Tauck letting the public help build its new boat
Soon after the launch of its new MS Swiss Sapphire luxury riverboat, Tauck World Discovery has announced that construction has begun on another new vessel.
The as-yet unnamed ship, which will begin operations in the spring of 2009, will be the third new Tauck-branded luxury riverboat launched in three years.
Although Tauck has confirmed that the ship is now being constructed in the Netherlands, it is not providing specific details about some of the ship’s key features or amenities. The reason: they will not be determined until later this year.
“We really try to let feedback from our guests drive what we offer on our riverboats,†explained Tauck CEO Dan Mahar. He added:
“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.â€
According to Mr Mahar, the company has already adapted its existing ships in response to guests’ suggestions.
“We’ve added bistro dining on both the MS Swiss Sapphire and MS Swiss Emerald, so our guests can enjoy lighter fare in a more casual atmosphere, as an alternative to the main restaurant,†said Mr Mahar.
He said that Tauck is the only river cruise operator with a choice of onboard dining options.
Mr Mahar also said that the 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,†he said, “and the best way to satisfy our guests’ evolving tastes is to solicit their input and incorporate it into what we do.†Guests on Tauck river cruises complete a detailed feedback form near the conclusion of each voyage.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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