class of river cruise ships, which includes the 361-foot long MS Swiss Jewel (right).Peter KnegoTauck Tours offers a deluxe, all-inclusive river cruise experience that covers everything from airport transfers to shore excursions, tips, wine, beer and other liquors on board as well as special shoreside experiences.Peter KnegoGuests usually enter the ship, which boasts four passenger decks, via a circular opening framed with Tauck’s distinctive compass logo.Peter KnegoThe MS Savor operates on Danube River itineraries of varying lengths, calling at big cities and some intimate hamlets like Weissenkirchen, Austria.Peter KnegoThe forward portion of the top level, Sun Deck, features banks of seating that accommodates 34 guests.Peter KnegoOpen walkways continue aft past the wheelhouse on Sun Deck. All railings beyond this part of the ship can be collapsed to allow the MS Savor to navigate under low lying bridges.Peter KnegoThe MS Savor has a fleet of twelve free-of-charge bicycles which are available for guests to check out in various ports.Peter KnegoDirectly aft of the bridge on Sun Deck, there is a seating area that is sheltered from the wind on three sides.Peter KnegoWalking paths surround an abundance of open sunning space on Sun Deck.Peter KnegoIn addition to sunning space, there is also plenty of shaded seating on Sun Deck.Peter KnegoThere is a four hole putting green near the aft end of Sun Deck.Peter KnegoThe MS Savor has a whirlpool on aft Sun Deck.Peter KnegoThe forward portion of the next level, Diamond Deck, has a sheltered observation area with seating for 26 guests.Peter KnegoThe aft portion of Diamond Deck has a terrace overlooking the ship’s wake.Peter KnegoOpen for visits once per cruise, the MS Savor’s wheelhouse can be recessed into the deck below to clear low bridges.Peter KnegoLocated on forward Diamond Deck, the Bar is fronted by an arc of floor-to-ceiling windows that offer great river views.Peter KnegoThis is an aft-facing view of the Bar area.Peter KnegoThe Bar serves complimentary wine, beer and other liquor as well as specialty coffees, teas and even smoothies.Peter KnegoDirectly aft of the Bar, the 142-seat Panorama Lounge has clusters of comfortable seating, a dance floor and a piano.Peter KnegoThis is the aft corner of the Panorama Lounge.Peter KnegoEntertainment in the Panorama Lounge ranges from afternoon enrichment lectures to a pianist and performances by local artists in the evening.Peter KnegoThe reception lobby is directly aft of the Panorama Lounge. The information and reception desk is on the starboard side.Peter KnegoOn the port side of the reception lobby, there is a shore excursions desk and boutique.Peter KnegoThe boutique offers souvenirs, sundries and apparel.Peter KnegoThe aft portion of the reception lobby houses the elevator and stairs that access Ruby and Emerald Decks.Peter KnegoNamed for Tauck Tours’ founder, Arthur Tauck, Arthur’s is a 38-seat multi-purpose lounge located on aft Diamond Deck.Peter KnegoArthur’s is also a casual buffet style eatery and self-service 24-hour coffee and tea venue.Peter KnegoIn the morning, Arthur’s is a convenient go-to for a quick, continental style breakfast.Peter KnegoArthur’s has a machine that dispenses specialty coffees. In addition, hot tea, ice water and iced tea are always available, along with freshly baked cookies.Peter KnegoAt night, Arthur’s becomes a 32-seat, reservations-required, complimentary, casual steakhouse-style venue with a fixed menu. This is the surf and turf entrée (fillet mignon and jumbo shrimp).Peter KnegoA small library is located on port Diamond Deck near the reception lobby.Peter KnegoThe 146-seat Compass Rose Dining Room is located on forward Ruby Deck.Peter KnegoThe Compass Rose has booth seating surrounding the buffet area and window-adjacent tables.Peter KnegoCompass Rose table settings include elegant chargers, fine linens and Riedel stemware.Peter KnegoAt the aft/starboard end of the Compass Rose, there is a large wine cellar.Peter KnegoBreakfast in the Compass Rose includes a large buffet with cold cuts, fresh fruit, yogurt, freshly baked breads and cereals. There is also a menu with omelets, eggs and specialties