Tauck World Discovery has revealed that its newest riverboat, currently under construction and set to debut next April, will be called the MS Swiss Jewel.  The ship will be Tauck’s third all-new riverboat in a three-year span when it’s launched, joining its sister-ships the MS Swiss Sapphire (launched April, 2008) and the MS Swiss Emerald (launched April, 2006).

“We’re very excited to be boosting our European river cruising capacity once again,” said Tauck CEO Dan Mahar.  “Our existing fleet is widely considered to represent the finest riverboats afloat, and the Swiss Jewel will reflect the same very high Tauck standards that have helped the Swiss Emerald and Swiss Sapphire become so highly regarded.”

Tauck’s MS Swiss Sapphire was launched earlier this year in Antwerp to widespread acclaim.  “Every aspect of a Sapphire cruise upholds the impeccable standards that have distinguished the company on land for so many years,” concluded one journalist who traveled aboard the Sapphire.  The senior vice president at one of the nation’s leading travel agencies concurred, hailing the Sapphire as “the most deluxe product out there today within river cruising.”

BOOSTING DEPARTURES BY 25%

River cruising has been the fastest-growing segment of Tauck’s business for the past several years, and its 2008 departures were over 70% sold-out by late last fall.  The construction of the Swiss Jewel will help satisfy the high demand for Tauck’s river cruises, and the company is also increasing its river departures by 25% for 2009.  The company’s line-up of seven river cruise itineraries, departure dates, vessels, pricing and more are all highlighted in its new full-color, 52-page, 2009 river cruising brochure that is currently mailing to travel agents and Tauck customers.

The new Swiss Jewel will alternate with Tauck’s other vessels on five of the company’s seven river cruise itineraries next year.  Construction of the Swiss Jewel was announced earlier this year by Tauck.  Few of the ship’s actual details were disclosed, as Tauck is actively soliciting guest feedback throughout the 2008 operating season, and plans to incorporate that feedback into the final outfitting of the ship during the fall and winter.

For more information, visit your local travel professional, contact Tauck at 1 800 468 2825, or go to www.tauck.com.