I’ve just returned from France, where an early April in Paris greeted us with chestnuts in blossom—following two extraordinary riverboat christenings and time spent with our partners, our Board, and members of the Tauck family.
With the words of Vernon Duke playing softly in my mind, I find myself still reflecting on those moments.
There is something about the rivers of Europe that invites reflection in every sense of the word. Sunlight dances across the water. The current moves with quiet purpose. Each bend reveals something unexpected. One can’t help but pause… gaze… and smile. It’s no wonder these waterways have inspired some of the world’s greatest artists—from Monet and Renoir along the Seine to Van Gogh on the Rhône—each striving to capture not just what they saw, but what they felt.
In many ways, I experienced that same sense of inspiration during our christenings.
From the celebratory break of the champagne bottle on the ms Lumière in Lyon to the ms Serene sailing from the sparkle of the Eiffel Tower to the storybook village of Les Andelys, there were countless “jewel-box” moments I wish you could have shared with me. The flood of light through the newly designed atrium as I first stepped aboard ms Lumière, radiant in the Lyon sunshine. The warm, genuine welcome from the captain and crew. The energy of Arthur’s, the ship’s casual restaurant and lounge—now so perfectly positioned at the helm—where conversation flowed as easily as the dancing in the next room. The shimmer of the sun deck pool, mirroring soft clouds overhead and inviting guests to linger. The quiet tranquility of our new wellness area, The Retreat, as the river slipped gently by. A glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, thoughtfully selected and perfectly paired in the reimagined Compass Rose.
And in Les Andelys, on a brilliant bluebird day, a village gathered in celebration—erupting in joy, raising glasses, and sharing smiles as ms Serene—so fittingly named—was christened.
These moments are more than celebrations—they are a reflection of where we are going. I wish you could have been there to experience them firsthand. While nothing replaces being on the river, I hope you’ll click here to enjoy a few memorable images from the christenings.
With the launch of ms Lumière and ms Serene, we continue to invest in a river experience that is distinctly Tauck. Each ship is custom-designed and built exclusively for our guests, in close partnership with the Reitsma family of Scylla—true collaborators who share our commitment to excellence. Together, we consider every detail: how spaces bring people together, how service feels intuitive and personal, and how each moment onboard enhances the journey ashore.
This is paired with more than a century of Tauck destination expertise—connecting you to the villages, cultures, and artisans that define each region, many of whom joined us for the christenings and will soon welcome our guests. Every experience is thoughtfully included, allowing you to be fully present… to absorb… and to reflect.
You’ll often hear us say that at Tauck, “small is big.” Nowhere is that more evident than on our river cruises. Fewer guests create space for deeper connection, more attentive care, and richer, more immersive experiences. With a Tauck Cruise Director and three Tauck Directors onboard, we offer one of the best guest-to-guide ratios on the rivers—ensuring you are not only cared for, but truly understood. It’s not just a philosophy—it’s something you feel in every interaction. We travel as a family.
And we continue to evolve. We now have five “Essence” journeys open for booking—shorter itineraries designed with the same depth, access, and care, offering greater flexibility while remaining true to the Tauck experience. Alongside our continued investment in new ships and onboard innovation, it reflects how we are thoughtfully expanding our river portfolio for the future.
As I shared during the christening ceremonies, our purpose at Tauck is to change people’s lives through travel. Even after many visits to France, I found myself seeing these rivers in a new light—experiencing a renewed sense of wonder, delight, and awe. I returned home with a fresh collection of memories—new reflections, and new jewels for that personal memory box we all carry.
Whether it’s a future April in Paris, a journey along the Seine or Rhône, or time spent on the Danube, Rhine, or Douro, I hope you’ll join us—and create your own moments of inspiration and reflection.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Tombaugh
CEO
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