There are a few new happenings at Tauck when it comes to its river cruising product.
For starters, its newest riverboat, the ms Savor, was christened in June, and in April, the ms Inspire was launched, boosting the company’s capacity for European river cruising up by 55 percent. Together, these two ships make up Tauck’s new Inspiration Class ships, joining Tauck’s four existing Jewel Class ships. The Inspiration Class, as well as the Jewel Class vessels, carry fewer passengers, but have more service staff. In comparison to other lines, the 443-ft.-long Inspiration Class ships carry 130 guests, while other lines of the same size carry 190 guests. Tauck also staffs each vessel with a Cruise Director and three professional Tauck Directors to service the 130 guests. Fewer guests means a more intimate, club-like atmosphere and amenities like an additional, more casual, onboard dining venue; as well as eight 225-sq.-ft. loft cabins on each ship’s lower deck with a raised platform seating area.
The Inspiration Class ships have twenty-two 300-sq.-ft. suites with two French balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, a pull-out couch, walk-in closets, and a bathroom with a rain shower. The newbuilds also have thirty-two 225-sq.-ft. cabins, and an additional 13 cabins ranging from 150- to 190-sq.-ft.; four of the 150-sq.-ft. cabins are set aside for solo travelers. All suites and cabins feature in-room movies, mini-bar, and individual heating and cooling controls.
The ms Savor will sail on two Tauck itineraries in 2014: the 12-day Blue Danube 12-day starting at $4,790 pp plus airfare, and the 10-day Danube Reflections starting at $4,590 pp plus airfare. Both itineraries are fully inclusive with all shore excursions, onboard spirits, wine and beer, entertainment, airport transfers and more included.
In addition to the two new ships, Tauck is also adding four new river cruise itineraries including its first sailing on the River Seine in France. Two more river cruise itineraries will launch in 2015—the 23-day Belle Epoch: London to Monte-Carlo sailing on the Seine, Saone, and Rhone rivers, and the 8-day Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure, designed specifically for families.
For more information, call (800) 468-2825 or visit tauck.com.
