Tauck has revealed its biggest-ever river cruise expansion, announcing five new European itineraries and two new riverboats for 2027, marking the earliest program release in the company’s history.
The expansion comes amid strong demand and continued year-on-year growth, adding the ms Saudade, sister ship to the ms Andorinha on Portugal’s Douro River, and the ms Reverie, sister ship to the ms Serene on France’s Seine River.
Shorter journeys meet traveller demand
Responding to changing travel preferences, Tauck is introducing a new six-day river cruise format, set to launch in late 2026 before expanding through 2027. Designed for travellers with limited time, these shorter itineraries will operate mainly in Europe’s shoulder seasons, offering milder weather, fewer crowds and the same all-inclusive Tauck experience.
David Clark, Managing Director Australia, said the early launch will be welcomed by the Australian market.
“Our guests can now book these highly sought-after river cruises for 2027, providing earlier access than ever,” he said.
“Our growing fleet continues to showcase Tauck’s innovation, unique access and trusted expertise as we prepare to embark on our second century.”
Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh said the shorter itineraries open the brand to a new audience.
“River cruising continues to be one of the most popular ways to experience Tauck for the first time, and with these new itineraries, we can now offer that exceptional entry point to guests with limited time,” she said.
New itineraries on the Seine and Danube
Among the new journeys are Essence of the Seine and Essence of the Danube, both six-day itineraries designed to highlight Europe’s rich history, culture and cuisine.
Essence of the Seine will sail roundtrip from Paris aboard the new ms Reverie, with visits to Rouen, the D-Day Beaches of Normandy and Vernon, along with a cider and Calvados tasting and a Tauck-exclusive gala at a historic château. Prices start from $5,290 AUD* per person twin share, plus airfare.
Essence of the Danube will cruise between Budapest and Vienna aboard the ms Joy, featuring guided tours in Vienna and Bratislava, a gala dinner with live music at Palais Pallavicini and a wine tasting in Dürnstein. Departures are available in October and November from $4,540 AUD* per person twin share, plus airfare.
Major expansion on the Douro
Portugal’s Douro River will see the most significant growth, with Tauck nearly doubling its capacity through the introduction of the ms Saudade and three new itineraries. Demand for the region continues to surge, with many 2025 and 2026 departures already selling out.
The new itineraries include:
- Essence of the Douro – a six-day sailing from Porto to Barca d’Alva aboard the new ms Saudade, featuring vineyard visits, a cocktail-making workshop, a guided tour of UNESCO-listed Porto and dinner at the acclaimed restaurant DOC.
- Porto Prelude: Cruising the Douro – a 10-day itinerary combining a multi-night Porto stay with a Douro Valley cruise, offering port tastings, guided walks and exclusive events in historic quintas.
- Exploring the Douro, Plus Madrid – an 11-day journey pairing a Douro River cruise aboard the ms Andorinha with three nights in Madrid, including tours of Porto, Salamanca and Madrid’s cultural highlights.
Expanding the Tauck experience
In 2027, Tauck will operate 37 European river cruises, including six Tauck Bridges itineraries designed specifically for families. As with all Tauck journeys, the 2027 program remains fully inclusive, covering shore excursions, gratuities, onboard beverages, airport transfers, luggage handling, taxes and more.
