Tauck will add a new riverboat to its French fleet in 2028, with ms Harmonie set to join sister ship ms Lumière on the Rhône and double the company’s capacity on the river.
Designed specifically for Rhône cruising and in response to guest feedback, ms Harmonie will accommodate no more than 130 passengers and will carry forward the layout and features introduced aboard ms Lumière.
The ship will include a Sun Deck with pool, bar and shaded day beds, while The Retreat on the Diamond Deck will combine a fitness centre, massage room and lounge with floor to ceiling windows.
Other features will include Arthur’s casual dining venue, sky lit atriums and 27-square-metre Tauck Suites.
Jennifer Tombaugh, Tauck CEO, said feedback from river cruise guests had influenced the design of the new vessel.
“The name Harmonie, which carries the same meaning in French and English, speaks to what we hope guests feel on board and along the river: a sense of balance, ease and connection to the places we explore,” Ms Tombaugh said.
The new ship forms part of a wider fleet renewal that will see five riverboats introduced between 2026 and 2028.
ms Lumière and ms Serene entered service in 2026, with ms Reverie and ms Saudade due in 2027 before ms Harmonie arrives the following year. Two older vessels will be retired as part of the program.
Tauck expects its total river cruising capacity to increase by more than 50% by 2028, supported by additional shoulder season departures, a new six day cruise format and expanded destination options.
Demand for the Rhône is currently tracking nearly 30% ahead of 2025 levels. ms Harmonie will operate existing itineraries including ‘Savouring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence’, with additional programs planned for 2028.
Travel advisors can already reserve preferred 2028 cruise dates. Deposits will remain fully refundable until final itineraries and pricing are released later this year.
