TUI River Cruises has named one of its top selling travel agents and one if its longest serving team members as the godparents of TUI Aria

Travel agent Paula Burgess and senior commercial manager at TUI River Cruises Mark Sage were bestowed the titles due to their contributions to the brand since the river cruise line launched five years ago.

With the christening of Aria around the corner, Burgess is one of the brand’s top selling agents in one of the topping selling stores in the South East region, with 34 years under her belt at the company.

Sage, meanwhile, was chosen to be the godparent of the vessel – which is set to sail the Rhine and Moselle from Amsterdam, Basel and Frankfurt from this summer – thanks to his 25-year tenure at the firm and for working on TUI River Cruises since its inception.

Aria will be the first TUI River Cruise ship in Europe to include a pool with panoramic views in the multi-use venue, Reflections. The area will double as a pool during the day and as a secondary dining venue and entertainment area with Italian inspired dishes in the evening.

The 190 passengers will be accommodated across 96 cabins including Superior French Balcony cabins, Superior, Standard and Single cabins.

Katy Berzins, head of TUI River Cruises, said: “We’re thrilled to be announcing Paula and Mark as our godparents for Aria. Paula is an exceptional travel agent and Mark has been integral to the brand since its inception – both of the godparents work has not been unnoticed and that’s why we’re giving them the godparent role for the latest river ship.

“As we enter our fifth year of sailing at TUI River Cruises, we cannot wait to launch the latest river cruise ship down the European Waterways early this summer 2026 season and celebrate the talent we have.”

Burgess added: “I still can’t believe I have been chosen to be a godparent for Aria – I feel so proud and honoured. I love sharing with customers who come into the TUI Hempstead Valley store on where they can river cruise from the European waterways of the Rhine and Danube to the Egyptian River Nile.”

Sage said: “I have worked at TUI River Cruises’ since the brand launched five years ago, and I am pleased to see my hardwork has been recognised by TUI River Cruises with the honour of being a godparent to the largest capacity ship in the fleet.”