6 Things Travel Advisors Should Know About Tauck & its New France Ships

At a moment when Tauck is experiencing strong, ongoing demand for its French river cruises, the company launched two new river ships in France last week.

The ms Lumiere was christened in Lyon on March 27 and began a series of voyages on the Rhone River, calling at ports including Avignon, Arles, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, on itineraries such as the 10-day “Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence” and the 14-day “French Escapade: Paris to the Riviera.”

Its sister ship, the ms Serene, was christened two days later, on March 29, in Paris, and commenced sailings on the Seine, including cruises that visit Rouen and the beaches of Normandy on the 11-day “Bordeaux, Paris & The Seine.”

The two new river cruise ships bring the number of Tauck’s fleet to 10 vessels (they’ve just retired the ms Emerald). This expansion increases the company’s river cruising capacity in 2026 by more than 30% compared to 2025.

(Like all of Tauck’s fleet, the ships were built in partnership with the Basel-based Scylla, which builds, owns, and operates the entire fleet.)

Tauck is experiencing strong demand for its river ships, with 2026 shaping up to be one of the most impressive years in its history. In 2026, passengers are up +12% year even after a record 2025, with many itineraries sold out.

“We’re up 12% overall and 20% on rivers,” Jennifer Tombaugh, Tauck CEO, said.

The 2027 dates opened earlier than ever to meet demand and are already pacing more than 40% ahead of 2026, with all regions trending positively. 

If you’re thinking of suggesting Tauck’s new ships to your clients,  here are X things you should know.

1. Bigger Suites and Category 1 Cabins

The ms Lumière is nearly 443 feet long and accommodates a maximum of 130 guests, with 80% of its cabins measuring 225 square feet or larger.

Inside the 22 spacious 300-square-foot Tauck Suites your clients will find two French balconies, large bathrooms with separate showers, and a generous walk- in closet.

There are also 34 comfortably-sized 225-square-foot cabins with a French balcony, as well as 12 Category 1 cabins measuring 180 square feet, 20% larger than before.

As on all Tauck river ships, there is no single supplement charge for the smallest cabins.

The ms Serene is slightly smaller, at 410 feet, and accommodates up to 124 guests. Once again, 80% of its cabins measure 225 square feet or larger.

There are 20 of the 300-square-foot Tauck Suites with double French balconies, 30 large 225-square-foot cabins with French balconies, and 12 of the Category 1 cabins.

Cabins on both ships have smartly designed bathrooms with separate showers, in-room minibars, and adjustable heating and cooling.

The stylish and formal onboard environment is a Tauck signature, with enrichment lectures, nightly piano music, in-room movies, culinary demos, and local entertainment.

2. Reconfigured Sun Deck

The reimagined and expanded amenity spaces on these ships include The Sun Deck, which Tauck refers to as “an onboard resort.” The space, which does have more of a resort-style feel than other Tauck ships, is complete with a midship heated swimming pool, a full-service bar tucked behind the wheelhouse, shaded day beds, and a variety of comfortable seating for open-air dining and relaxation. The bar also functions as a full-service kitchen.

3. Arthur’s Moves to the Bow

The single most radical design change on these ships was the decision to move Arthur’s, a signature restaurant, to a new location. On other Tauck vessels, it’s located in the stern. On the Lumière and Serene, it’s in the bow.

Named for the late Arthur Tauck, Sr., the elegant dining venue is designed to serve lighter breakfast fare and classic all-day dining options. In its new position in the bow, it has large windows with panoramic river views and direct access to the Sun Deck. Separated from the Panorama Lounge by a horseshoe-shaped bar and a partial wall, the repositioned Arthur’s feels like a private club, light-filled, and quieter than the adjacent lounge. A fireplace and leather couches expand on the clubby feel, and the well-spaced tables offer bird’s-eye views as the ship travels along the river. There are also a handful of al fresco tables and chairs on the outer deck, ideal when the weather is mild.

4. Reimagined Retreat

The Retreat, the ship’s signature wellness area, has also been moved. On other Tauck ships, it’s on the lower Emerald Deck. Now it’s set higher up, at the stern of the Lumiere and Serene’s upper Diamond Deck.

It feels more private, more like a true retreat, and the quiet location offers floor-to-ceiling windows that let in abundant natural light and offer river views.

It includes a fitness center overlooking the water, with two treadmills and an exercise bike, a massage treatment room, and an indoor/outdoor lounge space.

The couches and chairs are especially popular with early risers who’ve arrived to make a cappuccino at the coffee machine, linger in conversation, or get a breath of fresh air on the small aft deck.

5. Two More Ships in 2027

Tauck will introduce two more ships in 2027.  The ms Saudade will join its sister ship, the ms Andorinha, on the Douro River in Portugal. The ms Reverie will join its sister ship, the ms Serene, on the Seine. With these two additional ships, capacity is growing by an additional 50% in France, and nearly doubling on the Douro compared to 2026.

Tauck will offer a total of 38 European river cruises in 2027, including six Tauck Bridges itineraries, designed specifically for families.

Looking further ahead, Tauck has revealed that it is building a sister ship to ms Lumière that will launch on the Rhône in 2028, effectively doubling its capacity in the region and bringing the company’s total expansion to over 50% capacity growth vs 2025.

6. Six-Day River Cruises

Later in 2026, Tauck is introducing a new six-day river cruise format and will expand these shorter itineraries further in 2027. Offered primarily during the shoulder seasons, these journeys provide guests with the added benefits of milder weather and fewer crowds along Europe’s most popular rivers.

Naming the Ships

Tauck received more than 1,000 name suggestions for its two newest ships from its loyal clientele.

The name Lumière was chosen as a nod to painter Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” and to the Lumière brothers of Lyon, who were pioneers of early cinema. It’s also a tribute to Lyon’s Fête des Lumières, or Festival of Lights, featuring decorative and artistic light installations throughout the city.

The name Serene was chosen to reflect the Seine’s tranquility, rejuvenation, and sense of escape, with a nod to the region’s artistic heritage, including Impressionist masters like Monet and Renoir.