WILTON, CT — Tauck has announced the names and released the first artist renderings of its two new riverboats set to join its award-winning fleet next year.
The ships, ms Serene and ms Lumière, will both operate in France, sailing on the Seine and Rhône rivers, respectively.
The names were chosen from over 1,000 suggestions submitted by Tauck travel advisors, guests and employees.
Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh shared the inspiration behind the selections. “The name Serene is perfect for our new ship on the Seine, bringing to mind tranquillity and rejuvenation. The River Seine itself is a gently flowing, meandering river that evokes a spirit of calm and escape that was captured beautifully in paintings of the waterway by Impressionist artists such as Monet and Renoir,” she said.
For the ms Lumière, Tombaugh noted that the name reflects light, inspiration and discovery. “The Rhône is a faster-flowing and more lively river, akin to a spark of inspiration,” she explained. The choice also honours Lyon, a key destination on Tauck’s Rhône cruises and home to the Festival Lumière, which celebrates classic cinema and the Lumière brothers, pioneers in filmmaking. The city also hosts the annual Fête des Lumières, a renowned Festival of Lights.
First Look at New Ship Features
Along with their names, Tauck has released the first renderings of the new vessels, showcasing their exterior and select interior spaces. The images highlight key features such as the Sun Deck, wellness area and spacious Category 5 suites.
The Sun Deck will offer a swimming pool, a full-service bar and shaded day beds. Seating areas with four-top tables will provide an inviting space for alfresco dining, wine tasting or simply enjoying the passing scenery.
Sun Deck with pool rendering
The wellness area, known as The Retreat, will feature a fitness centre, massage treatment room and a lounge with a coffee, juice and snack bar. To enhance natural light and provide river views, the wellness area has been moved from the lower Emerald Deck to the upper Diamond Deck.
Rendering of The Retreat wellness area
Both vessels will offer a selection of Category 5 suites, measuring 300 square feet and located on the Diamond Deck. The 125-metre ms Serene will include 20 of these suites, while the 135-metre ms Lumière will have 22. The suites will feature two French balconies, a seating area and a king-size bed positioned to take in the river views.
Rendering Category 5 Suite
The ms Serene will accommodate up to 124 guests, with 30 cabins at 225 square feet on the Ruby Deck and 12 Category 1 cabins at 180 square feet on the Emerald Deck. The ms Lumière will host 130 guests, offering 34 cabins at 225 square feet and 12 Category 1 cabins. Notably, 80% of the cabins on both ships will be at least 225 square feet.
Tauck will also waive all single supplements for Category 1 cabins, which will be 20% larger than those on its other riverboats.
New Itinerary for ms Serene
In addition to sailing on the Family Fun Along The Seine: Paris To Normandy itinerary, the ms Serene will debut on a new 11-day journey in 2026: Bordeaux, Paris & The Seine (starting at US$7,240).
The trip will begin with a three-night, fully guided exploration of Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion, with accommodations at the InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel. Guests will then take a high-speed train to Paris to embark on a seven-night Seine cruise.
Highlights will include a full-day exploration of Paris with multiple sightseeing options, a visit to the Château de Versailles and guided tours of Normandy’s D-Day Beaches, historic Rouen and scenic Les Andelys. Exclusive experiences will include an early morning visit to Monet’s Giverny home and gardens, a private reception and dinner at the 16th-century Château du Taillis, and a visit to a family farm in Tilly for tastings of regional specialities such as cider, Calvados, and pâté.
The cruise fare includes all shore excursions, gratuities, onboard beverages (including wine, beer, and spirits), airport transfers, luggage handling and taxes.
For more information go to www.tauck.ca.
