According to experts, only 12% of all family businesses survive to the third generation. Of course, in order to beat the odds – as Tauck World Discovery has done very successfully – there first has to be a third generation. With this in mind, Tauck World Discovery and the Tauck family will honor the matriarch of the company’s third generation, Lee Tauck, when she serves as godmother to the new MS Swiss Sapphire luxury riverboat at its christening and inaugural cruise in April.
“In a very literal sense, Tauck World Discovery would not be the company it is today without my mom Lee. Her role as the mother to our company’s third generation is obvious,” said company President Robin Tauck. “She encouraged us all to consider a variety of careers both in and outside the family business, always respecting balance and breadth in our lives. For years, she supported my father Arthur in his demanding travels and hosted many private tours for Tauck groups at our family home from the 1960s to the 1980s. Today, she loves river cruising, and we’re delighted to recognize her in this very special way.”
Lee will be the guest of honor when she christens the new MS Swiss Sapphire in early April, and she’ll host a subsequent three-day VIP cruise on the ship in Belgium. The sister ship to Tauck’s MS Swiss Emerald launched in 2006, the 361-foot Swiss Sapphire will feature 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.
Lee Tauck is the mother of the five Tauck children who comprise the family-owned and operated business’ third generation. Each child has been involved in varying degrees with the company. Robin Tauck serves as company President, and her sister, Kiki Tauck-Mahar is married to Tauck CEO and Board Director Dan Mahar. Another sister, Liz Tauck Walters is a Board Director and manages the family-run Tauck Foundation. Lee’s two sons, Chuck and Peter Tauck, have held a number of positions within Tauck World Discovery. Both began as tour directors and rose through the executive ranks, and today Peter serves periodically as a consultant to the company.
