Tauck to Add New Seine & Douro Riverboats in 2027

Driven by what it calls unprecedented guest demand, the 100-year-old, four-generation family-owned Tauck has announced plans to add two new riverboats to its fleet in 2027. 

Combined with two ships launching in 2026, this four-vessel expansion over two years represents the highest volume increase in Tauck’s river cruising history, delivering overall capacity growth of 30% since 2025. 

The addition of the new 2027 ships will further scale the company’s presence in its most popular destinations, with capacity growing 50% in France, and the Douro nearly doubling capacity versus 2025.

Citing the strong demand, Tauck is announcing its 2027 river cruise season earlier than ever before, allowing guests to secure preferred departures with risk-free deposits while final details are being completed. 

“The enthusiasm for our river cruising experiences has been extraordinary,” said Jennifer Tombaugh, Tauck CEO. “Guests appreciate the intimate atmosphere fostered by our ‘small is big’ philosophy, particularly in high-demand destinations like the Douro and France, where space is naturally limited.”

Tauck’s river cruise ships are dedicated to providing more private guest space, limiting guests onboard from 84 or 98 on smaller riverboats to no more than 130 aboard larger vessels. 

Built to take advantage of the temperate climates and scenic beauty of Europe’s wine regions and bucolic rivers, both new ships feature resort-style Sun Decks with swimming pools and full-service bars, sky-lit atriums and panoramic lounges maximizing the connection between guests and the passing landscapes.

More than 75% of ship cabins are 225 square feet or larger across both new riverboats, with accommodations featuring a generous offering of 300-square-foot Category 5 Tauck Suites on the Diamond (upper) Deck. 

These suites showcase boast double French balconies, walk-in closets, comfortable seating areas and king-size beds positioned to take in passing views.

The 125-meter Seine riverboat will share the same elegant design philosophy as the ms Serene, scheduled to launch in 2026. The ship’s Sun Deck with swimming pool and bar is ideal for enjoying France’s temperate climate, while Arthur’s casual dining venue at the bow offers panoramic views of the Seine’s meandering waterway. 

The vessel will offer a new feature, The Retreat, an expanded wellness area on the upper Diamond Deck with full floor-to-ceiling windows. The Retreat will house a fitness centre, massage treatment room, and lounging area with coffee, juice, and snack bar.

The 80-meter Douro riverboat will join sister ship ms Andorinha on Portugal’s Douro River, incorporating design elements that have made that ship a guest favourite, including hydraulic systems that allow it to navigate the Douro’s distinctive lock system with ease. 

Arthur’s casual dining venue positioned at the stern provides guests with unobstructed 360-degree views of the river’s dramatic landscapes and terraced vineyards.

Tauck’s all-inclusive river cruise experience comes complete with all shore excursions, gratuities, onboard beverages (including premium wines, beers, and spirits), airport transfers, luggage handling, taxes, fees and more covered in the upfront price.

Guests are now able to reserve space on the 2027 itinerary and departure date of their choosing. All guests who reserve 2027 cruises now will have the opportunity to cancel and receive a full refund of their deposits, when pricing and final itinerary details are announced later this fall.