Tauck Christens New ms Andorinha Riverboat in Portugal

Shortly before embarking Tauck’s new ms Andorinha riverboat on Saturday for the ship’s first scheduled cruise along Portugal’s Douro River, the ship was christened with guests onboard.

Guests were traveling on Day 3 of the company’s 12-day “Exploring the Douro, plus Lisbon & Madrid” itinerary, and after an initial two-night hotel stays in Madrid, they were treated to being a part of the ceremony. Prior christenings of Tauck riverboats have typically been attended by company executives, local dignitaries, travel advisors, supplier-partners, and members of the media.

Serving as godmothers for the Andorinha were two long-time Tauck employees, company President Jennifer Tombaugh and Chief Culture Officer Sharyn Cannon.

In announcing their selection as godmothers last month, Mahar stated that “Jennifer and Sharyn are the embodiment of Tauck’s ethos of caring for others,” noting that “their deep care and concern for our guests, for our employees, and for our travel advisors and supplier-partners guides all that they do and how they do it.” Both Tombaugh and Cannon have been with Tauck for more than 20 years.

The Andorinha was purpose-built specifically for the Douro River, and its décor and design are inspired by the Douro Valley’s culture and climate. Recurring design themes on the Andorinha include traditional painted ceramic tiles, or azulejos, adorning areas throughout the ship, and decorative metalwork. The Andorinha’s reception area, for example, features an oversized, domed ceiling light entwined with brass “branches” custom-cast from actual grapevines.

The Andorinha’s Sun Deck has been designed and outfitted to serve as an ideal platform for savoring the Douro Valley’s passing landscapes. The Sun Deck features canopied Balinese day beds for comfortable, shaded lounging, plus an infinity-style pool that’s five times the size of the plunge pools featured on Tauck’s other riverboats. In addition, the Sun Deck features an outdoor grill to host casual barbecues along with a full-service bar to ensure that Tauck guests stay well hydrated.

The most notable feature on the Andorinha’s Sun Deck is a pop-up restaurant that rises from the stern of the ship on hydraulic lifts to become a fully functioning eatery with commanding views of the surrounding countryside.