Tauck has christened its new riverboats, the Lumière and the Serene, in two separate ceremonies, the company said in a press release.
The ceremony for the Lumière was held in Lyon on March 27, with around 50 guests, including Tauck leaders, travel advisors, supplier partners and members of the media, in attendance.
“Our past river cruising patrons have played a meaningful role in shaping the evolution of our river cruise fleet,” said Jennifer Tombaugh, CEO of Tauck.
“Celebrating the christening of the Lumière is a wonderful milestone, and these new ships allow us to welcome more travelers to these beautiful rivers while incorporating ideas and insights we’ve gathered from our guests and teams over the years.”
Lumière’s co-godmothers, Kristen Mack, vice president of Tauck director operations, and Brenna Shay, Tauck director manager, christened the new ship during a ceremony along the Rhône.
Guests attending the christening also participated in a series of experiences leading up to the ceremony, including a guided tour of Lyon and time aboard the new ship.
Celebrations continued onboard with events including a celebratory sail-away gathering along the Rhône.
A couple of days later, the Serene was christened by godmother and Tauck Vice Chair of the Board, Jennie Norman, in a separate, private christening.
Later, guests sailing aboard the ship on the Seine embarked on an evening departure from Paris.
“The addition of Lumière and Serene represents a significant step forward for our river cruising portfolio,” said Tauck President Jeremy Palmer.
“Demand for France continues to be exceptionally strong, and these ships allow us to expand our presence on these rivers while welcoming more guests in the years ahead.”
The Lumière will sail itineraries along the Rhône, such as “Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence,” and the Serene will operate along the Seine on itineraries including “Family Fun Along the Seine: Paris to Normandy” and the new for 2026 “Bordeaux, Paris & the Seine.”
The addition of the two new vessels is part of Tauck’s broader river cruise fleet expansion that will increase river cruising capacity by more than 30% compared to 2025.
