Tauck has named the godmothers for its two newest riverboats, ms Lumiere and ms Serene, both joining the company’s European river fleet in spring 2026. The ms Lumiere, which will operate on the Rhone River, will be christened on March 27, 2026, followed a few days later by the christening of the ms Serene on the River Seine.
Kristen Mack, Vice President of Tauck Director Operations, and Brenna Shay, Tauck Director Manager, will serve as co-godmothers of the ms Lumiere, while Jennie Norman, Vice Chair of Tauck’s Board of Directors, will assume the role for the ms Serene.
“Kristen, Brenna, and Jennie embody the depth of experience, care for people, and commitment to excellence that define Tauck,” said Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh, in a press statement. “Each brings a deep understanding of our culture and our guests, and each has played a critical role in shaping the experiences we deliver overall, and especially on Europe’s waterways. We’re honored to have them serve as godmothers to these beautiful new ships as we look ahead to Tauck’s next century of river cruising.”
Tauck’s Godparents Go Way Back
Mack has been part of Tauck for nearly 30 years, beginning her career as a Tauck Director leading tours across destinations such as Alaska, New England, Antarctica, Greece and Turkey. Her academic background in political science and history complemented her transition to tour directing, allowing her to connect education with cultural exploration. She now oversees Tauck Director Operations globally, ensuring the delivery of the company’s guided experiences on land, river, and small-ship cruises.
Shay joined Tauck in 2011, first leading journeys in Europe and Japan before advancing into operations management. She now manages Tauck’s European river and small ship teams and played a key role in post-Covid operations and the launch of the Douro River program aboard ms Andorinha.
Norman, who has served as Vice Chair of Tauck’s Board for two decades, also chairs the Human Capital Committee and sits on several key committees overseeing governance and river operations. Her corporate background includes senior executive roles with Markem Corporation and board positions with several privately held companies.
Both new vessels were designed with input from Tauck guests, Cruise Directors and guides. The 443-foot ms Lumiere will carry up to 130 passengers, featuring 22 Tauck Suites of 300 sq. ft. each with dual French balconies, along with expanded public areas, including a Sun Deck with a pool and a full-service bar. The Retreat, a wellness space on the Diamond Deck, includes a fitness center, a treatment room and a lounge with river views.
The slightly shorter 410-foot ms Serene will accommodate 124 guests with similar designs, including enlarged cabins up to 180 sq. ft.—20 percent larger than comparable Tauck cabins. The ms Lumiere will sail Rhone River itineraries, including Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence, while the ms Serene will operate Seine River programs such as Family Fun Along the Seine: Paris to Normandy and Bordeaux, Paris & the Seine.
For more information, visit tauck.com.
