Tauck adds river ships to keep pace with demand

In the year it celebrates its 100th anniversary, luxury tour operator Tauck is continuing to expand its all-inclusive fleet of European river vessels.

Following the launch of Serene and Lumiere in France in 2026 – respectively sailing on the Seine and Rhone – the line recently announced it is launching a second ship in France in 2027 and a second ship on Portugal’s Douro, bringing the fleet to 13 vessels.

Tauck president Jeremy Palmer tells Passenger Ship Interior & Refurbishment Review, “France continues to be one of Tauck’s most popular destinations, with 2025 river cruise bookings pacing nearly 60% ahead of last year.”

He says the latest generation of ships, which will continue the Tauck philosophy of providing more space by catering to fewer guests than most lines, have been designed with the help of guest-driven innovation.

“These ships were shaped by those who know Tauck best, the guests, partners, and team members,” says Mr Palmer. “Tauck gathered insights through guest follow up, conversations in the field, and even invited guests to help name the ships. Guests shared that they value space, wellness, and outdoor living, so Tauck prioritised expansive open-air areas, larger cabins, and thoughtfully reimagined communal spaces.”

Serene has capacity for 124 passengers, the yet unnamed 2027 vessel will follow the same blueprint, and Lumiere will carry 130 guests.  

These ships, and the upcoming Douro vessel which will be a sister ship to 84-passenger Andorinha, continue Tauck’s partnership of more than 20 vessels with Swiss-headquartered shipbuilding company Scylla AG, which also constructs vessels for lines including Riviera Travel along with its own river cruise arm, VIVA Cruises.

Mr Palmer says, “A fellow family owned company with decades of experience on Europe’s waterways, Scylla works closely with Tauck on every aspect of design and construction, from mapping deck plans to building full-scale cabin mock-ups and selecting fabrics and finishes. This hands-on collaboration ensures each vessel reflects Tauck’s high standards and delivers the experience guests expect.”

US-based Tauck, now in its fourth generation of family ownership, is no stranger to innovation. It started life in 1925 as a coach tour operator and was an early pioneer of all-inclusive, premium quality escorted travel.  In 1958, with an air tour to Nova Scotia, it became the first American tour operator to marry air travel with a coach tour. Tauck started its river cruise operation in 2006.

Describing the latest French ships, Mr Palmer says, “Every aspect of these ships is designed to connect guests with the river and the destination. An airy, sunlit atrium creates a sense of openness the moment guests step on board. The ship’s open flow and features bring guests to the heart of the experience, wherever they are on board.”

While maintaining the familiarity and style of Tauck vessels, there have been some design changes on the vessels, most noticeably in dining, wellness and outdoor areas. 

“Arthur’s, Tauck’s casual dining venue, has been moved to the bow where guests enjoy al fresco dining with panoramic views of the Seine,” he says. “It offers casual onboard dining in a cosy, club-like setting reimagined at the front of the boat. With floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy an informal meal, snack, or a glass of French wine, all while taking in the best views on board.”