Tauck adds two ships, shorter itineraries in major river cruise expansion

Tauck has announced five European river cruises for 2027, releasing itineraries earlier than usual due to strong demand and year-over-year growth.

The tour operator's fleet will add two new riverboats: the ms Saudade, a sister ship to the ms Andorinha on the Douro River and the ms Reverie, a sister ship to the ms Serene on the Seine.

Six-day format debuts

Tauck is introducing a six-day river cruise format launching in late 2026, with expanded offerings in 2027. 

The shorter itineraries will be offered primarily during shoulder seasons and are designed to accommodate travellers with limited time while maintaining the company's service standards.

"We're seeing extraordinary growth across our river portfolio, and that inspires us to find new ways for guests to experience Tauck," said Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh. 

"River cruising continues to be one of the most popular ways to experience Tauck for the first time, and with these new shorter itineraries, we can now offer that exceptional entry point to guests with limited time."

The new six-day cruises include Essence of the Seine, a roundtrip journey from Paris with departures in March and November, starting at $3,490 USD per person double-occupancy, plus airfare.

 The itinerary includes visits to Rouen, the D-Day Beaches of Normandy and a château event.

Essence of the Danube, sailing between Budapest and Vienna aboard the ms Joy with October and November departures, is priced from $2,990 USD per person double-occupancy, plus airfare. 

The journey includes stops in Vienna and Bratislava, along with a dinner at Vienna's Palais Pallavicini.

Douro river expansion

Tauck is significantly expanding its Douro River presence with the addition of the ms Saudade and three new itineraries. 

The company reports that Douro departures, including its family-focused sailings, frequently sell out in advance.

New Douro offerings include:

• Essence of the Douro: A six-day sailing from Porto to Barca d'Alva aboard the ms Saudade, featuring wine country excursions and visits to Porto and Guimarães (now open for pre-booking)
• Porto Prelude: Cruising the Douro: A 10-day journey with a multi-night Porto stay before cruising through the Douro Valley (open for pre-booking)
• Exploring the Douro, Plus Madrid: An 11-day itinerary combining the Douro Valley with a three-night Madrid stay, sailing aboard the ms Andorinha (open for pre-booking)

The company is opening 2027 reservations earlier than usual, allowing travellers to book with what it describes as risk-free deposits while final details are completed.

Tauck will offer 37 European river cruises in 2027, including six family-focused itineraries. 

All cruises include shore excursions, gratuities, onboard beverages, airport transfers, luggage handling and taxes in the pricing.

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