Tauck's European river ship the MS Swiss Sapphire was officially named at the Antwerp Cruise Terminal in Antwerp, Belgium in early April 2008. Tauck family members, Tauck World Discovery executives, travel agents, local dignitaries, journalists and other special guests gathered for the official christening of the Swiss Sapphire, which came just two years after the launch of its sister-ship, Tauck's MS Swiss Emerald.

The Swiss Sapphire was christened by Lee Tauck, godmother to the ship and matriarch to the third generation of the Tauck family to lead Tauck World Discovery, an 83-year-old luxury tour, cruise and safari operator. The April 3rd christening ceremony included speeches by Tauck executives and city officials, performances by a local musical ensemble, and fireboats firing cannons and spraying towering geysers of water skyward in celebration. Following the ceremonies, the Sapphire and its guests set sail on a three-day luxury cruise along the Albert Canal.

Swiss Sapphire Photo Courtesy of Tauck World Discovery

The Swiss Sapphire was constructed in Hardinxveld Giessendam in the Netherlands, and it will alternate with the Swiss Emerald on six different European river cruise itineraries. Travelers can sail aboard the Swiss Sapphire on "Budapest to the Black Sea" (from $3,090), "Budapest to Amsterdam" (from $4,990), "The Black Sea to Prague" (from $7,290), "The Blue Danube" (from $2,690), or "Holland & Belgium In Spring" (from $2,840). Those looking for a true getaway can sail aboard the Sapphire on Tauck's "Grand European Cruise," a 24-day cruise traversing the entire European continent (from $8,090). Pricing includes all taxes, most meals, all shore excursions, all gratuities, wine with onboard dinners, admission to attractions, entertainment, and more. All-inclusive itineraries are priced seasonally and prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and do not include airfare.

The 361-foot Swiss Sapphire accommodates a maximum of just 118 guests, compared to 150 or more on other similarly sized vessels. Like its equally luxurious sister-ship, the MS Swiss Emerald, the Swiss Sapphire will boast 14 luxury suites with 300 square-feet of living space, full-sized marble tubs, walk-in closets and floor-to-ceiling windows. Passengers will also be accommodated in 45 additional outside-facing cabins and mini-suites from 150 to 183 square-feet. All cabins will be finely appointed with plasma TV, mini-bar, radio, safe, individual air conditioning and L'Occitane toiletries. The ship also features a 24-hour Jacuzzi, sun deck, steam room, Lido bar, lounge, restaurant and wellness center. Tech-savvy passengers can stay connected at the Internet Station in the Lido Bar, or via Wi-Fi throughout the ship. Along with a ship's crew of 29, the Sapphire also has an onboard staff of three Tauck Directors and one Tauck Cruise Director to ensure superior service and attention to guests' needs.

For discounted rates on Swiss Sapphire and Tauck's river cruises can visit their local travel professional, call 1-800-640-4899