Tauck has announced that two new riverboats will join the company’s fleet in 2026. The two ships, which have not yet been named, will launch in spring 2026, following construction next year in Serbia and the Netherlands.
The two newbuilds include a 135-meter vessel that will sail on Tauck itineraries along the Rhone. Accommodating a maximum of just 130 guests in sixty-eight cabins, the 135-meter ship will boast twenty-two spacious 300-sq. ft. suites on its upper (Diamond) deck, thirty-four roomy 225-sq. ft. cabins primarily on the middle (Ruby) deck, and twelve 180-sq. ft. Category 1 cabins on the lower (Emerald) deck.
A slightly smaller (125-meter) sister ship will host up to 124 guests along the River Seine, with accommodations including twenty 300-sq. ft. suites on its Diamond Deck, thirty 225-sq. ft. cabins (mainly on the Ruby Deck), and twelve 180-sq. ft. Category 1 cabins on the Emerald Deck. At 180-sq. ft., the Category 1 cabins on both newbuilds will be 20% larger than the Category 1 cabins found on Tauck’s other riverboats. In keeping with Tauck’s tradition of welcoming solo travelers, all Category 1 cabins on the new ships will have the single supplement waived on every sailing.
TAUCK’S AWARD-WINNING FORMULA, WITH REIMAGINED PUBLIC AREAS
According to Tauck CEO Dan Mahar, the two new ships will continue the company’s proven formula for success on Europe’s rivers. “With our two new riverboats, we’ll continue to prioritize our guests’ comfort and the quality of their onboard experience, rather than following the industry norm of maximizing revenue by maximizing passenger capacity,” said Mahar.
As an example, Mahar explained that other lines’ 135-meter riverboats routinely carry 190 people, while Tauck’s ships of the same size host just 130 guests. “Other lines’ 135-meter ships carry a full 46% more people than Tauck’s riverboats, and you simply can’t provide the same service or quality of experience with nearly half-again as many guests.” Mahar explained that by intentionally accommodating fewer guests, Tauck is able to offer roomier cabins (80% of the cabins on the two newbuilds will be 225 square feet or larger). Having fewer guests aboard also ensures that each ship’s public areas are less crowded and provide a more relaxed and intimate onboard ambiance, thereby fostering the strong comradery and sense of community that are hallmarks of Tauck’s river cruises.
Mahar added that, as with Tauck’s other riverboats, the two newbuilds will sail with a dedicated Tauck Cruise Director and up to three Tauck Director guides to provide the highest levels of service, and the itineraries offered on the new ships will be fully inclusive. Built into the price of every Tauck river cruise are all shore excursions, all gratuities, all onboard beverages (including wine, beer and spirits), arrival and departure airport transfers, all taxes and fees, and more.
While Tauck has provided an overview of the new riverboats’ accommodations, the company is offering few specifics about the ships’ uppermost Sun Deck or other communal spaces including the vessels’ restaurants, lounges, spa and gym facilities. Mahar explained that those areas are receiving some special focus, with details to be announced at a later date. “We’ve been listening carefully to what our guests have been saying, and to feedback from the Tauck Cruise Directors and Tauck Director guides who work aboard our riverboats, and we’re reimagining our public spaces with some fresh and fun innovations,” said Mahar. “We have some wonderful enhancements in the works, and we’re looking forward to revealing more of our plans in the coming months.”
RECORD SALES AND 2026 CRUISES NOW OPEN FOR BOOKING
The announcement of Tauck’s new ships comes as the company is concluding a record year with its European river cruises, including double-digit growth (percentage-wise) over last year’s passenger levels. Demand for Tauck’s 2025 sailings is also robust, with pre-season bookings likewise up double-digits year-over-year. In addition, Tauck opened its 2026 river cruises for preliminary bookings earlier this month and guests are now able to reserve space on the 2026 itinerary and departure date of their choosing. All guests who book 2026 cruises now will have the opportunity to cancel their bookings, and receive a full refund of their deposits, when pricing and final itinerary details are announced in early 2025.
