- Bookings are open earlier than ever in the 100-year company history.
- Exceptional demand and strong year-over-year growth are behind the early launch.
- It’s the largest-ever fleet expansion with shorter itineraries for the new season.
Tauck has responded to what they call an exceptional demand and strong year-over-year growth by releasing their European River Cruise Portfolio for 2027 ahead of schedule. In fact, it’s the earliest release in the company’s 100-year history and is an indication of the direction the family-owned company is going in as they welcome new ships, new accommodation and five new itineraries.
David Clark, Managing Director Australia, says the company is preparing to launch into their second century of cruising and has opened the bookings for those wanting to cruise in 2027. “Our guests can now book these highly sought-after river cruises for 2027, providing earlier access than ever, which I know will be well received by the Australian market. Our growing fleet continues to unveil Tauck’s innovation, unique access and trusted expertise as we prepare to embark on our second century.”
Tauck unveiled five new European river cruises for 2027, and while its the largest ever fleet-expansion it also contains shorter itineraries. The idea behind this, according to Clark, is “We’ve had such big capacity challenges in the last couple of years, since river cruising has been really booming… a lot of our departures are selling out even before we price them.”
Clark adds “This move has been a few years in the making and it means people are feeling great comfort in knowing they can lock in their dream cruise, with two new ships in 2027. In terms of what’s left on the shelf for this year, it’s very limited.”
“It’s a great problem to have, and this high demand has also been behind the decision to release the shorter itineraries.
Clark says, “The Douro has been huge for us. We are doubling our capacity with new itineraries and the extra ship. It’s really exciting. We see that our first-time guests for Tauck tend to repeat with us – whether it be with river, guided land or ocean cruising. So, in essence, these shorter journeys, offered at a lower price point, are very enticing. Six-day itineraries really suit people who want to travel and experience a short cruise while perhaps mixing it with a visit to see friends and family.”
And the reason why shoulder season is taking the focus for 2027 is because Europe is quieter, catering more for the Tauck demographic.
“It also gives an opportunity for us to extend the season. Mid-March flows to mid-November and then becomes the Christmas Market season. And on a personal note, late October on the rivers is so beautiful.”
Tauck expects the new itineraries will have a particular appeal to the Aussie cruise market, based on previous years. Clark says “The Aussie market pre-2026 got off to an incredible start. It’s been well over expectations in the recent past. So with the added incentives of new itineraries and new ships, we can expect to see that response continue.”
Clark adds that while the new direction really caters to the traditional Tauck demographic of 55+ cruisers, the future direction of the company is to continue promoting the newly launched brand, ‘Roam by Tauck.’
“This officially goes on sale in the next few weeks and is aimed at a younger demographic, with a more adventure-driven mindset. Rome by Tauck is aimed at the 40s to 50s market with plenty of specific adventures designed for these travellers. This will also be an exciting area to watch for Tauck.”
The five new itineraries for 2027
Tauck launched their new, shorter six-day river cruise format which will begin sailing in 2027 and will be offered mainly during the shoulder seasons.
Benefits of these dates include milder weather and fewer crowds along Europe’s most popular rivers. Tauck believes these shorter itineraries will also make river cruising more accessible to travellers with tighter schedules while preserving the depth, service, and inclusivity of the Tauck brand. The early launch of the bookings in 2026 will allow guests to secure preferred departures with risk-free deposits while final details are being completed:
The opening reservations can be made here.
1. Essence of the Seine
- Onboard: ms Reverie
- Duration: Six day round trip journey
- Departures: In March and November 2027
- Departing from: Paris
- Destinations: Normandy via Rouen, the D-Day Beaches, Vernon.
- Highlight: A Tauck-exclusive gala evening at a historic château.
- Cost: From $5,290 per person double-occupancy, plus airfare.
2. Essence of the Danube
- Onboard: ms Joy
- Duration: Six day trip journey
- Departures: In October and November 2027
- Departing from: Budapest to Vienna
- Destinations: Vienna, Bratislava, Durnstein.
- Highlight: Gala dinner with live music and performance at Vienna’s Palais Pallavicini
- Cost: From $4540 per person double-occupancy, plus airfare.
3. Essence of the Douro
Onboard: ms Suadade
- Duration: Six day trip journey
- Departures: In March 2027
- Departing from: Porto to Barca d’Alva
- Destinations: Porto, Guimaraes.
- Highlight: A tasting at a Vinho Verde vineyard, a scenic countryside bike ride, and dinner at the acclaimed waterfront restaurant DOC
- Cost: On application.
4. Porto Prelude: Cruising the Douro
- Onboard: ms Suadade
- Duration: 10 day trip journey
- Departures: In April 2027
- Departing from: Beginning with a multi-day stay in Porto
- Destinations: Porto, Guimaraes.
- Highlight: Guests enjoy vineyard hikes, museum visits and more.
- Cost: On application.
5. Exploring the Douro: Plus Madrid
- Onboard: ms Andorinha
- Duration: 11 day trip journey
- Departures: In June, July, August and September 2027
- Departing from: From Porto and ending with a multi-day stay in Madrid
- Destinations: Madrid, Porto, Toledo, Salamanca, Côa Valley, Pinhão
- Highlight: highlights including port tastings in Vila Nova de Gaia, a dinner at the acclaimed riverside restaurant DOC
- Cost: Price on application
With all Tauck journeys, the 2027 river cruises are fully inclusive, covering shore excursions, gratuities, onboard beverages (including premium wines and spirits), airport transfers, luggage handling, taxes, and more.
The new ships
Amid Tauck’s growing fleet two new riverboats will be revealed: the ms Saudade, sister ship to the ms Andorinha on the Douro, and the ms Reverie, sister ship to the ms Serene on the Seine.
The ms Suadade
Sister ship to ms Andorinha on Portugal’s Douro river, the ms Saudade carries more than one crew member per guest. At maximum capacity of 84 guests with 43 crew, and measuring 263 feet, the ms Suadade is set to feel distinctly spacious.
The ship boasts 12 spacious 300-square-foot Tauck Suites, 20 225-square-foot cabins, six 200-square-foot cabins, and four 150-square foot cabins.Category 3, 4 & 5 cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies. All cabins are equipped with in-room movies, minibar, adjustable climate control, and private bathroom.
Cabin beds are fitted with 400-thread satin bed linen, mako cotton pillows, 100% cotton blankets and thick pillow top mattresses. A variety of custom bath products are provided along with terry cloth robes, towels and hair dryers. The Compass Rose main dining room offers open seating, flexible dining times and vegetarian options.
The ms Reverie
Sister ship to the ms Serene, the ms Reverie will join the fleet for 2027 itineraries along the Seine. A reimagined deck plan is purpose built for the region, with 80% of cabins 225 square-foot or larger. There are 20 300-square-foot spacious suites; 30 225-square-foot cabins and 12 180-square-foot cabins.
A new 125m riverboat with a deck plan optimised for maximum use of space, with 80% of her cabins measuring 225 square feet or larger – and accommodating a maximum of 124 guests.
Guest amenities for the Suites include spacious bathrooms with separate showers and walk in closets. Thirty roomy 225-square-foot cabins, and 12 180-square-foot cabins and two decks have floor-to-ceiling windows with real French balconies that open on to a balcony. All have in-room minibar, adjustable heating and cooling, private bathroom and shower. Onboard entertainment includes enrichment lectures, piano music nightly, in-room movies, culinary demos, local entertainment and “themed” fun.
