Tauck, a leader in upscale travel, has unveiled the ms Serene and ms Lumière, two new riverboats set to join its fleet in 2026. The ms Serene will navigate France’s Seine River, embodying tranquility and rejuvenation, while the ms Lumière will cruise the Rhône River, symbolizing light and inspiration.
The ship names were chosen from over 1,000 suggestions by Tauck’s travel advisors, guests, and employees. CEO Jennifer Tombaugh explained that ‘Serene’ reflects the calm nature of the Seine, reminiscent of the serenity captured by Impressionist artists like Monet and Renoir. ‘Lumière’ evokes images of light and discovery, aligning with the Rhône’s lively character and Lyon’s Festival of Lights honoring cinema pioneers, the Lumière brothers.
Artist renderings reveal the ships’ features, including a Sun Deck with a swimming pool, full-service bar, and shaded day beds. The Retreat wellness area offers a fitness center, massage room, and a lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows. Each vessel boasts 300-square-foot Category 5 suites with two French balconies, seating areas, and king-size beds. The ms Serene accommodates 124 guests, while the ms Lumière hosts 130, with 80% of cabins measuring 225 square feet or larger.
In 2026, the ms Serene will debut a new 11-day itinerary, ‘Bordeaux, Paris & The Seine,’ starting at $7,240 USD. The journey begins with a three-night exploration of Bordeaux and Saint Emilion, followed by a high-speed train ride to Paris to embark on a seven-night Seine cruise. Highlights include a day in Paris, a visit to Chateau de Versailles, guided tours of Normandy’s D-Day Beaches, Rouen, Les Andelys, an exclusive visit to Monet’s Giverny home, a reception at Chateau du Taillis, and a farm visit in Tilly. The price covers shore excursions, gratuities, onboard beverages, airport transfers, luggage handling, taxes, and fees.
Source: Swifteradio.com
