Tauck will add two new vessels to its fleet in 2026. The company recently unveiled the names and initial renderings of these state-of-the-art riverboats.
Tauck’s Newest Stars
The ms Serene, designed for Seine itineraries, and the ms Lumiere, destined for the Rhone, represent Tauck’s latest investment in French waterways. These names, chosen from over 1,000 suggestions submitted by Tauck’s travel advisors, guests and employees, reflect the essence of their respective rivers and destinations.
“The name Serene is perfect for our new ship on the Seine, bringing to mind tranquility and rejuvenation,” said Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh in a press statement. “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.”
The Lumiere, aptly named for the Rhone, evokes notions of light and discovery, aligning with the river’s lively character. This name also pays homage to Lyon’s rich cinematic history, home to the Lumiere brothers and host of the annual Festival Lumiere. Additionally, it references the city’s Fete des Lumieres, a spectacular light festival held each December.
Tauck has released four detailed renderings, offering a glimpse into the ships’ design and amenities. The Sun Deck rendering reveals a swimming pool, full-service bar and ample shaded day beds. Alfresco dining areas and comfortable seating arrangements will offer guests picturesque views of the passing landscapes.
The wellness area, named The Retreat, has been reimagined and relocated to the upper Diamond Deck. This move allows for floor-to-ceiling windows, flooding the space with natural light. The area includes a fitness center, massage treatment room and a lounging area complete with a coffee, juice and snack bar.
Both vessels will offer a generous number of 300-sq.-ft. Category 5 suites on the Diamond Deck. The ms Serene will feature 20 of these suites, while the slightly larger ms Lumiere will boast 22. These spacious accommodations include two French balconies, a comfortable seating area and a king-size bed positioned to maximize river views.
The 125-meter ms Serene will accommodate 124 guests across various cabin categories, while the 135-meter ms Lumiere will have a capacity of 130 guests. Both ships will maintain Tauck’s commitment to spacious accommodations, with 80 percent of cabins measuring 225 sq. ft. or larger.
Tauck continues its policy of waiving single supplements on Category 1 cabins, which, at 180 sq. ft., are 20 percent larger than those on the company’s existing fleet. This initiative further solidifies Tauck’s appeal to solo travelers.
The ms Serene will debut on a new 11-day itinerary, Bordeaux, Paris & The Seine, priced from $7,240. This journey combines a 3-night exploration of Bordeaux and Saint Emilion with a 7-night Seine cruise. Highlights include exclusive experiences such as early morning access to Claude Monet’s home in Giverny and a reception at the 16th-century Chateau du Taillis.
Tauck’s all-inclusive pricing covers shore excursions, gratuities, onboard beverages, airport transfers and more.
For more information, visit tauck.com.
