Tui River Cruises is expanding its fleet with two new ships, Tui Zora and Tui Velara, each accommodating 188 passengers across 94 cabins. Tui Zora will begin operating on the Rhine River on May 7, 2028, while Tui Velara will start cruises on the Danube River from August 14, 2028. Both vessels will also sail the Moselle River during their deployments.
Seine River Cruises Start with Tui Elara
In 2028, Tui River Cruises will introduce sailings on the River Seine, featuring the 138-passenger adult-only ship, Tui Elara. Joining the fleet in March 2027, Tui Elara will offer four, seven, and ten-night itineraries calling at Paris, Vernon, Rouen,
Le Havre, and other ports, including Issy-les-Moulineaux, Caudebec, Les Andelys, La Roche-Guyon, and Conflans. The ship features multiple restaurants, lounges, balcony suites, The Observatory lounge and bar, as well as amenities like sun loungers, yoga, and BBQ areas.
Fleet Growth and Summer 2028 Program
The addition of Tui Zora, Tui Velara, and Tui Elara will grow Tui River Cruises’ fleet to 10 ships in 2028. The summer 2028 program includes 43 itineraries covering more than 60 ports and will deliver a 26% increase in passenger capacity. Bookings for this program open on October 15, 2026, with prices starting at £1,749 per person for a seven-night Danube
sailing on Tui Velara, including Gatwick flights.
Ship Design and Passenger Experience Enhancements
The new ships are designed based on guest feedback to provide an elevated and modern river cruising experience. Both Tui Zora and Tui Velara will have a shallower draught than existing vessels to improve navigation in low water conditions. They are built to accommodate alternative fuels, particularly methanol, supporting sustainability goals. Full-board-plus is standard, with an option to upgrade to all-inclusive. The ships will offer more bars and restaurant options compared to current fleet vessels.
Operational Flexibility and Market Demand
Katy Berzins, Head of River Cruises at Tui River Cruises, noted that the Seine has become the company’s
most requested river. She said, “Summer 2028 is our biggest launch ever and marks a major step for Tui River Cruises,” adding that capacity is up 26% for summer 2028 amid clear growth. Despite increased river cruise market entries, demand continues to outpace supply, providing opportunities for all operators. Berzins acknowledged challenges posed by low water levels this year, explaining that itineraries are assessed individually, with ports reordered or sailings canceled only in rare cases. The shallower draughts of the new ships enhance operational flexibility.
In addition to river expansions in France, Tui Luzia will join the fleet in June
2027 to operate seven-night sailings on the Douro River in Portugal in 2028. The summer 2028 program thus offers passengers new destinations, including lesser-known French towns, and enhanced onboard amenities and dining options.
