Tauck is expanding its presence on France’s rivers with Harmonie, a new riverboat scheduled to enter service in 2028. Designed specifically for cruising the Rhône, the vessel will be a sister ship to Lumière, which joined Tauck’s French fleet earlier this year.
With a capacity of up to 130 guests, Harmonie will double Tauck’s capacity on the Rhône. The ship will share much of the layout and signature spaces of Lumière, with Tauck saying that feedback from previous river cruise guests has also influenced its design.
“River cruising continues to be one of the most popular ways guests first experience Tauck, and the feedback our river guests have shared over the years shapes every ship we build,” said Jennifer Tombaugh, CEO of Tauck. “The name Harmonie, which carries the same meaning in French and English, speaks to what we hope guests feel on board and along the river: a sense of balance, ease and connection to the places we explore.”
Harmonie Designed for the Rhône
The design of Harmonie closely follows that of Lumière. With a maximum capacity of 130 guests, the ship will remain relatively small compared with riverboats of a similar size.
The Sun Deck will feature a swimming pool, full-service bar and shaded daybeds. The space is designed for relaxing on the river as well as open-air dining.
On the upper Diamond Deck, The Retreat will offer an expanded wellness area with a fitness center, massage treatment room and lounge framed by floor-to-ceiling windows.
Other public spaces are also designed to make the landscape along the Rhône part of the experience. At Arthur’s, the ship’s casual dining venue, guests will be able to enjoy views of the river and surrounding scenery while dining. Skylit atriums, lounges and spacious Tauck Suites measuring around 300 square feet will complete the design.
More Capacity for River Cruising in France
The arrival of Harmonie is part of a multi-year investment program through which Tauck is renewing and expanding its river fleet.
Between 2026 and 2028, the company plans to introduce five new riverboats. Lumière and Serene entered service in 2026, while Reverie and Saudade are scheduled to follow in 2027. Harmonie will join the fleet in 2028.
The introduction of the new ships is accompanied by the retirement of two older vessels. Tauck expects its river cruising capacity to increase by more than 50 percent by 2028.
The expansion also includes a broader selection of shoulder-season departures, a new six-day cruise format for travelers with less time and additional destinations.
The Rhône Becomes a Key Growth Market
The Rhône has become an increasingly important destination within Tauck’s river cruise portfolio. According to the company, demand for the region was already nearly 30 percent ahead of 2025, before the current fleet expansion had fully begun.
With Harmonie joining Lumière, Tauck will double its capacity on the Rhône. The new ship will operate popular itineraries including Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence, alongside new programs planned for 2028.
Tauck’s cruise fares include shore excursions, gratuities, onboard beverages — including wine, beer and spirits — airport transfers, luggage handling, taxes and fees.
Tauck Continues to Renew Its River Fleet
The arrival of Harmonie continues the fleet renewal Tauck began in France in 2026 with Lumière and Serene. Lumière was christened in Lyon in March and operates on the Rhône, while Serene cruises the Seine.
When the two ships were introduced, Tauck highlighted the strong demand for river cruising in France and the opportunity to expand its range of itineraries.
With Harmonie, that strategy now extends further on the Rhône. Travelers can already reserve space on 2028 departures. According to Tauck, guests who book now can cancel and receive a full refund of their deposit when final pricing and itinerary details are announced later this fall.
Pictures courtesy of Tauck
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