Three generations of Tauck family members, local dignitaries, travel agents and journalists gathered in Cologne, Germany, earlier for the christening of Tauck’s newest riverboat, the MS Treasures. 

The ship is the fourth new Tauck riverboat launched within the last five years.

Robin Tauck, the MS Treasures’ honorary godmother and the granddaughter of company founder Arthur Tauck, officially welcomed the ship into Tauck’s fleet during a traditional christening ceremony. 

With celebratory music provided by a local pipe and drum band, and with geysers of water sent skyward by a nearby fireboat, the assembled guests then boarded the Treasures for a cocktail reception, gala dinner, and three-night christening cruise along the Rhine.

“This christening marks a very special moment in the growth and evolution of our river cruising efforts,” said Tauck chief executive Dan Mahar. 

Club Atmosphere

As on its other riverboats, Tauck has created an intimate, club-like atmosphere aboard the Treasures by intentionally limiting its capacity to just 118 guests, compared to the typical capacity of 140 or more on other ships of similar size. 

The Treasures boasts 14 spacious, 300-square-foot suites, each equipped with walk-in closets and marble baths with full-size tubs. 

The ship also has seven junior suites and 38 cabins (183 and 150 square-feet, respectively), and all suites, junior suites and cabins feature new décor and bedding that Tauck has added fleet-wide for 2011.

Nonetheless, according to Mahar, ship design and onboard amenities are just part of what make Tauck river cruises so special.

“We take tremendous pride in our riverboats, and we honestly believe that we have the finest fleet on Europe’s rivers,” he concluded.