Their company motto is ‘deliver more than is expected’ and yesterday Tauck did just that by revealing new product for 2026 in a world-first for Australia.
Senior company executives chose a media lunch to unveil new ships and new itineraries ahead of their release in Europe and the United States.
The event was held at one of Sydney’s most talked about restaurants, Firedoor, and was also selected to help guests celebrate Tauck’s 100th anniversary next year.
“We’re very excited to have all this new product development,” said Steve Spivak, Vice President, Global Sales and Reservations (pictured above).
“It’s a testament to how we’re always trying to innovate and do things differently and show our very loyal guests and people new to Tauck a new, exciting way to see the world.
“There is no guarantee that what we did today will resonate with our customers tomorrow. So, we have to be committed to being better tomorrow than we were today. That’s the secret to success.”
Mr Spivak revealed that the company will be introducing two new custom-built river ships in France on the Rhone and Seine in 2026. These ships will have larger cabins, fewer passengers (105 and 125 guests max), more personal space and a higher level of service.
“Capacity has been a challenge for Tauck for the last 10 years, ever since river cruising really exploded as a way of experiencing Europe.
“Tauck was instantly recognised as a leader in that style of travel, because it’s so much about the destination experience and understanding that our heritage is all about providing exclusive access to in-person experiences.”
On the hot topic of over-tourism, Mr Spivak said Tauck was designing itineraries to ensure guests could “disappear” into a destination, rather than overpower it.
“When 190 people get off a ship, it’s a lot different than when 90 people get off a ship. It changes the nature of the places that we visit.
“When our guests disembark, they split into much smaller touring groups with a choice of excursions guided by our talent directors, so it’s a much more exclusive, intimate experience and you feel much more like a local.”
Mr Spivak added that groups, solos, multi-generational and younger travellers were a focus for the company going forward but that the basic Tauck premise would remain the same.
“Our Chairman, Arthur Junior, is 92 years old and he has a very simple saying: ‘If you’re making people’s dreams come true, you have to do things right. And if you do things right, you’ll be successful’. Every single day, all we focus on is doing what’s right by our guests.
“It’s the most complicated thing you can ever do to take somebody’s dreams and make them real. We take something that doesn’t exist and we make it physical. We take dreams, we take ideas and we make them physical. What we do is magic.”
So what do the next 100 years hold for Tauck?
“The one thing I can promise you is that there will always be something new to talk about,” added Spivak.
“We know that the needs of our clients are constantly changing and how they want to experience the world.
“Tauck is constantly evolving and the secret to the longevity of this business is to evolve faster than the desires of our guests, so that we’re always meeting them where they want to be.”
The company has also demonstrated its support and appreciation for Australian travel advisors with its largest-ever advisor-focused event series in Australia.
The milestone week saw 195 advisors across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane attend Tauck training academies, where they became Tauck Certified Advisors through five hours of in-depth learning.
“We believe that our travel advisors are the heart and soul of our business,” said David Clark, Tauck Managing Director Australia.
“Their expertise and dedication play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of our travellers. We’re excited to invest in their success and provide them with the tools and knowledge to excel in this dynamic industry.”
Some of the new 2026 itineraries unveiled:
‘Bordeaux, Paris & The Seine’. 11-days/8 cruise days. (May – October.)
‘Scotland Bridges’. 8 days/7 nights.
‘A week in Copenhagen & Oslo’. 8 days/7 nights.
‘Wonders of Greece’. 12 days/11 nights.
‘Mexico City & Oaxaca’. 8 days/7 nights.
‘South Africa & Zimbabwe’. 9 days/8 nights.
‘The Mekong, Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia’. 16 days/15 nights.
‘Arctic Days & Northern Lights’. 12 days/11 nights.
‘American West’. 9 days/8 nights.
