In spring 2026 Tauck is adding two new ships to its acclaimed fleet of riverboats, expanding its presence on the rivers of France. Built in Serbia and The Netherlands, the vessels will be named ms Serene and ms Lumière, and they promise to bring a new level of luxury, comfort, and innovation to Tauck’s already award-winning river cruising experience. The ms Serene will sail on the River Seine, while the ms Lumière will be deployed on the Rhône, offering guests exclusive itineraries that combine Tauck’s legendary service with brand-new ship designs.
Speaking about the new additions Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh said: “The name Serene is perfect for our new ship on the Seine, bringing to mind tranquility and rejuvenation. The River Seine itself is a gently flowing, meandering river that evokes a spirit of calm and escape that was captured beautifully in paintings of the waterway by the region’s Impressionist artists including Monet and Renoir.”
Of the Rhône vessel, she explained, “The name of Tauck’s new ship on the Rhône, Lumière, evokes images of light, inspiration and discovery.” She noted the Rhône’s livelier flow and connection to creativity, as well as Lyon’s cultural ties through the Festival Lumière and the celebrated Fête des Lumières.
Spacious Accommodations and Reimagined Public Spaces
Tauck continues to uphold its philosophy of prioritizing guest comfort over capacity. Each new vessel will feature a generous offering of 300-sq. ft. Category 5 Tauck Suites on the Diamond (upper) Deck, with the 125-meter Serene having 20 of the Tauck Suites and the 135-meter ms Lumière boasting 22. The Tauck Suites will offer airy accommodations with two French balconies, a seating area, and king-size bed positioned to capture passing scenery.
In addition, the ms Serene will also have thirty 225-sq. ft. cabins (mainly on the middle Ruby Deck), and twelve 180-sq. ft. Category 1 cabins on the lower Emerald Deck, for a total capacity of 124 guests. Besides its 22 Category 5 Tauck Suites, the ms Lumière will have thirty-four roomy 225-sq. ft. cabins primarily on the Ruby Deck, and twelve 180-sq. ft. Category 1 cabins on the Emerald deck, for a total capacity of 130 guests. In all, 80% of the new ships’ cabins will be 225 sq.-ft. or larger.
As on Tauck’s other riverboats, the Category 1 cabins on both the ms Serene and ms Lumière will have all single supplements waived, and at 180-sq. ft., the Category 1 cabins on both new vessels will be 20% larger than those featured on Tauck’s other riverboats.
Tauck’s dedication to space and comfort also extends to public areas. By limiting capacity, Tauck ensures that communal spaces remain relaxed, intimate, and conducive to the camaraderie and sense of community that define Tauck river cruises. Each ship will also sail with a dedicated Tauck Cruise Director and up to three Tauck Director guides to deliver exceptional service throughout the journey.
The new ships will feature a redesigned Sun Deck with a swimming pool, full-service bar, shaded daybeds, and alfresco dining spaces. Guests can relax with a glass of wine, dine outdoors, or simply enjoy panoramic river views.
The ships will also offer a new wellness area, called The Retreat, which has been relocated to the upper Diamond Deck for enhanced natural light and river views. This expanded space includes a fitness center, massage treatment room, juice and snack bar, and a comfortable lounging area with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Itineraries for 2026
In addition to joining Tauck’s existing Seine cruises, the ms Serene will debut a brand-new itinerary in 2026. The Bordeaux, Paris & The Seine journey is an eleven-day experience combining a three-night guided exploration of Bordeaux and Saint Emilion with a seven-night Seine cruise aboard the ms Serene. Guests will stay at the InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel before traveling to Paris by high-speed train to embark on the river journey.
Highlights include a guided day at Château de Versailles, explorations of Normandy’s D-Day Beaches, Rouen, and Les Andelys, plus Tauck-exclusive moments such as an early morning visit to Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny, and a private reception and dinner at the 16th-century Château du Taillis. Guests will also enjoy sampling regional specialties at a family farm in Tilly, making the itinerary a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary discovery.
Fully Inclusive Tauck Experiences
As with every Tauck river cruise, the new ships will continue the company’s tradition of fully inclusive pricing. Guests can expect all shore excursions, gratuities, onboard beverages including wine, beer, and spirits, airport transfers, taxes, and fees to be included in the price. This seamless approach reflects Tauck’s philosophy of creating worry-free luxury experiences where travelers can focus entirely on discovery and relaxation. Gwen Adora ai nude
Contact us for more information about Tauck or Discover Your Perfect Cruise here.
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