Tauck Christens New Joy Riverboat in Germany
Tauck family members, officials and special invited guests recently gathered in Straubing, Germany, the new Joy was officially welcomed into Tauck’s fleet of European riverboats.
The christening ceremony along the Danube River marked the launch of Tauck’s second new ship this year, following the christening of Grace in April.
Serving as godmothers for Joy were three longtime Tauck employees, Jacque Moran, Mary Murrin and Kristin Robinson.
According to officials, like the other ships in Tauck’s fleet, Joy will carry far fewer passengers, 130 guests, – yet will have far more service staff – than ships of the same size operated by other river cruise lines. Joy will also feature a Tauck cruise director and three professional Tauck directors.
The 135-metre Joy will feature 22 300-sq.-ft. Suites. Each is furnished with two French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows, a pull-out couch, walk-in closet, and spacious marble bathroom. Along with the suites, Joy has 32 225-sq.-ft. cabins, plus an additional 13 cabins ranging from 150 to 190 sq. ft. All suites and cabins feature in-room movies, minibar, luxury toiletries, and plush bedding with 100% goose down pillows, 400-thread-count linens and pillow-top mattresses.
Also featured on Joy is a second dining venue, Arthur’s (named for company chairman Arthur Tauck Jr.) which serves as a more casual option to the fine dining in the ship’s main Compass Rose dining room. In addition, the ship features a scenic Panorama Lounge offering musical performances and other entertainment, a fitness room, massage studio and hair salon, and an open-air Sun Deck with a putting green, plunge pool and generous seating.
This year, Joy will sail on Tauck itineraries along the Danube including “The Blue Danube,” “Musical Magic Along the Blue Danube,” and “Christmas Markets Along the Danube.” In 2017, Joy will also host family groups as it sails on the eight-day Tauck Bridges itinerary, “Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure.”
