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May 9, 2025

In 2026, Tauck will further strengthen its commitment to small-ship ocean cruising with two new itineraries of notable cultural and scenic value: Sakura Seas: Japan & South Korea and Arctic Days & Northern Lights. 

While one cruise travels through the historical and artistic refinements of East Asia, the other ventures into the icy expanses of Northern Norway, where the Northern Lights dance above the Arctic landscapes, offering scenes of extraordinary enchantment. 

The first of the two new itineraries, Sakura Seas: Japan & South Korea, marks Tauck’s first offering to include Seoul as both its starting and ending point. This fourteen-day journey is designed to provide a comprehensive view of the culture, history, and aesthetic sensibilities of two nations that are distinct yet deeply connected by centuries of mutual exchange and influence. 

The stay begins in South Korea’s capital, Seoul, with a three-night accommodation in carefully selected properties, including the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, the Conrad Seoul, and the Four Seasons. 

From the outset, the itinerary stands out for its balance between guided visits to iconic landmarks—such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and the War Memorial of Korea—and more personal, intimate discoveries like strolls among traditional hanok houses or explorations of local markets. 

After discovering urban Seoul, guests travel to Busan aboard the high-speed KTX train, one of Asia’s most modern infrastructures. From there, the cruise officially begins aboard Le Soléal, a Ponant vessel designed to welcome 184 passengers in an atmosphere of understated elegance. 

The sea route unfolds along the southern coasts of Japan, touching lesser-known ports, true to Tauck’s commitment to destinations off the beaten tourist paths. In Sakaiminato, guests are offered their first optional activities, including explorations of art, folklore, and maritime life. In Hagi, attention turns to the Edo-period heritage, visible in samurai residences, the ruins of the ancient castle, and the centuries-old ceramic traditions that still define the city. 

The next stop, Beppu, offers a deep dive into the geothermal phenomena of Kyushu Island. Here, guests can choose to relax in local onsen, marvel at the bubbling “hells,” or explore the historical remains of Usuki. Uwajima provides a mix of traditional and unusual experiences: from visiting a pearl farm to observing a Japanese calligraphy demonstration accompanied by a formal tea ceremony in a traditional garden. 

The itinerary continues with two symbolically rich stops: Miyajima, where the iconic floating torii gate greets visitors in an atmosphere suspended between spirituality and landscape, and Hiroshima, where the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum provide silent reflection and universal testimony. 

Sailing proceeds to Tamano, offering options such as an urban bike ride or an artistic excursion to Naoshima Island, now a contemporary art hub. Guests interested in gastronomy may choose a craft beer tasting, while other tours lead to Kurashiki and its historic canal-side district. 

The final port before disembarkation is Kobe, with planned city tours or inland excursions to Kyoto’s temples and gardens. The cruise concludes with two nights in Tokyo, featuring guided visits to the Meiji Shrine, Edo-Tokyo Museum, and other emblematic landmarks of the capital. 

The journey closes with a farewell dinner accompanied by a sumo wrestling demonstration, sealing an experience that blends tradition and modernity in every detail. 

The second new itinerary for 2026, Arctic Days & Northern Lights, is aimed at travelers seeking unspoiled landscapes, ethereal light, and a direct connection with extreme nature. This twelve-day voyage aboard Le Lapérouse—one of Ponant’s most technologically advanced vessels—departs from Tromsø, a vibrant town located above the Arctic Circle. 

Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic” Tromsø blends urban energy with Sami traditions. Here, guests can engage with the indigenous culture, learning about the customs and resilience of a people adapted to extreme climates. The town center offers insight into local architecture and Tromsø’s historical role as a launching point for Arctic exploration. 

Continuing to Narvik, the cruise includes a visit to the Arctic Wildlife Center, a conservation-focused institution. Through wildlife observation and educational programs, guests gain deeper understanding of the Arctic ecosystem and the challenges it faces. 

The stop at Leknes, in the heart of the Lofoten Islands, provides profound contact with wild nature. Activities include horseback rides through breathtaking scenery or visits to the fishing village of Å, one of Norway’s most authentic settlements. 

The day ends with an immersive experience at the Lofotr Viking Museum, where traditional dances, feasts, and mead tastings transport visitors back to Viking times. 

After a day at sea—featuring onboard lectures and presentations—the ship docks in Hammerfest, which claims the title of “northernmost city in the world.” A short excursion explores the Reconstruction Museum and the local church, reflecting the resilience of the community. 

The journey then leads to Bjørnøya Island, a natural reserve of bird cliffs and diverse marine wildlife. Expert naturalists guide the observation of these species, offering a unique experience for nature enthusiasts. 

Next is Honningsvåg, the gateway to the famed North Cape. Guests may choose between a king crab tasting or a visit to a local fish industry, deepening their understanding of regional culinary traditions and economy. 

The penultimate stop is Alta, where experiences include dog sledding, snowmobile excursions, and visits to unique sites like the Sorrisniva ice hotel, for a full immersion in the Arctic environment. The voyage concludes in Tromsø with a farewell evening celebrating the journey’s experiences. 

While the ultimate goal of this voyage is witnessing the Northern Lights, the itinerary also offers many opportunities to connect with Sami culture, visit historical sites tied to Arctic exploration, and sail through fjords and glaciers of unparalleled beauty. 

Overall, Tauck’s 2026 calendar includes 133 departures across 20 itineraries, in collaboration with 20 small-tonnage cruise ships operating in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and Antarctica. 

The growing demand for this type of travel reflects a shift in tourism: less focused on quantity, more attentive to the quality of experience and authentic connection with places and people. 

Within this evolving landscape, the “Small is Big” strategy represents a structural choice for Tauck—not only in ocean cruising, but also in land journeys and European river cruises, where ship capacity is intentionally limited to ensure more spacious, comfortable, and peaceful environments. 

The year 2026 thus promises to be pivotal for Tauck’s evolution, embracing a vision of travel that prioritizes human experience, cultural depth, and the beauty of detail. 

Stay up to date with Tauck news, updates, and offers on our Cruising Journal website. 

Mara Di Dio

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