Tauck Announces Name Of New Riverboat

New MS Swiss Sapphire To Debut On Europe’s Rivers In 2008

NORWALK, CT (June 11, 2007) Tauck World Discovery has announced the name of its new luxury riverboat that will begin service next spring in Europe. The new ship will be called the MS Swiss Sapphire, and it will serve as the sister-ship to Tauck’s MS Swiss Emerald launched last year.

According to Tauck’s president, Robin Tauck, the name perfectly captures the essence of the new build. “Sapphires are dazzling, and this new ship will be as well,” said Tauck. “The ‘Sapphire’ name reflects the elegance and sophistication that will characterize the ship, and ‘Swiss’ speaks nicely to its European heritage.” The name also follows the convention of the other ships in Tauck’s riverboat fleet, the MS Swiss Emerald and MS Swiss Diamond. All three ships are Swiss registry.

Construction of the Swiss Sapphire is proceeding on-schedule in the Netherlands, said Tauck, and the hull is scheduled to be launched and transported for additional construction and final outfitting beginning in late August. The 361-foot ship will have two hot tubs, a bar and lounge, restaurant and wellness center. A maximum of just 118 guests will be accommodated in 59 outside-facing staterooms, including 14 luxury suites with 300 square-feet of living space highlighted by floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in closets and marble baths featuring full size tubs. All cabins will have a plasma TV, mini-bar, radio, safe, individual air conditioning and L’Occitane toiletries.

River cruising has been among the fastest growing segments of Tauck’s diverse portfolio of travel experiences, which totals approximately 100 land and water-based itineraries in over 60 countries worldwide. Sales of Tauck’s river cruising trips have grown by more than 50% in the past two years. Tauck currently operates five river cruising itineraries in Europe, including a 24-day, transcontinental “Grand European Cruise” from Amsterdam to the Black Sea (from $7,530 plus air). Tauck also has three additional programs in China and Egypt that each include a three-night river cruise component.

For more information, call 1 800 468 2825 or visit www.tauck.com.