Tauck, a renowned operator, will introduce two new ships in France by 2026, expanding their river cruise offerings.
- The first ship, accommodating 130 passengers, will navigate the Rhone with a focus on passenger comfort over capacity.
- A smaller vessel will sail the Seine, hosting up to 124 passengers, highlighting Tauck’s commitment to quality experiences.
- Both ships are being built in Serbia and The Netherlands, showcasing a strategic international collaboration.
- With a record growth year in European river cruises, Tauck anticipates strong pre-season bookings for 2025.
US-based Tauck is set to enhance its river cruise operations in France with the introduction of two new vessels in 2026. The first vessel is designed to host 130 passengers, sailing on the Rhone River, with accommodations that prioritise guest experience over sheer numbers.
The design includes 68 cabins and 22 suites on its upper deck. Meanwhile, the middle deck offers 34 larger cabins, and the lower deck houses 12 category one cabins. This deliberate design aims to optimise comfort and space for passengers, aligning with Tauck’s philosophy of maintaining high service standards rather than increasing passenger numbers as a way to boost revenue.
A second, more compact ship will operate on the Seine, accommodating a maximum of 124 passengers. Similar to its counterpart, it features 20 suites on the upper deck, 30 larger middle deck cabins, and 12 category one cabins on the lower deck, with these smaller cabins being 20% larger than those on the current fleet.
Expected construction completion will occur in Serbia and The Netherlands, a project that exemplifies cross-border cooperation and engineering expertise. Tauck’s CEO, Dan Mahar, emphasised the company’s dedication to passenger comfort and the quality of the onboard experience, rather than the industry trend of maximising passenger capacity.
“With our two new riverboats, we’ll continue to prioritise our guests’ comfort and the quality of their onboard experience,” Mahar stated, contrasting Tauck’s approach with industry norms. This customer-focused strategy has been a significant contributor to Tauck’s record-setting year in European river cruises, where passenger levels have seen double-digit growth compared to previous years.
The company reports that pre-season bookings for the 2025 itineraries are already up significantly. With bookings for 2026 now open, passengers have the flexibility to reserve their cruises now with the option to cancel for a full deposit refund once detailed pricing and itineraries are released in early 2025. This customer-centric approach is expected to further entrench Tauck’s reputation for service excellence in river cruising.
Tauck’s new vessels and strategic planning underscore their commitment to enhancing passenger experience while expanding their European presence.
