Tauck is introducing wellness-focused programming on two special departures of its Rendezvous on the Seine river cruise in 2027, adding a selection of optional fitness, nutrition and mindfulness experiences to the company’s existing 10-day itinerary through Paris and Normandy. Tauck has also confirmed plans to expand the concept in 2028 with five Wellness Departures across a broader range of itineraries.
The inaugural Wellness Departures will operate on 28 July and 11 October 2027 aboard Tauck’s ms Serene. Guests will experience the same sightseeing, exclusive access and cultural experiences featured on Rendezvous on the Seine, with additional opportunities throughout the journey to participate in wellness activities built around three themes: Move, Savour and Restore. Participation will be entirely optional, allowing guests to engage as much or as little as they choose.
“We’re always listening to our guests and advisors, and we know that wellness has become an increasingly important part of how people want to travel and spend their time,” said Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh. “What we love about these departures is that they give guests even more choice without changing the Tauck experience they already value. They can explore France, connect with the people and places along the Seine and, if they choose, make time to move, recharge or learn something they can bring home with them.”
NIKKI POLOS TO HOST 2027 AND 2028 DEPARTURES
Both Wellness Departures will be hosted by fitness entrepreneur and wellness coach Nikki Polos, founder of Workout Worthy, a fitness and coaching platform. Polos brings nearly three decades of experience in the fitness industry, beginning as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer before helping build and operate a health club business that grew to five locations. Over the course of her career, she has worked in fitness settings serving people with a wide range of goals, abilities and experience levels, giving her a broad perspective on how movement and healthy habits can fit into different lives.
“There’s something powerful about creating time to focus on your own well-being while also experiencing a new part of the world,” Polos said. “My hope is that guests use these days to try something new, reconnect with habits that make them feel good and find ideas they can realistically bring home with them. It’s not about following a rigid program. It’s about finding what works for you.”
MOVE, SAVOUR AND RESTORE
The added programming will complement the daily itinerary of Tauck’s planned sightseeing and activities. Move will incorporate opportunities for physical activity, Savour will explore nutrition and the connection between food and well-being and Restore will focus on mindfulness, recovery and relaxation. Wellness elements will be offered before and during the cruise, with resources guests can also use after returning home.
Activities may include guided movement and fitness sessions, mindfulness practices, wellness discussions and programming focused on nutrition and healthy habits. The schedule will be integrated around the existing itinerary to preserve guests’ ability to take part in Tauck’s included sightseeing and destination experiences.
The setting is particularly well suited to the new programming. Introduced in 2026, the 124-guest ms Serene features The Retreat, a dedicated wellness area on the ship’s upper Diamond Deck with a river-view fitness centre, massage treatment room and lounge, as well as a Sun Deck with a swimming pool, bar and areas for relaxing outdoors.
WELLNESS ALONG THE SEINE
Tauck’s 10-day Rendezvous on the Seine itinerary travels round trip from Paris, combining time in the French capital with cruising through Normandy. The journey showcases the history, art, cuisine and landscapes of the region through Tauck-guided sightseeing and exclusive experiences, while the Wellness Departures will layer the added programming into available periods throughout the itinerary.
The 28 July Wellness Departure is priced from $11,390 AUD per person, double occupancy, plus airfare, while the 11 October departure is priced from $13,940 AUD per person, double occupancy, plus airfare. Both departures are currently open for booking. As with all Tauck journeys, the 2027 river cruises are fully inclusive, covering shore excursions, gratuities, onboard beverages (including premium wines and spirits), airport transfers, luggage handling, taxes, and more.
Tauck has also confirmed plans for five additional Wellness Departures in 2028 with additional details to be announced at a later date. Tauck’s 2028 river cruises are available for booking now.
