Tauck has announced the names and released artist's renderings of the two new ships that will join its fleet of riverboats next year. The new vessels will be the ms Serene, which will sail on Tauck's itineraries along the Seine River in France, and the ms Lumière, which will also operate in France on Tauck's cruises along the Rhône River.
The names of the new ships were selected from more than 1,000 suggestions submitted by travel agents, guests, and Tauck employees. The company's CEO, Jennifer Tombaugh, explained the reasoning behind each choice. “The name Serene is perfect for our new ship on the Seine, evoking tranquility and renewal. The Seine itself is a calm, meandering waterway that conveys a sense of peace and escape, beautifully captured in Impressionist paintings by artists such as Monet and Renoir.”
On the other hand, the name Lumière for the new boat on the Rhône River evokes images of light, inspiration, and discovery. Tombaugh noted that the Rhône is a faster-flowing, more energetic river, “like a spark of inspiration.” Furthermore, Lyon, a key stop on Tauck’s Rhône River cruises, hosts the Lumière Festival, which celebrates classic cinema and pays tribute to the Lumière brothers, film pioneers born and raised in the city. Every December, Lyon also hosts the Fête des Lumières, or Festival of Lights, with stunning light art installations throughout the city.
In addition to the names, Tauck has released the first artistic renderings of the new ships, with four detailed images showing the complete exterior, the top deck (Sun Deck), the wellness area, and the Category 5 suite.
- Sun Deck: Includes a swimming pool, a full-service bar, and comfortable shaded daybeds, as well as several tables with seating for enjoying al fresco dining, wine, or simply relaxing with views of the river.
- The Retreat wellness area will feature a gym, massage room, and a lounge with a coffee, juice, and snack bar. Unlike previous Tauck ships, this area will be located on the upper Diamond Deck, offering panoramic river views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Category 5 Suites: Both ships will offer spacious 90-square-meter suites on the Diamond Deck. The ms Serene will feature 20 suites, while the ms Lumière will have 22. These suites include two French balconies, a comfortable living area, and a king-size bed with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The ms Serene will have a total capacity of 124 guests with 20 Category 5 suites of 90m², 30 cabins of 60m² and 12 Category 1 cabins of 55m².
The ms Lumière will have a capacity of 130 guests, with 22 Category 5 suites of 90 m², 34 cabins of 70 m² and 12 Category 1 cabins of 55 m²
80% of the cabins on both ships will be 70 m² or larger. In addition, Category 1 cabins will be exempt from single supplements and will be 20% larger than those on other Tauck riverboats.
In addition to operating the family cruise “Family Fun Along The Seine: Paris to Normandy”, the ms Serene will debut in 2026 with a new itinerary: “Bordeaux, Paris & The Seine” (11 days).
The journey begins with three nights in Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion, staying at the InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel. Guests will then travel by high-speed train to Paris, where they will board the ms Serene for a seven-night cruise on the Seine.
Itinerary highlights:
- Full-day excursion options in Paris
- Visit to the Château de Versailles with exclusive activities
- Exploration of the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy
- Guided tours of Rouen and Les Andelys
- Exclusive visit to Claude Monet's house and gardens in Giverny
- Private dinner at Château du Taillis, a 16th century castle
- Cider, Calvados and pâté tasting at a family farm in Tilly
The cruise price includes all excursions, gratuities, drinks on board (including wines, beers and spirits), airport transfers, baggage handling, taxes and more.
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