TUI River Cruises will bolster its fleet with the addition of two new-build ships in 2028

Both vessels will have capacity for 188 passengers across 94 cabins, use alternative fuels, such as methanol, and have been designed specifically for the UK market, the line said.

The new order will take the fleet from six in 2026 to 10 in 2028, following the launch of TUI Elara in March 2027 and the line’s first new-build ship TUI Luzia in summer 2027.

The announcement was made in Frankfurt at the christening of TUI Aria, the largest-capacity refurbished ship to join the river cruise line’s European fleet.

Two long-serving staff members attended the event as godparents for the 190-passenger ship.

Katy Berzins, head of river cruises at TUI River Cruises, said: “Announcing our new-build ships marks a major milestone for TUI River Cruises and signals our continued investment in the future of our fleet.

“These new ships, purpose-built for our customers, reflect our ambition for growth and our commitment to delivering an elevated, modern river cruising experience. They will embody the flexibility and choice TUI River Cruises represents in modern river cruising, allowing culturally immersive holidays to come to life on the river.

“It has also been a pleasure to share this news at the same time as welcoming TUI Aria into operation – another important step in the evolution of our brand. We look forward to introducing guests to these new ships when they enter service in 2028, and to TUI Aria from summer 2026.”