Tauck to expand fleet in 2014

Tauck has announced that it will welcome two new builds into its fleet of European riverboats next year, bringing the total number of Tauck ships on Europe’s rivers to six. According to company officials, the new vessels are slated to launch in March and June of 2014. In addition Tauck will launch four new river cruise itineraries in Europe next year. “Demand for our river cruises continues to grow, and our guests and travel agents love the onboard and onshore experiences Tauck provides,”explained company CEO Dan Mahar. “We’re excited to be expanding our portfolio, and adding more capacity and more choice to travellers who are eager to experience our unique offerings.”Mahar revealed that the two ships are being custom-built for Tauck, and will represent an evolution of its fleet. “The new ships will have features and amenities not found on our existing vessels, but they’ll also retain key elements and the same overall philosophy that have contributed so significantly to our success,”said Mahar. In particular, and like Tauck’s current ships, the new builds will accommodate far fewer guests than similarly sized vessels in other lines. “By limiting passenger capacity we’re able to offer a much higher percentage of suites, and provide the same intimate, club-like atmosphere our river cruise customers have come to enjoy with Tauck,”he said. Likewise, and in keeping with Tauck’s existing ships, the new builds will have a high “guide-to-guest”ratio to ensure superior service. Tauck currently offers 14 all-inclusive river voyages throughout Europe on four ships – the Swiss Emerald, Swiss Sapphire, Swiss Jewel, and Swiss Treasures. Itineraries range from eight to 24 days, with more than 100 departures annually on the Rhine, Danube, Main, Rhone, Saone and Moselle rivers.