Tauck grows small ship program amid record sales

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The addition of two new itineraries to Tauck’s 2026 small ship ocean cruising line-up comes as the operator reported unprecedented success in the cruising category.Both newcomers to the program – Sakura Seas: Japan & South Korea and Arctic Days & Northern Lights – reflect the company’s “Small is Big” philosophy, emphasising intimate, culturally rich travel experiences.“Our guests are seeking memorable, life-enhancing experiences in fascinating destinations where they can forge meaningful bonds with local cultures and their fellow travellers,” said CEO Jennifer Tombaugh. “It’s the difference between simply visiting a destination and truly immersing yourself in its culture, history and natural beauty.”Sakura Seas marks Tauck’s first-ever itinerary visiting Seoul, offering a 14-day journey tha starts in South Korea’s capital, with guided visits to landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Korean War Memorial Museum, before boarding Ponant’s Le Soléal for an eight-night cruise exploring ports in Japan.

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Highlights include Samurai-era homes in Hagi, hot springs in Beppu, a pearl farm in Uwajima, and the floating torii gate on Miyajima Island. Guests will also visit Hiroshima, Naoshima Island, and Kyoto, before concluding in Tokyo with city sightseeing and a farewell dinner with a sumo wrestling demonstration. Prices start from $24,990 AUD per person, with three departures scheduled in April 2026.Meanwhile, Arctic Days & Northern Lights offers a 12-day journey through northern Norway aboard Le Lapérouse, featuring “prime opportunities to witness one of nature’s most mesmerizing spectacles—the Aurora Borealis.” All 2026 departures are already sold out, with a waitlist available.The announcement comes as Tauck celebrates unprecedented success in its small ship cruising category. Early bookings for 2026 are already nearly 20% ahead of 2025, the company revealed. That means this year looks set to be a record-breaker for the company. In total, Tauck will operate 133 small ship departures in 2026 across 20 itineraries worldwide.

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