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| Photo by Freeimages.com/Andreihorn |
From more new ships to new active itineraries, it’s been another big week for river cruises in the cruise industry.
Tauck held a christening ceremony for its newest ship, the Joy, in Straubing, Germany. Three longtime Tauck employees — Jacque Moran, Mary Murrin and Kristin Robinson — served as godmothers to the new 130 passenger vessel, which will sail with 22 300 square foot suites with two French balconies, plus additional cabins ranging from 150 to 225 square feet.
The ship will also debut with a second, more casual dining venue, Arthur’s, as well as a Panorama Lounge for live performances, an open-air Sun Deck with a putting green, and a plunge pool. The ship will sail on the Danube River in 2016, and in 2017, it will host the family-friendly Tauck Bridges itinerary, “Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure.”
In other new ship news, Crystal River Cruises named Elisabeth Gürtler as the godmother of its first ship, the Crystal Mozart. Gürtler is the managing director of a famous Vienna hotel, the Hotel Sacher.
Crystal Mozart will be christened in a ceremony in Vienna on July 11, before setting sail on its inaugural voyage roundtrip from that city July 13.
Looking ahead, in 2017 AmaWaterways and Backroads will be building on their partnership with an expanded lineup of active cruise departures.
In 2017 guests will be able to enjoy a new walking tour on the Douro visiting both Portugal and western Spain, as well as more than 100 sailings with the chance to go biking, walking and hiking during a cruise. Active itineraries offer travelers a Backroads trip leader, custom titanium or electric bikes and support vans.
Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for the latest cruise industry news, trends and research.