A new cruise boat named Queen of the Great River and built for sightseeing tours on the Danshui River in northern Taiwan is ready for delivery to its owner, with a launch ceremony scheduled to take place in southern Taiwans Kaohsiung Harbor on March 21.

The 500-ton boat, built by San Yang Shipbuilding Co. and carrying a price tag of NT$150 million, will be turned over to the Great River Tourism Co., which will use the boat to operate cruise tours on the Danshui River.

Measuring 40.5 meters long and 10 meters wide, with a maximum designed speed of 12 knots, the boat can accommodate up to 300 passengers.

A spokeswoman for the company said that the boat will join the companys boat tour operations in early May.

She said that a two-hour boat ride will cost NT$1,500 per head on weekdays and NT$1,800 on holidays, and that a discount will be allowed for children and people over 65. The price will cover food and drinks consumed on the boat.

The spokeswoman also said the Sheraton Taipei Hotel has agreed to provide chefs to prepare food and delicacies for lunch and dinner during the boat tours. She added that in addition to lunch, afternoon tea and dinner cruises, there will be a narrated sightseeing tour every morning to let passengers understand the history and ecology of the river.