Since the 1992 opening of the Main-Danube Canal linking the Rhine and Danube rivers, river cruising has surged to the forefront of the escorted European travel industry. The new canal created more than 2,000 miles of unobstructed waterways flowing through 15 countries, opening the continent to river travel.
River cruising is now enjoying tremendous popularity among Americans seeking a unique and different way to explore Europe, and is now the fastest-growing segment for Tauck World Discovery. And in April of this year, the family-owned tour operator launched a new luxurious river boat, expanding their foothold in the industry.
TravelAge West was lucky to be onboard for a special VIP cruise to Maastricht, Netherlands, the christening ceremony, where family matriarch Lee Tauck was named the godmother of the new river boat.
Built in Hardinxveld Giessendam, Netherlands, the MS Swiss Sapphire was developed for luxury clientele. The spacious, 361-foot riverboat has space for only 118 guests. Passengers can choose from 14 suites or 45 outside-facing staterooms offering a generous amount of living space. The roomy 300-square-foot suites are appointed with a desk, sitting area, floor-to-ceiling windows, a walk-in closet and a marble bath complete with a full-size tub, as well as a plasma television, mini-bar, terry-cloth robes, L’Occitane toiletries and more. Ranging in size between 150 to 183 square feet, the 45 outside-facing staterooms come with similar amenities.
As guests board the boat via the Diamond Deck, they are met with an information desk and a shore excursions desk. Three Tauck directors are onboard offering assistance, as well as 29 crew members. In the main entryway, passengers will also find a gift shop offering a collection of jewelry, gifts and accessories.
Onboard, guests may find they spend much of their time in the Panorama lounge. Located on the Diamond Deck, the lounge offers a full bar, beautiful views through floor-to-ceiling windows, patio access and piano music in the evening.
Another evening hangout is the teak-lined Lido Bar on the aft deck, which offers cocktails, snacks and a 180-degree view through a sliding glass wall that opens to enlarge the space, transforming it into a deck area. During the day, the Lido Bar also serves coffee, tea, cappuccino, soft drinks and snacks. And while they are there, clients can visit the Internet Corner to access the Internet or check e-mail.
Downstairs on the Ruby Deck, the spacious dining room features open seating for guests, with tables that offer seating for either four or six. A buffet is available for breakfast, and dinner is served from a menu appealing to a broad range of tastes and featuring local flavors. Wine is included with dinner, and vegetarian meals are also available. On our voyage, the food was tasty and featured local Belgian cuisine — notably the Death by Chocolate dessert.
On the topside sun deck, guests will find rows of deck chairs and a Jacuzzi from which to view the passing scenery, an ideal spot for lounging during the warm summer months.
Along with sister ship the MS Swiss Emerald, the Swiss Sapphire will sail Tauck’s new Prague to the Black Sea itinerary, which combines two popular Tauck itineraries, the Blue Danube and Budapest to the Black Sea. The tour begins with a three-day stay in Prague. The 14-day river journey begins in Regensburg, Germany, and highlights villages in Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania and concludes with a two-night stay in Bucharest. Prices for 2008 start at $7,290, plus air.
In addition to the new itinerary, the Swiss Sapphire and Swiss Emerald alternate on five other European river cruises.
If there is still time in your clients’ travel schedules, book them on a river cruise. Rates, negotiated last year, are based on 2007 pricing, so the slumping dollar will still get them extra bang for their buck.
Shortly after the launch of the Swiss Sapphire, Tauck announced that a new riverboat will join their fleet in April 2009. The vessel will be the third company-branded riverboat launched in three years.
JUST THE FACTS
Year Built: 2008
Registry: Swiss
Length: 361 ft.
Width: 37 ft.
Draft: 4 ft.
Number of Guests: 118
Crew Members: 29
Crew Nationality: European
Number of Decks: 3, including a sun deck
Plugging In: Wi-Fi throughout the ship
The Swiss Sapphire is fully air-conditioned and offers elevator access between the Ruby and Diamond decks.
www.tauck.com