like waffles and pancakes.Peter KnegoA “healthy corner” in the breakfast buffet features fresh juices, smoothies, yogurt drinks and Greek yogurt “parfaits”.Peter KnegoAt lunch, there is a menu with daily selections and a buffet with a salad bar, cold cuts, vegetables and warm entrées.Peter KnegoFull service dinners include a selection of first choices (starters), soups, entrées (such as lamb chops) and desserts.Peter KnegoThere is a small lobby at the base of the stairs on the lowest level, Emerald Deck.Peter KnegoThe Spa is at the forward end of Emerald Deck and includes a treatment room with a menu of massage and skin therapies at varying prices.Peter KnegoA relaxation area provides access to a steam room and sauna.Peter KnegoThis is the sauna.Peter KnegoAnd here is the steam room.Peter KnegoThe beauty salon is on the port side of Emerald Deck.Peter KnegoA small gym is across from the beauty salon on Emerald Deck and contains two treadmills, two stationary bikes, and a selection of barbells.Peter KnegoWide central passageways access the accommodation on Diamond, Ruby and Emerald Decks.Peter KnegoTwenty two Category 7 suites on Diamond Deck top the passenger accommodation tier and measure 300-square-feet. These staterooms have two French balconies with sliding glass doors.Peter KnegoCategory 7 suites have a pillow top queen sized or two twin beds, padded headboards, a pullout sleeping couch and a 32 inch LED TV.Peter KnegoCategory 7 suites also have a large walk-in closet with built-in shelves and a safe.Peter KnegoCategory 7 suite bathrooms have a large sink, plenty of storage space and a shower with rainfall or standard shower head options.Peter KnegoTauck provides Molton Brown amenities in all staterooms, including soap, shampoo, shower gel, moisturizer and a vanity kit with cotton swabs and pads.Peter KnegoAll staterooms have their own Nespresso coffee makers with a selection of coffees, sugar and cream.Peter KnegoAll staterooms also have a refrigerated mini-bar with complimentary bottled water and soft drinks that are replenished daily.Peter KnegoVox headsets are also provided in all staterooms for use on shore excursions, allowing guests to wander as they please but still be able to hear their guide’s commentary.Peter KnegoSixteen category 6 staterooms are located on Ruby Deck, measuring 225-square-feet, featuring a floor-to-ceiling window and a separate French balcony.Peter KnegoThis category 6 cabin is configured with a queen-sized bed. These rooms feature a 32 inch LED TV and plenty of storage space as well as a wooden table with two chairs.Peter KnegoThis is a category 6 cabin with twin bed configuration.Peter KnegoCategory 6 bathrooms have a large sink, shower with rainfall and standard shower heads and plenty of storage space.Peter KnegoEight innovative, 225-square-foot category 3 “loft” cabins are located on the Emerald Deck and feature an elevated sitting area with a window that opens at the top.Peter Knego“Loft” cabins feature queen-sized beds, a 32 inch LED TV, and plenty of storage space.Peter KnegoThis is the closet area of a “loft” cabin.Peter KnegoThis is a “loft” cabin bathroom.Peter KnegoEight 225-square-foot category 5 staterooms are located on Ruby Deck, measure 225-square-feet and feature an entryway with a closet.Peter KnegoCategory 5 staterooms have a bedroom area and sitting area that are separated by a credenza and feature a floor-to-ceiling French balcony.Peter KnegoThis is the bathroom of a category 5 stateroom.Peter KnegoTwo category 4 cabins measure 190-square-feet and feature a floor-to-ceiling French balcony and a small sitting area with two chairs and a glass table.Peter KnegoThis is another view of a category 4 stateroom showing the closet and entry areas.Peter KnegoCategory 4 cabin bathrooms have triangular shower compartments.Peter KnegoThree category 2 staterooms are located on Ruby Deck and measure 190-square feet.Peter KnegoThis is the bathroom of a category 2 stateroom.Peter KnegoLocated on Emerald Deck, six 150-square-foot category 1 staterooms are the most economical on the ship and feature fixed windows.Peter KnegoThis is a bathroom in a category 1 stateroom.Peter Knego