TUI River Cruises shares details of new ships joining in 2028

TUI River Cruises has shared details about the two new ships it is adding to its fleet in 2028

TUI Zora and TUI Velara will enter service on 7 May 2028 and 14 August 2028 respectively, with the former scheduled to sail on the Rhine and the latter on the Danube.

Both ships will have capacity for 188 passengers across 94 cabins and have been "designed and built from the outset with the foundations in place for the next generation of alternative fuels, particularly methanol," the line said.

TUI River Cruises said the new ships have been shaped by customer feedback which it sourced in focus groups with existing clients and potential future river cruisers. The line found both groups wanted vessels that are "closely connected to the destinations," so have designed the interiors on onboard venues to "create an experience that feels intrinsically connected to the rivers and places guests visit," it added.

The line first confirmed the order for the two new ships at the christening of TUI Aria in March, where it confirmed the vessels are being designed specifically for the UK market.

Additionally, TUI River Cruises has released its 2028 programme where it will sail on the Seine for the first time.

Adults-only ship Tui Elara will operate four-, seven-, and 10-night itineraries on the Seine throughout its 2028 season.

A total of 10 ships will sail 43 itineraries between March and October 2028. The programme goes on sale on 15 October.

Katy Berzins, head of river cruises, said: "Summer 2028 is our biggest launch ever and marks a major step for TUI River Cruises. We're continuing to perform well year on year, growing occupancy and strong demand for new rivers like the Douro.

"With capacity up 26 per cent for summer 2028, we're in a clear phase of growth. Our guests can now sail the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Dutch and Belgian waterways, Douro, Nile and now the Seine.

"TUI Zora and TUI Velara were shaped by what our guests told us they wanted, delivering an elevated, modern river cruising experience that brings the culture and character of each destination on board. And with the Seine, we're offering more choice for customers on one of the most requested rivers in our research, from Paris to Monet's gardens to the Normandy coast."