birder

Chris, Just happened to see your post about the Inspire. Dont know what you have decided and if my answers will be of any help. We have completed 4 Tauck river cruises including one on the Inspire. Tauck ships are almost identical so I think I can answer your questions. 1. When you go to meals in the Compass Rose, there is someone who will lead you to a table. If you request a table for two they will make it happen. However, people will often ask if they can join you. You can handle that as you see fit. Tauck does tend to encourage socializing but since Covid they have backed off on that, especially at meals. 2. We have never heard hallway noise from any of our cabins on any of the ships so I cannot imagine you would hear Arthurs. . Arthur's is a small room and it never seemed busy when we passed through. If your cabin on the the Ruby deck you have a flight of steps to get to Arthurs so you would not be on that level. 3. We have never been on Silversea but the food on our Tauck ships was excellent with lots of interesting choices at all three meals. They tend to create menus that go with the regions where we are traveling. Dinner is always an exceptionally nice experience. 4. We were on the Espirit last year and I dont recall any wear and tear. The ships are well taken care of. Hope this helps.