TUI River Cruises Expands Fleet and Adds Seine Cruises for Summer 2028

International

Two purpose-built ships, a new French river destination and 43 itineraries will increase capacity by 26% as TUI River Cruises launches its largest summer programme to date

TUI River Cruises has announced its largest summer programme to date, introducing two newly built ships and adding the River Seine in France to its European network. The summer 2028 season will feature a fleet of ten river cruise ships operating 43 itineraries, with voyages ranging from three to 14 nights between March and October. Bookings open on 15 October 2026, giving travel agents and customers an extended planning period for the expanded programme.

The two new vessels, TUI Zora and TUI Velara, will operate on the Rhine, Moselle and Danube, while TUI Elara will introduce cruises along the Seine, including Paris and destinations in Normandy. The expansion will increase TUI River Cruises' summer capacity by 26%, reflecting growing demand for river holidays and the company's intention to broaden its geographical coverage.

The programme is particularly significant for the UK market, where the new ships have been designed specifically around customer preferences. TUI's research identified destinations as the principal motivation for booking river cruises, influencing both the ships' interior concepts and their itineraries. Alongside the fleet expansion, the company is introducing additional flight connections to Paris and maintaining specialist products such as solo departures and cruises on Portugal's Douro River.

Two New Ships for the Rhine and Danube

TUI Zora and TUI Velara represent the next generation of vessels developed specifically for TUI River Cruises.

Each ship will accommodate 188 passengers in 94 cabins and operate on a Full Board Plus basis as standard, with an optional upgrade to All Inclusive.

TUI Zora is scheduled to enter service on the Rhine on 7 May 2028, followed by TUI Velara on the Danube on 14 August 2028.

Both ships have been designed with infrastructure intended to accommodate future alternative propulsion fuels, particularly methanol. However, TUI has not announced that the vessels will operate on methanol from their introduction.

The interiors follow a concept called Cultural Mosaic, drawing inspiration from the food, wine, architecture and traditions of the regions through which the ships travel.

This approach reflects research conducted with existing river cruise customers and potential first-time passengers. Both groups identified the destinations themselves as the main reason for choosing a river cruise.

The vessels will offer a broader selection of restaurants, bars and accommodation categories. Their largest Balcony Suites will measure up to 25 square metres, making them the most spacious suites in TUI River Cruises' European fleet.

The combination of larger accommodation options, destination-inspired interiors and expanded onboard facilities is intended to strengthen the brand's position in the contemporary river cruise market.

Seine Cruises Connect Paris and Normandy

The addition of the Seine represents one of the most important geographical developments in the new programme.

Beginning on 20 March 2028, the adults-only TUI Elara will operate four-, seven- and ten-night itineraries through northern France.

The cruises will take passengers through Paris, passing landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Musée d'Orsay, before continuing towards destinations including Vernon, Rouen and Le Havre.

Vernon provides access to the area associated with impressionist painter Claude Monet, including his house and gardens in nearby Giverny.

Rouen offers a contrasting experience through its medieval streets, Gothic cathedral and historical associations with Joan of Arc. Further downstream, Le Havre marks the point where the Seine reaches the English Channel.

Passengers will also have opportunities to explore Normandy's Second World War history, including excursions to the D-Day landing beaches.

The itineraries combine urban sightseeing, cultural heritage and regional landscapes, making the Seine an attractive option for travellers interested in more than conventional river scenery.

TUI Elara is particularly suited to the route because of its dimensions. At 110 metres, the ship is shorter than the 135-metre vessels that make up much of the company's European fleet.

With accommodation for 138 passengers in 70 cabins, it will also be one of the smaller ships in the fleet.

New Accommodation and Flight Options

TUI Elara will introduce the brand's first French Balcony Junior Suites, each measuring 19.5 square metres.

The suites will include evening turndown service and continental breakfast served in the cabin.

Onboard facilities will include Verdastro, the main à la carte restaurant, and The Observatory, a combined lounge and bar.

The upper deck will provide outdoor relaxation and recreational facilities, including sun loungers, a putting green, yoga space and areas for deck games and barbecues.

To support the new Seine programme, TUI River Cruises is introducing additional flight arrangements from the United Kingdom.

For the first time, customers will be able to travel to Paris Charles de Gaulle with Air France from airports including Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

EasyJet services from London Gatwick, Bristol, Glasgow and Newcastle will provide further options.

The expanded air connections are intended to make the Seine cruises accessible to customers across a wider range of UK departure points.

Douro and Specialist Cruises Remain Important

Beyond the new ships and Seine itineraries, TUI River Cruises is retaining several established elements of its European programme.

TUI Luzia, the company's first purpose-built river cruise vessel, will continue operating seven-night itineraries on Portugal's Douro River.

These cruises will include Porto, the Douro Valley and Peso da Régua, combining river scenery with one of Europe's best-known wine-producing regions.

The company will also maintain dedicated solo sailings, with TUI Maya operating selected departures on the Danube and TUI Skyla offering solo-focused cruises on the Rhine.

Meanwhile, TUI Aria, the largest ship in the fleet, will move to the Danube for the 2028 summer season.

The expanded programme will cover the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Dutch and Belgian waterways, Douro, Nile and Seine.

This geographical range gives travel agents additional opportunities to offer repeat river cruise customers new destinations without requiring them to change cruise brands.

Capacity Growth Reflects Strong Demand

Katy Berzins, Head of River Cruises at TUI River Cruises, described the summer 2028 programme as a major development for the company.

According to Berzins, the business has recorded year-on-year improvements in occupancy, while new destinations such as the Douro have generated encouraging demand.

The planned 26% increase in capacity indicates that TUI expects further growth in the river cruise market.

The company also sees the Seine as a promising addition. Its customer research places the French river among the five most requested destinations for river cruising.

For travel agencies, the expansion introduces a wider range of products across different durations, destinations and passenger preferences.

The new ships will primarily serve customers seeking contemporary river cruise accommodation, while the Seine programme will appeal to travellers interested in Paris, French culture and Normandy's historical attractions.

Prices for the summer 2028 programme start at £1,749 per person for a seven-night Danube Treasures sailing aboard TUI Velara. The quoted fare is based on two adults sharing a Deck 1 Standard Cabin on a Full Board Plus basis, including flights from London Gatwick with TUI Airways.

With sales opening on 15 October 2026, the new programme provides the travel trade with an extended booking window for a season that will substantially increase TUI River Cruises' fleet capacity and destination choice.