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Tauck Adds Two New Riverboats to Award-Winning Fleet in 2027

Fleet Expansion Targets Thriving Douro and Seine River Markets

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Tauck

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Media Center

On

9/9/2025

WILTON, CT (September 9, 2025) – Driven by unprecedented guest demand, Tauck today announced plans to add two new riverboats to its award-winning fleet in 2027. Combined with two ships launching in 2026, this 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.

To address this strong demand, Tauck is announcing its 2027 river cruise season earlier than ever before, allowing 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 personalized, exceptional experience that is the hallmark of Tauck River Cruising."

NEW GENERATION OF SHIPS DESIGNED WITH GUEST-DRIVEN INNOVATION
Tauck's 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 maximize the connection between guests and the passing landscapes.

More than 75% of ship cabins are 225 square feet or larger across both new riverboats, with accommodations featuring a generous offering of 300-square-foot Category 5 Tauck Suites on the Diamond (upper) Deck. These suites showcase roomy, airy and well-lit accommodations boasting double French balconies, walk-in closets, comfortable seating areas and king-size beds positioned to take in views of the passing countryside.

ENHANCED WELLNESS AND DESTINATION-SPECIFIC FEATURES
The 125-meter Seine riverboat will share the same elegant design philosophy as the ms Serene that is scheduled to launch in 2026. The ship's Sun Deck with swimming pool and bar creates an ideal space for enjoying France's temperate climate, while Arthur's casual dining venue at the bow offers panoramic views of the Seine's meandering waterway. The vessel will offer a new feature, The Retreat, an expanded and innovative wellness area on the upper Diamond Deck to provide abundant natural light and river views through full floor-to-ceiling windows, including a fitness center, massage treatment room, and comfortable lounging area with coffee, juice, and snack bar.

The 80-meter Douro riverboat will join sister ship ms Andorinha on Portugal's Douro River, incorporating thoughtful design elements that have made ms Andorinha a guest favorite, including hydraulic systems that allow the ship to navigate the Douro's distinctive lock system with ease. Arthur's casual dining venue positioned at the stern provides guests with unobstructed 360-degree views of the river's dramatic landscapes and terraced vineyards.

"Every detail on these new ships has been designed to elevate the guest experience while cruising along two of Europe's most storied rivers," said Tombaugh. "With our incredible team on the river and ashore, guests feel the Tauck difference in every thoughtful detail and seamless moment, creating travel experiences that become the stories that stay with them long after they've returned home."

Tauck's comprehensive, all-inclusive river cruise experience ensures guests enjoy a worry-free journey, with all shore excursions, gratuities, onboard beverages (including premium wines, beers, and spirits), airport transfers, luggage handling, taxes, fees and more covered in the upfront price.

Guests are now able to reserve space on the 2027 itinerary and departure date of their choosing. 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 fall.  

About Tauck: Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, Tauck has been family owned for four generations. The company is a world leader in upscale guided travel, with more than 170 land tours, safaris, river cruises, small ship ocean cruises and family travel adventures to 70+ countries and all seven continents. In each of the last 28 years, Tauck has been honored in Travel + Leisure magazine's annual "World's Best Awards" celebrating the very best in luxury tours, cruises, hotels and more.

Those interested in more information can contact their local travel professional, call Tauck at 800 468 2825, or visit the company's website at www.tauck.com (www.tauck.ca in Canada, www.tauck.co.uk in the UK, www.tauck.com.au in Australia/New Zealand).

 

PLEASE NOTE: Supporting images are available for download here.

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