By
Rebecca Gibson |
Connecticut-based company Tauck River Cruises has experienced a 137 per cent increase in the number of passengers booking its French river cruises since it debuted on the Rhone in 2011.
Tauck has also recorded a 650 per cent increase in pre-season bookings compared to this time last year.
Over the past three years, the company has introduced new French itineraries and is set to offer seven different cruises for its 2014 operating season, including three speciality cruises.
Swiss Sapphire is to sail two new itineraries on the Seine next year, doubling the number of ships Tauck deploys in France. The 14-day ‘Cruising the Seine Plus Versailles, Paris and London’ will begin with a two-night stay at London’s Savoy hotel, a nine-day cruise along the Seine on Swiss Saphire, a three-night stay in Paris and a two-night stay in Versailles at the Trianon Palace Versailles.
Passengers on the line’s ‘Rendezvous on the Seine’ ten-day itinerary can enjoy an inclusive two-night stay in Paris at the Hotel Pullman and a subsequent seven-day cruise on the Seine calling at Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, Giverney, Vernon, Les Andelys and Rouen.
The newly refurbished Swiss Emerald, which is one of Tauck’s four Jewel-class vessels, will continue to sail on the Rhone and the Saône.
Tauck is also set to launch two Inspiration-class riverboats next year. At 443 ft in length, Savor and Inspire will feature 67 staterooms, 32 of which will be 300 sqft suites located on the ships’ Diamond Decks. The ships will also have 22 cabins of 225 sqft and 13 cabins measuring 150 to 190 sqft. Eight of the 22 cabins will be located on the Emerald deck and feature an innovative ‘loft’ design with a raised platform seating area.
The Inspiration Class vessels will also offer expanded public areas, including a dining room accommodating all guests in one sitting and a casual dining venue with a retractable glass wall. Each vessel will feature a cocktail lounge, fitness centre, spa, hair salon and a sun deck with a jacuzzi.