Tauck is introducing five new European river cruises for 2027, coinciding with an expansion of its fleet through the addition of ms Saudade on the Douro and ms Reverie on the Seine. These two new riverboats, sisters ships to ms Andorinha and ms Serene, were formally announced in September, but were exclusively foreshadowed by LATTE one month earlier.
Driven by “exceptional demand and strong year-over-year growth,” Tauck has released its 2027 program earlier than ever in the company’s history.
Tauck will introduce a new six-day river cruise format, set to launch in late 2026, and will expand these shorter itineraries for 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. These shorter itineraries will also make river cruising more accessible to travelers with tighter schedules.
David Clark, Tauck’s managing director, Australia said, “Our guests can now book these highly sought-after river cruises for 2027, providing earlier access than ever, which I know will be well received by the Australian market.”
“We’re seeing extraordinary growth across our river portfolio, and that inspires us to find new ways for guests to experience Tauck,” said Jennifer Tombaugh, CEO of Tauck.
“River cruising continues to be one of the most popular ways to experience Tauck for the first time, and with these new shorter itineraries, we can now offer that exceptional entry point to guests with limited time.”
With departures in March and November, “Essence of the Seine” is a six-day journey roundtrip from Paris debuting the launch of the ms Reverie. Sailing through the heart of Normandy, visits will include Rouen and the D-Day Beaches of Normandy, a cider and Calvados tasting in Vernon, and a Tauck-exclusive gala evening at a historic château.
“Essence of the Douro” is a six-day journey sailing from Porto to Barca d’Alva aboard the new ms Saudade. Guests will explore Portugal’s celebrated wine country through curated excursions, including a cocktail-making workshop at a local quinta, a guided walk-through UNESCO-listed Porto, and a visit to the hilltop city of Guimarães, often called the birthplace of Portugal. Additional highlights include a tasting at a Vinho Verde vineyard, a scenic countryside bike ride, and dinner at the acclaimed waterfront restaurant DOC (open for pre-booking).
“Essence of the Danube” is a six-day sailing journey between Budapest and Vienna aboard the ms Joy. Highlights include guided sightseeing in Vienna and Bratislava, an exclusive gala dinner with live music and performance at Vienna’s Palais Pallavicini, and a wine tasting in Dürnstein. Departures are available in October and November.
“Porto Prelude: Cruising the Douro” is a 10-day journey beginning with a multi-night stay in Porto, with guided touring and cultural experiences before embarking on a cruise through Portugal’s Douro Valley. Guests enjoy vineyard hikes, museum visits to learn about UNESCO-listed rock-art sites, port wine tastings, and Tauck-exclusive events in historic quintas (open for pre-booking).
“Exploring the Douro, Plus Madrid” is an 11-day journey that pairs Portugal’s Douro Valley with the cultural treasures of Spain’s capital. Guests sail aboard the ms Andorinha through vineyard-lined hills and picturesque villages, with highlights including port tastings in Vila Nova de Gaia, a dinner at the acclaimed riverside restaurant DOC, and guided tours of UNESCO-listed Porto and Salamanca. The adventure continues in Spain with a three-night stay in Madrid, and guided explorations of the city (open for pre-booking).
In all, Tauck will offer 37 European river cruises in 2027.
