Tauck Launches New Luxury Ship, Marking Expanded Presence In European River Cruising

 

NORWALK, CT (March 28, 2006)  After explosive growth that saw its European river cruise business more than quadruple last year, Tauck World Discovery is responding to continued overwhelming consumer demand by expanding its river cruising portfolio.  The Connecticut-based company is launching an all-new, Tauck-branded luxury vessel, adding a new itinerary along the Lower Danube, and boosting its river cruising departures in Europe by 87% for 2006.

 

The new ship is the MS Swiss Emerald, which was officially launched in February at Hardinxveld shipyard in the Netherlands.  The 361-foot luxury vessel will be used exclusively by Tauck, and carries a maximum of 116 guests who will enjoy the care and personal attention provided by three Tauck Directors and a Tauck Cruise Director. 

 

Tauck President/CEO Robin Tauck, who traveled to the Netherlands for the Swiss Emerald’s maiden voyage earlier this month, is thrilled with the new ship.  “The Swiss Emerald is breathtaking – she’s simply beautiful,” said Tauck.  “The craftspeople who built her have used the finest materials throughout, and the interior décor is dazzling.  We also worked closely with the ship’s designers to ensure the deck plans were roomy and spacious,” said Tauck.  “We intentionally limited the ship’s capacity to 116 guests, when other similar size vessels routinely accommodate 170 passengers or more.” 

 

The launch of the Swiss Emerald is the culmination of a four-year project by Tauck, and the new ship includes amenities ranging from wireless internet access to a sauna, steam room, spa and 24-hour Jacuzzi.  The ship is highlighted by an open, airy design with bountiful natural light, and it’s tastefully decorated in teak, marble, brass, wrought iron and glass.  The Swiss Emerald’s distinctive Lido bar features180-degree glass wall that fully retracts for access to the aft deck, creating a unique, relaxing, “indoor/outdoor” environment that is the perfect setting for a late afternoon or evening cocktail. 

 

The Swiss Emerald boasts 14 elegant luxury suites, each with 300 square-feet of living space, floor-to-ceiling windows for optimal scenery viewing, hotel-style beds, marble bath with full tub, walk-in closets, flat-screen television/DVD, mini-bar and more.  The ship’s seven mini-suites and 37 staterooms are equally refined with similar décor, hotel-style beds, plasma televisions, plush terrycloth robes, slippers, and Escada toiletries. 

 

The Swiss Emerald will be featured on selected departures of three of Tauck’s European river cruises, “Budapest to Amsterdam By Riverboat,” (15 days, from $4,890), “The Blue Danube,” (12 days, from $3,890), and “Brussels to Amsterdam at Tulip Time” (10 days, from $3,240).  A fourth Tauck river journey, “Budapest To The Black Sea” is new 2006, and will feature the MS Switzerland II and the MS Swiss Diamond.

 

The new “Budapest To The Black Sea” itinerary (12 days, from $3,840) features a relaxing seven-night cruise on the lower Danube, with in-depth visits to cities, towns and villages in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.  The trip also includes an included two-night pre-stay in Budapest at the five-star Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, plus an included two night post-stay in Bucharest at the five-star Athenee Palace Hilton. 

 

Like all of Tauck river journeys, “Budapest To The Black Sea” has virtually everything included in the price.  In fact, no options at all are sold on any of Tauck’s river cruising trips, and each journey includes all shore excursions (with a choice of sightseeing options in many cities), all gratuities, all transfers, all onboard lectures and entertainment, and even wine with dinners.

 

Tauck’s river cruises have also won high marks for their unique, “off-the-beaten-track” experiences, including intimate, exclusive concerts and dinners at privately-owned castles, palaces and chateaus.  Another distinctive element of Tauck’s river itineraries are the many meals that guests enjoy ashore, eliminating the need to rush back to the ship for lunch or dinner each day.  Meals that are served on board include dishes reflecting regional cuisines, with dinners being complemented by locally produced wines.

 

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