Tauck Unveils Two New River Cruise Ships
Tauck has revealed the names of two new vessels that will join its prestigious fleet next year. The company has also released the first images offering a preview of the elegant and refined spaces aboard these new ships, designed to provide an unprecedented travel experience.
The new ships, ms Serene and ms Lumière, will sail the waters of France, navigating the Seine and the Rhône, respectively. The naming process was not random, but the result of an engaging initiative involving active participation from customers, travel consultants, and Tauck employees. Over a thousand suggestions were collected before the company made its final decision.
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According to Jennifer Tombaugh, CEO of Tauck, the name Serene perfectly represents the tranquility and sense of escape evoked by the Seine, a river with a calm, winding flow, often celebrated by Impressionist painters like Monet and Renoir. For the ship destined for the Rhône, the name Lumière was chosen, symbolizing light, inspiration, and the vibrancy of a more turbulent river. Tombaugh emphasized how the Rhône conveys energy similar to a spark of creativity, while the city of Lyon, one of the main stops on the itinerary, is famous for the Lumière Festival and its historic connection to cinema, thanks to the Lumière brothers, pioneers of the film industry.
The first images released by Tauck give a glimpse of the elegance and attention to detail that will characterize these ships. The Sun Deck presents itself as a refined and welcoming space, featuring a pool, a full-service bar, and relaxing areas furnished with sunbeds and tables, perfect for admiring the surrounding landscape. The wellness area, called The Retreat, promises an exclusive experience with a gym, a massage room, and a lounge area with floor-to-ceiling windows designed to provide guests with breathtaking views of the river.
On board the ms Serene and ms Lumière, comfort will be guaranteed with a wide selection of cabins and suites, offering spacious areas and elegant furnishings. Both ships will feature Category 5 suites of approximately 28 square meters, equipped with two French balconies, a sitting area, and king-size beds positioned to offer panoramic views of the river landscape. The 125-meter-long ms Serene will have 20 suites of this category, while the 135-meter-long ms Lumière will accommodate 22. 80% of the cabins on board will have a surface area of at least 21 square meters, making Tauck’s new ships some of the most spacious in their category.
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The ms Serene will debut on a new itinerary Tauck is introducing in 2026, titled Bordeaux, Paris, and the Seine, an 11-day journey promising a unique and immersive experience. After a three-night stay between Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion, where guests will have the chance to explore the region and stay at the InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel, the journey will continue with a high-speed train transfer to Paris. From there, a seven-night cruise along the Seine will begin, enriched with must-see stops. Guests can choose from several sightseeing options in Paris, spend a day at Versailles, explore the historic Normandy landing beaches, and discover the charming towns of Rouen and Les Andelys. The trip also includes exclusive experiences such as a private visit to Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, a dinner at the Renaissance castle of Taillis, and a tasting of typical Norman products at a local farm.
Tauck has also confirmed that, as per tradition, the price of the cruise will include all onboard services, excursions, gratuities, and drinks, ensuring guests a worry-free travel experience. With ms Serene and ms Lumière, the company reaffirms its commitment to offering high-end river cruises, combining luxury, comfort, and itineraries rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
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