Just a month after the launch of its new Swiss Sapphire riverboat, Tauck World Discovery has announced that construction has begun on another new vessel, not yet named. The new member of the fleet, which will begin operations in the spring of 2009, will be the third new Tauck-branded luxury riverboat launched in three years.
No specific details have been released on the ship, which is being built in the Netherlands, since some features are still under discussion.
“We really try to let feedback from our guests drive what we offer on our riverboats,” explained Tauck chief executive officer Dan Mahar. “We won’t make any final decisions about some of the features on this newest ship until the fall in order to take advantage of guest feedback we’ll be gathering over the course of the 2008 operating season.”
However, Mahar has said that the new build will have a total of 21 suites and junior suites, similar to the Swiss Sapphire and Swiss Emerald. “That’s more than four times the number of suites found on most other riverboats,” he added. “We’ll also again limit capacity to just 118 guests, compared to 150 or more on other ships of comparable size. Like the Sapphire and Emerald, the new ship will have spacious common areas and roomier cabins for a more open and relaxed atmosphere.”
Although the overall size and shape of riverboats is limited by their sailing grounds and attendant locks and bridges, the allocation of space within the hull allows each company to put its particular brand on the product. Tauck has already adapted its existing ships in response to guests’ suggestions, adding alternative bistro dining on the Sapphire and Emerald. Mahar said Swiss Sapphire’s design was modified mid-construction after the company learned that guests would prefer an exercise room and massage studio to the facilities originally planned for the space.
“River cruising is still evolving,” said Mahar, “and the best way to satisfy our guests’ evolving tastes is to solicit their input and incorporate it into what we do.”
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