TUI River Cruises is excited to announce its most ambitious summer season yet for 2028, featuring the introduction of two brand-new vessels, TUI Zora and TUI Velara. Additionally, the cruise line is expanding its offerings to include the beautiful Seine River in France with the new ship, TUI Elara.
Expanded Itineraries and Ships
The summer programme will commence from March to October 2028, showcasing an impressive fleet of 10 ships and a total of 43 itineraries. These will range from 3 to 14 nights of adventure on the water. As of October 15th, bookings for these exciting journeys are now open.
The TUI Zora is slated to sail on the Rhine starting May 7, 2028, while TUI Velara will make her debut on the Danube on August 14, 2028. Each vessel is optimized for the UK market, accommodating up to 188 guests in 94 cabins. Travelers can enjoy the Full Board Plus package, with an optional All-Inclusive upgrade available.
Innovative Design and Sustainable Features
Both newly built ships have been designed with sustainability in mind, featuring provisions for next-generation alternative fuels such as methanol. Their construction also incorporates insights gathered from existing and prospective customers about desirable destinations, which have been prioritized in booking decisions.
The onboard experience is encapsulated by the Cultural Mosaic design concept, inspired by the rich culinary, architectural, and cultural landscape of the Rhine, Moselle, and Danube regions. Notably, both ships will offer a variety of restaurants and bars, along with various accommodation options, including the largest Balcony Suites in TUI’s fleet, which measure up to 25 m².
Exploring the Seine with TUI Elara
In a significant expansion, TUI will now be offering cruises on the scenic Seine River. The TUI Elara, measuring 110 meters, will join the fleet in March 2027 and commence its inaugural Seine sailings on March 20, 2028. Its unique size enables navigation in areas where larger vessels might not venture.
This adults-only ship will provide 4-, 7-, and 10-night cruises starting from the heart of Paris. Passengers will have the chance to explore iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Musée d’Orsay. Ports of call will include Vernon, associated with the artist Claude Monet, and Rouen, rich in history as Normandy’s capital. The itinerary will also feature Le Havre, which is located near the mouth of the Seine.
Cruising aboard TUI Elara will accommodate 138 guests and feature 70 finely appointed cabins, including the brand’s inaugural French Balcony Junior Suites, which are 20 m² in size. Luxury touches include nightly turndown service and continental breakfast served directly in the cabins. Guests can dine at the main à la carte restaurant, Verdastro, or enjoy relaxation at The Observatory lounge. The top deck will be a destination in itself, featuring sun loungers, a putting green, and spaces designed for yoga and barbecues.
Flight Options for Convenient Travel
To enhance travel convenience, TUI has added new flight options for UK travelers flying into Paris Charles de Gaulle. Air France will operate services from major cities including Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, while easyJet will offer flights from London Gatwick, Bristol, Glasgow, and Newcastle.
Other vessels in TUI's fleet will continue their operations as well, with TUI Luzia dedicated to 7-night cruises on Portugal’s picturesque Douro River, and TUI Maya and TUI Skyla offering special solo departures on the Danube and Rhine, respectively. Additionally, TUI Aria, currently the largest ship in the fleet, is set to be redeployed to the Danube for the summer season.
Katy Berzins, the Head of River Cruises at TUI River Cruises, highlighted that this programme is a pivotal step in the company’s growth trajectory. She noted a 26% increase in capacity for summer 2028 due to rising demand and occupancy rates across their destination offerings, including the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, and for the first time, the Seine.
Pricing for the 2028 season begins at £1,749 per person for a 7-night Danube Treasures cruise aboard TUI Velara, based on double occupancy in a Standard Cabin on Deck 1, which includes the Full Board Plus basis, with flights provided by TUI Airways from London Gatwick.
Tag: Cruises