Tauck has christened two new riverboats in France, expanding its cruise offerings on the Rhone and Seine Rivers. The launches of ms Lumiere and ms Serene took place in late March in Lyon, attended by company leadership, travel advisors, supplier partners and media, with a separate private ceremony for ms Serene led by godmother and Tauck Vice Chair Jennie Norman.
The new vessels are designed to enhance the onboard guest experience. ms Lumiere, measuring 443 feet, accommodates up to 130 guests, while its sister ship, ms Serene, at 410 feet, hosts up to 124 guests, both featuring updated designs and expanded public spaces.
Design Enhancements Focus on Guest Experience
Both ships feature resort-style Sun Decks with swimming pools, full-service bars and shaded daybeds, as well as panoramic lounges and sky-lit atriums that maximize scenic river views. The ships’ wellness offerings include The Retreat, an expanded fitness and spa area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river. Casual dining spaces such as Arthur’s provide guests with evening cocktails and sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes.
New Itineraries Across France
The ms Lumiere will sail itineraries along the Rhone, including journeys such as Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence, while ms Serene will operate on the Seine, featuring family- and culture-focused cruises like Family Fun Along the Seine: Paris to Normandy and Bordeaux, Paris & the Seine, new for 2026.
These launches are part of Tauck’s broader river cruise expansion, increasing capacity by more than 30 percent over 2025. Looking ahead, Tauck plans to introduce two additional riverboats in 2027 for the Seine and Portugal’s Douro River.
The new Seine vessel will mirror ms Serene’s design, while the Douro vessel will incorporate features popularized on ms Andorinha.Â
For more information, visit tauck.comÂ
