Tauck’s newly announced 2026 small ship cruising plans feature 133 departures across 20 different itineraries aboard 20 ocean-going small ships, with sailings throughout Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and Antarctica.
The company is introducing two new itineraries that offer clients exclusive cultural experiences in two very different parts of the world.
“Our guests are seeking memorable, life-enhancing experiences in fascinating destinations where they can forge meaningful bonds with local cultures and their fellow travelers,” said Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh, in a press statement. “In addition to providing a more personalized experience for our guests, our small ship cruises access smaller harbors and create opportunities for those authentic cultural encounters our guests value so highly. It’s the difference between simply visiting a destination and truly immersing yourself in its culture, history and natural beauty.”
Tauck’s New Itineraries: Asia and Antarctica
The new 14-day Japan and South Korea itinerary marks Tauck’s first offering featuring Seoul. Priced from $16,490 per person (double occupancy, plus airfare), this comprehensive journey begins with a 3-night Seoul stay at a choice of luxury properties: Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, Conrad Seoul or Four Seasons Seoul. Clients will explore important cultural sites, including the 14th-century Gyeongbokgung Palace and Korean War Memorial Museum, visit traditional Hanok village homes and experience local markets.
Following their stay in Seoul, your clients will travel via high-speed train to Busan before boarding Ponant’s 184-passenger Le Soleal for an eight-night cruise. The voyage includes cultural experiences in Sakaiminato, Hagi (known for samurai homes and pottery), Beppu (with hot springs and geothermal sites) and Uwajima (featuring pearl farm visits or traditional tea ceremonies).
Additional highlights include Miyajima Island’s iconic floating torii gate, Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial, art exploration on Naoshima Island, and traditional experiences in Kyoto. The journey concludes with two nights in Tokyo, featuring guided city tours and a farewell dinner with sumo wrestling demonstrations.
Three departures are scheduled for 2026: April 10 and April 26 (Seoul to Tokyo) and April 19 (Tokyo to Seoul). The all-inclusive pricing covers shore excursions, gratuities, onboard beverages, airport transfers, taxes and fees.
Tauck’s second new offering, the 12-day Arctic Days & Northern Lights itinerary, provides clients opportunities to witness the Aurora Borealis while exploring Norway’s Arctic region. Priced from $14,990 per person (double occupancy, plus airfare), this journey aboard Ponant’s Le Laperouse departs from Tromso and travels along Norway’s Arctic coastline. Due to exceptional demand, all 2026 sailings are already sold out, though travel advisors can waitlist interested clients.
Tauck’s small ship cruising category is experiencing record growth, with early 2026 bookings nearly 20 percent ahead of 2025 figures, which themselves represent a record-breaking year for the company.
The company’s “Small is Big” philosophy remains central to its 2026 strategy. It extends beyond cruising into land journeys with Small Group and Smaller Group tours and across European river cruises, where it purposefully limits guest capacity to allow for more spacious suites and public areas.
For more information, visit tauck.com.
