Tauck, Scylla plan more riverboat newbuilds

**Ally** · 04-07-2008, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Tauck World Discovery, which just launched its new Swiss Sapphire in Belgium, plans to add one or two more European river vessels in the next couple years, said ceo Dan Mahar.

‘We want to be in France. We want to be in Russia,’ Mahar told reporters on board Swiss Sapphire. The new boat, which boosted Tauck’s European river capacity by 30%, is already ‘pretty sold out’ for the year, he said.

When Tauck expands, it will again partner with Basel-based Scylla Tours, the shipowner that has been customizing designs with Netherlands builder Hardinxveld Giessendam for 25 years.

Swiss Sapphire, which cost approximately $20m, operates exclusively for Tauck, as do sister vessel Swiss Emerald, built in 2006, and the 1996-built Swiss Diamond. As the tour operator adds newbuilds, the oldest vessel will be phased out, Mahar said.

Upscale tour operator Tauck provides an all-inclusive product with deluxe amenities and distinctive experiences such as private home visits and dinners in castles. By 2010, the company plans to expand its family program, ‘Bridges,’ to include river cruises.

Also, when it comes to ocean travel, Tauck works with a number of cruise lines and private yachts, and is the largest tour operator partner of Compagnie des Iles du Ponant. Mahar said his team has been heavily involved in developing the specifications for CIP’s two newbuilds at Fincantieri.

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