Tauck River Cruises christened their newest riverboat, ms Joy, in a ceremony in Straubing, Germany. This was the second new ship launched by Tauck in 2016.
Serving as the ship’s godmothers were three longtime Tauck employees, Jacque Moran, Mary Murrin, and Kristin Robinson. All three have been promoted to management positions within the company after joining Tauck as tour directors.
This new river ship will keep with the Tauck tradition of carrying fewer passengers and more crew members than other river cruise lines. Carrying just 130 passengers, ms Joy will not only have a cruise director, but will also have three professional Tauck Directors to care for the passengers.
The ship has twenty-two 300 square foot suites, the most suites of any riverboat in Europe. The vessel also has 225 square foot loft cabins that have a window that can be opened electronically for fresh air and for more natural light to fill the cabin.
A second dining venue, Arthur’s (named for company chairman Arthur Tauck Jr.) will serve as a more casual option for dinner. Compass Rose is the main dining room and offers the fine dining experience.
Other features of ms Joy are a massage studio, fitness room, hair salon, and the scenic Panorama Lounge that offers musical performances and other entertainment.
Following the conclusion of its inaugural cruise, the ms Joy will sail this year on Tauck itineraries along the Danube including “The Blue Danube,” “Musical Magic Along the Blue Danube,” and “Christmas Markets Along the Danube.” In 2017, the ms Joy will also host family groups as it sails on the eight-day Tauck Bridges itinerary, “Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure.”