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Tui River Cruises to make Douro debut with first new build ship

TUI River Cruises, Tui Alma

Tui River Cruises will expand its portfolio with the addition of its first-ever new build ship on the Douro River from Spring 2025.

Homeporting out of Porto, the 123-guest Tui Alma will have four decks and 62 cabins, including six standard balcony cabins and two suites, and will launch as part of the brand’s summer 2025 programme which goes on sale on 14 December.

The vessel, which will begin construction next year, will bring the company’s river fleet to five, joining Tui Isla, Tui Maya, Tui Skyla and Tui Al Horeya which will sail a new Nile River cruise in winter 2024.

Managing director of specialist businesses Chris Logan said the addition of the new vessel is a “huge moment” for Tui River Cruises and a “defining moment in our journey”.

“Given we only launched back in 2021 it’s a testament to the response of our customers that we’re able to deliver a newbuild ship,” he added. “We’re so excited to create something amazing for our guests.”

The ship will sail seven-night itineraries on the Portuguese river, based around Porto with a heavy focus on daytime cruising to allow customers to experience the country’s summer weather and scenery.

Alma will sail a five-location itinerary from Porto before arriving in Entre-os-Rios, then Peso de Regua, Vega de Terron and Barca d’Alva. The itinerary then circles back to Peso de Regua before finishing back in Porto.

“We’re designing the ship with true flexibility and choice in mind by making spaces different from day to night to allow the customer a choice of how to spend their day/evening onboard,” Logan continued.

New Tui Douro ship to offer week-long sailings

Alma, which will be full board plus as standard with the option for guests to upgrade to all-inclusive, will feature a top deck with a shallow pool accompanied by seating areas, sun loungers, a bar and food service.

Its main restaurant will serve breakfast through to dinner and a Portuguese-inspired alfresco dining space will offer a la carte dinner, and by day, will be a place for “relaxation and unwinding”.

Head of river cruises Katy Berzins said: “We’re so excited that Tui River Cruises are expanding. We’ve gone from the European waterways of the Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle to our recently announced sailings on the Nile and now we get to offer our customers the chance to experience the Douro.”

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