Tauck will add a new riverboat, ms Harmonie, to its French fleet in 2028, doubling the company’s capacity on the Rhône as part of a multi-year expansion of its European river cruise program.
The new vessel will be a sister ship to ms Lumière and will accommodate no more than 130 guests – up to 30 per cent fewer than comparably sized riverboats, according to Tauck.
Its arrival forms part of a fleet investment that will see Tauck introduce five new riverboats between 2026 and 2028, increasing the company’s overall river cruising capacity by more than 50 per cent.
A new sister ship for the Rhône
Custom-built for the Rhône, ms Harmonie will adopt the deck plan and key design elements introduced aboard ms Lumière.
The Sun Deck will feature a swimming pool, full-service bar and shaded day beds, while the upper Diamond Deck will include an expanded wellness space known as The Retreat, incorporating a fitness centre, massage treatment room and lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Guests will also find Arthur’s casual dining venue with panoramic river views, sky-lit atriums, light-filled lounges and Tauck Suites measuring approximately 28 square metres.
“River cruising continues to be one of the most popular ways guests first experience Tauck, and the feedback our river guests have shared over the years shape every ship we build,” Tauck chief executive officer Jennifer Tombaugh said.
“The name Harmonie, which carries the same meaning in French and English, speaks to what we hope guests feel on board and along the river: a sense of balance, ease and connection to the places we explore.”
Five new riverboats by 2028
Tauck’s expansion began with ms Lumière and ms Serene, which debuted in 2026. They will be followed by ms Reverie and ms Saudade in 2027 and ms Harmonie in 2028.
While two older vessels will be retired as part of the renewal, Tauck expects its overall river cruise capacity to increase by more than 50 per cent by 2028. The expansion will also include more shoulder-season departures, additional destinations and a new six-day cruise format aimed at travellers with less time.
The Rhône is already one of Tauck’s strongest river destinations, with demand running nearly 30 per cent ahead of 2025 levels, according to the company.
Sailing alongside ms Lumière, ms Harmonie will double Tauck’s capacity on the river and operate established programs including Savouring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence, with additional itineraries scheduled to be announced for 2028.
Tauck’s river cruise fares include shore excursions, gratuities, onboard beverages including wine, beer and spirits, airport transfers, luggage handling, taxes and fees.
Guests can currently reserve their preferred 2028 itinerary and departure date before final pricing and itinerary details are announced later this year, with deposits fully refundable under Tauck’s early reservation arrangement.
