Rebecca Tobin
ONBOARD THE LUMIERE -- Tauck's new river cruise ships, the Lumiere and the Serene, launched this week with back-to-back naming ceremonies in France.
The company isn't known for its aggressive river build strategy; its last new ship was the Portugal-based Andorinha, in 2021. But now, it's on its way to growth: the Lumiere and Serene increase Tauck's ship count by 20%, and the company will introduce two more ships in 2027, one in Portugal and another on the Seine.
"River cruising has never been more popular, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the strongest years in our history of river cruising," Joanne Gardner, Tauck's vice president of global operations, said during a Zoom interview -- the interviewer from the Lumiere, which was that afternoon docked in windy Arles; Gardner from Paris, where she had just come from the naming of the Serene.
Arthur's, the secondary restaurant on Tauck's river ships, has been moved forward on the new vessels to provide grand views off the bow. Photo Credit: Rebecca Tobin
"We're already seeing 2027 pacing 40% ahead of 2026," she said.
The Lumiere and Serene were purpose-built for France. The Lumiere is dedicated to the Rhone, and the Serene to the Seine. And it's no surprise: France has seen a spurt of interest, particularly since the Olympics in 2024.
Gardner confirmed that demand for France was strong. "We're very pleased to have these two new boats on the French rivers," she said. "That's where we're seeing a big part of the demand."
A look at the new design
Tauck has a partnership with Swiss shipping company and river operator Scylla, which builds, operates and owns the Tauck ships, but Gardner said that Tauck is involved in every aspect of the process, from design to destination, and it makes much of those decisions based on passenger feedback and traveler preferences.
Hence, it dedicated more space on the new ships to bigger cabins and suites, continuing a trend from the Andorinha. For example, the Lumiere is 443 feet long, and that length, Gardner said, enabled Tauck to add 22 suites that are 300 square feet with two French balconies.
The Serene accommodates 124 guests, and the Lumiere 130.
The ships update Tauck's design in a big way by moving its secondary restaurant, Arthur's, to the bow of the ship and linking it with the primary lounge. In addition to providing forward views and a handful of cafe tables out on the bow, it has a cozy, clubby feel, with comfortable chairs and a faux fireplace. Photos of Tauck tours from the Arthur Sr. days are scattered throughout.
The move of Arthur's frees up the aft for a new concept called the Retreat, a light and bright wellness space that includes a small fitness room with two treadmills and an exercise bike; a massage room; and a lounge with several chairs and couches and a self-serve bar with water, fresh juices, snacks and an espresso machine.
The lounge area in particular seemed popular with this week's cruisers, with passengers popping in for a latte or tea, a seat on the small aft balcony and plenty of chat.
Gardner praised the Retreat concept. "This opens up the light and the ability to have a really bright and airy fitness area," she said. "The amenities there, that healthy fruit and the water and [the ability to have] a cup of tea and sit on the nice couch and look out, it fits that bill.
The midship pool on the Lumiere, one of two new river cruise ships from Tauck. Photo Credit: Rebecca Tobin
"This is built with the thought in mind that people want options."
Tauck also reimagined its Sun Deck: A heated pool is situated midship, with a full-service bar located behind the wheelhouse and plenty of shaded and sunny areas for lounge chairs.
Unfortunately, on the Lumiere's first cruise, France's famous mistral wind was gusting, making it difficult to stay outdoors for long -- but a quick, breezy walk along the top deck showed its potential for summer cruising in southern France.