WILTON, CT — Tauck is set to make its largest-ever river cruise expansion in 2027, adding five new European itineraries and two new riverboats to its growing fleet.
The announcement comes amid record demand and sustained year-over-year growth, prompting the company to open bookings earlier than ever before.
Tauck’s two newest vessels – the ms Saudade, sister ship to the ms Andorinha on Portugal’s Douro River, and the ms Reverie, sister ship to the ms Serene on the Seine – will join the fleet as part of the company’s ongoing investment in small-ship luxury.
The company will also introduce a new six-day river cruise format designed to appeal to travellers seeking shorter yet immersive journeys. Launching in late 2026 and expanding in 2027, these itineraries will operate mainly during the shoulder seasons, offering guests the advantage of fewer crowds and milder weather while maintaining Tauck’s hallmark inclusivity and premium service.
“We’re seeing extraordinary growth across our river portfolio, and that inspires us to find new ways for guests to experience Tauck,” said Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh. “River cruising continues to be one of the most popular ways to experience Tauck for the first time, and with these new shorter itineraries, we can now offer that exceptional entry point to guests with limited time.”
Among the new offerings, Essence of the Seine will launch aboard the new ms Reverie, sailing roundtrip from Paris through Normandy. The six-day itinerary features visits to Rouen, the D-Day Beaches, cider and Calvados tastings in Vernon, and a gala evening at a historic château. Departures are available in March and November, starting from US$3,490 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare.
Essence of the Danube, sailing between Budapest and Vienna aboard the ms Joy, includes guided tours of Vienna and Bratislava, an exclusive gala dinner at Vienna’s Palais Pallavicini, and wine tasting in Dürnstein. Departures run in October and November, starting from $2,990 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare.
EXPANDING THE DOURO
Tauck is also significantly expanding its footprint on Portugal’s Douro River, one of the company’s most in-demand regions. The new ms Saudade will nearly double capacity on the Douro, supporting three additional itineraries and reinforcing the company’s growing presence in the Iberian market.
New additions include Essence of the Douro, a six-day sailing from Porto to Barca d’Alva featuring curated excursions such as a cocktail-making workshop at a local quinta, a guided walk through Porto, and a visit to the historic city of Guimarães. Longer journeys include Porto Prelude: Cruising the Douro, a 10-day experience combining a multi-night stay in Porto with cultural touring, and Exploring the Douro, Plus Madrid, an 11-day voyage that extends into Spain with a three-night stay in Madrid.
With these additions, Tauck will offer 37 European river cruises in 2027, including six Tauck Bridges itineraries designed for families. Every journey remains fully inclusive, covering shore excursions, gratuities, onboard beverages including premium wines and spirits, airport transfers, luggage handling and taxes.
For more information, go to www.tauck.ca.
