Tauck to launch small ship for European river cruises

NORWALK, Conn. -- The Tauck World Discovery tour company is offering a series of European river cruises this year aboard a new small luxury ship, the Swiss Sapphire, which launches later this month in the Netherlands.

The 361-foot ship will accommodate 118 guests. It features two hot tubs, a bar and lounge, restaurant and wellness center. Rooms include 14 luxury suites with marble tubs, and 45 outside-facing cabins and mini-suites.

The Sapphire will sail six different itineraries, alternating with a sister ship, the Swiss Emerald, which launched in 2006.

Itineraries include the Grand European Cruise, 24 days, from $8,090 per person plus air, which begins in Amsterdam and ends in Romania in the Black Sea, and Holland and Belgium in Spring, 10 days, from $3,290 per person, plus air.

Find details at www.tauck.com or call (800) 468-2825.