Luxury travel operator Tauck has confirmed an expansion of its new-build riverboat fleet, with two additional vessels in Europe launching in 2027. Joining the previously announced 130-guest ms Serene on the Seine and ms Lumière on the Rhône (both debuting next year), will be a yet-to-be-named sister-ship on the Seine, and a second smaller scale vessel on the Douro – a sister-ship to ms Andorinha.
Last month at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, Tauck President Jeremy Palmer revealed exclusively to LATTE that “more [ships] are coming”, based on massive demand for the company’s European river cruises this year and flowing into 2026 (with the addition of two new ships).
This now 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 sought-after destinations, with capacity growing 50% in France, and the Douro nearly doubling capacity versus 2025.
Such is the demand, Tauck has brought forward the launch of its 2027 river cruise season to earlier than ever before. Tauck says the strategy allows 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. These new riverboats will enable us to host more guests in these beloved regions, while continuing to deliver the personalised, exceptional experience that is the hallmark of Tauck River Cruising,” Tombaugh added.
David Clark, Tauck’s Managing Director in Australia adds: “The expansion of our fleet with two vessels in 2027, in addition to our two ships launching in 2026, is incredibly exciting.
“As we know, Australia continues to be a nation of cruisers, with increasing numbers choosing to cruise each year. Now, our guests can reserve space aboard the 2027 itineraries, ensuring that travellers have the chance to secure their first glimpses of our two new riverboats and have the opportunity to experience the atmosphere, service and facilities.”
Tauck’s next generation 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, striking sky-lit atriums, and panoramic lounges that maximise the connection between guests and the passing landscapes.
Accommodations include a generous 28 square-metre Category 5 Tauck Suites on the upper Diamond Deck that boast double French balconies, walk-in closets, comfortable seating areas and king-size beds, positioned to take in views of the passing countryside.
“Every detail on these new ships has been designed to elevate the guest experience while cruising along two of Europe’s most storied rivers,” Tombaugh notes.
Guests are now able to reserve space on the 2027 itineraries and departure dates. 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 year.
