Headlines were made on Thursday as Taiwans largest restaurant riverboat set out on its maiden voyage. The vessel, called the “Great River Queen”, is a luxury boat built at a cost of NT$150 million. It will ply a set route with stops along the Danshui River, combining five-star restaurant service and food and great music groups to create a new leisure activity for Taiwan: river cruising. The boat is slated to go into commercial operations at the end of the month.
Mayor Hau Lung-pin, former Taipei mayor Ma Ying-jeou, and a number of legislators and city councilpersons were on hand on Thursday evening at the Guandu Dock to attend the ceremony marking the vessels maiden voyage, and to enjoy a two-hour "New Danshui River" experience.

Ma said, “I’ve waited a long time for this!” He had planned to take district chiefs from the city of Taipei on a cruise on the boat last year before leaving office, but delays in construction nixed the plan. On Thursday, however, Mas moment had finally arrived. He said that seeing the boat reminded him of tales of the Mississippi in Mark Twains Tom Sawyer.

Most of the boats plying the "blue highway" of riverways in Taipei are tourist or commuter boats. The "Queen" will offer both top-notch food and beverage services at the level of a five-star hotel, serving lunches, dinners and afternoon tea. A starlight cruise at 10 p.m. also offers light refreshments and alcoholic beverages. The whole thing is just as though a top restaurant had been set afloat. The boat has three levels, with levels one and two below decks and the top level fitted out as an observation deck.

After the grand ceremony on Thursday, the "Queen" headed off toward Shezi Island, then rounded the turn to put in at the Danshui Fishermens Wharf. Although the wind was up on the river in the evening, the boat is large and the ride was rock-stable.

The "Queen" will ply a route starting at the Guandu Dock, and running along the Guandu Bird Sanctuary area and Hongshulin Ecological Preserve, and then head toward Danshui Fishermans Wharf. The boat will not put in there, however, but rather turn immediately and circle Shezi Island before returning to Guandu. The cruise covers a total of 20 kilometers at a speed of 18 kilometers per hour, and the whole trip takes about two hours.

Passengers aboard ship can enjoy the beauty of the shore scenery as well as tasting some very refined foods and listening to the sounds of top bands, letting the breeze flow over them as they enjoy a totally new view of the Danshui River.

The "Queen" will make five fixed sailings every day, and will also be available for private parties on customizable itineraries. The boat is limited to the Danshui River, but depending on customer desires, it can host parties, banquets, or other special events.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications says that the "Blue Highway" carried a total of 27,000 passengers in 2004. That number had risen to 40,000 by 2005, and 80,000-plus last year. This year, after the "Queen" is added to the fleet, the quality of the "Blue Highway" experience will be enhanced and more passengers are expected. The service will also make leisure activities on the river more competitive, and allow it to take its proper place on the world stage.