TUI River Cruises to launch first new-build ship on the Douro
TUI River Cruises has confirmed plans to launch its first new-build river ship on the Douro in Portugal in summer 2027
The introduction of TUI Luzia will make up part of the line’s largest summer programme to date, which also sees two new ports of call in Croatia and The Netherlands.
Itineraries go on sale from 16 October, offering 35 sailings across the entire European fleet from March 2027 through to October 2027.
TUI Luzia will accommodate 111 passengers with access to four decks including a top deck with a shallow pool and sun loungers and Cinder, a bar and dining area open every day for drinks and self-serve lunches.
There will be 56 cabins including Super French Balcony cabins, Balcony cabins, French Balcony Suites and a single cabin. Other venues on the ship include Novo, the main lounge bar, Retreat, a hybrid area offering a juice bar and space for wellness classes such as yoga in the day and a lounge bar at night.
Guests will also find Sorriso, the main restaurant serving breakfast through to dinner and Vinha, a Portuguese inspired alfresco dining space where guests can enjoy a la carte dinner, and by day, will be a place for relaxation and unwinding.
The ship will sail five destinations, Douro Discovery, round-trip starting in Porto, then arriving in locations based in the UNESCO-listed region: Entre-os-Rios; Peso de Regua; Vega de Terron (for Salamanca, Spain) and Barca d’Alva.
In addition, TUI River Cruises will be offering two new ports of call in the summer 2027 season on TUI Aria with Dutch Delta Discovery sailing the Dutch and Belgian waterways to the city of Zaandam.
Katy Berzins, head of river cruises at TUI River Cruises, said: ”We’re thrilled to introduce TUI Luzia, our first new-build ship, which will sail the stunning River Douro in Portugal – a brand-new destination for TUI River Cruises.
“This marks a major milestone as we launch our biggest summer programme to date, with more itineraries, more durations, and exciting new ports of call across Europe. From the charming villages of Croatia and The Netherlands, we’re giving guests the opportunity to explore Europe’s rivers in a way that’s more flexible, immersive and exciting than ever before.”
It comes after the line announced plans to debut new sailings on the River Danube for winter 2026 with additional Serbian and Croatian ports of call.
