Sponsored by Tauck
When founder Arthur Tauck Sr put an ad in a local newspaper that marked the birth of Tauck in 1925, he didn’t mince his words. “We shall be just one happy party, properly chaperoned, out for a real good time. I want no grouches or pessimists.”
Today, the family-owned Tauck commemorates its 100th birthday, steeped in the history of creating exceptional, worry-free travel experiences around the world.
With Tauck, your fare is your passport. Everything you need to experience from the best on land to ocean is included. This means from the moment you step on tour, you pay nothing extra for hotels (if applicable), accommodation onboard, exquisite meals and drinks and jaw-dropping excursions. Airport transfers on arrival and departure, luggage handling, service charges, taxes and all gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, your Tauck Cruise Director, and Tauck Tour Directors.
Tauck’s catch cry: one upfront price, with no hidden charges and no compromise on quality.
Why go on a river cruise with Tauck
Looking for a worry-free and hassle-free holiday? Then look no further than Tauck. Its river cruises carry fewer passengers, a maximum of around 130. It offers personalised service that is the envy of rival river cruise lines. And its shore excursions are exceptional with after-hours access to historical sites, landmarks and palaces.
Whether you are a foodie, classical music enthusiast, art aficionado, active traveler, or just want to take in the scenery, Tauck’s cruises provide a well-rounded experience with choice to experience the ‘best of’ for everyone.
Tauck will launch two new ships in 2026
In Europe, Tauck has a variety of cruise itineraries on the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Rhone and Seine. With a river fleet of nine ships, the line will debut two new ships to sail the Rhone and Seine Rivers in 2026.
The 135-metre MS Lumiere which can accommodate 130 guests will sail the Rhone while the 125-metre MS Serene will cater for 124 guests on the Seine River.
The new ships have been completely custom-designed with guest feedback in mind. They are elegant, comfortable, allowing guests to enjoy the intimate atmosphere on board without the crowds. The ships’ have also been destination built, inspired by the more temperate Rhone & Seine and provide space for maximum enjoyment.
“Other lines’ 135-meter ships carry a full 46% more people than Tauck’s riverboats, and you simply can’t provide the same service or quality of experience with nearly half-again as many guests, ” explains Tauck CEO Dan Mahar.
More than 80 percent of the cabins on the two new builds will have more generous-sized rooms of at least 20sq m each and the public areas onboard will be less crowded to ensure a more relaxed ambience to foster a greater sense of comradery and community – the hallmarks of Tauck’s river cruises.
The new ships will have a newly designed sundeck, spa and fitness facilities, elevating your wellness experience. They will also have a dedicated Tauck Cruise Director and up to three Tauck Tour Directors to provide the highest levels of service.
Tauck’s new itinerary for 2026
The line will launch a new 11-day itinerary aboard MS Serene from Bordeaux to Paris on the Seine River next year. The itinerary includes three nights in Bordeaux, then taking a train to Paris and spending seven nights on the Seine cruise. Guests will visit French landmarks including Versailles, the Beaches of Normandy, Rouen, Giverny and Caudebec-en-Caux.
On arrival in Bordeaux, they will stay at the InterContinental Le Grand Hotel for three nights with a welcome reception and dinner to meet fellow travellers.
They will spend the next two days experiencing the food, wine and art in Bordeaux with wine-tasting at a chateau in Saint Emilion and Entre-Deux-Mers.
They will then take a train to Paris and spend one night exploring the City of Lights before starting their cruise. The cruise will meander down the Seine to call at Versailles, Rouen, the beaches of Normand, Les Andelys & Tilly for a day of culture exploring charming riverside villages with postcard-perfect beauty.
Guests will be able to dine in style at an exclusive dinner held at a 16th-century Chateau du Taillis in Duclair. They will also be taking a guided walking tour of historic Rouen including the Cathedral painted by Monet as well as the Joan of Arc Square.
In Giverny, they will visit Monet House and Gardens for an early opening, without the crowds. Back onboard, they will spend a creative afternoon with a renowned artist Mark Alsterlind for an inspiring painting class to create their own keepsake – a piece of impressionist artwork.
Bookings for 2026 river cruises are now open. Call your professional travel advisor or Tauck at 1800 962 043.
