Tui River Cruises will introduce two new river cruise ships, Tui Zora and Tui Velara, in 2028 while launching its first sailings on the Seine River, increasing total capacity by 26%.
New Ships and Fuel Innovations
Tui Zora, with a capacity of 188 passengers in 94 cabins, will start operations on the Rhine River on May 7, 2028. Her sister ship, Tui Velara, sized identically, will debut on the Danube River on August 14, 2028. Both vessels are designed to use alternative fuels such as methanol.
Seine River Itineraries and Ship Deployment
The 138-passenger Tui Elara will reposition to the Seine River in March 2028 to support the launch of new
sailings. The ship will offer four, seven, and 10-night itineraries calling at over nine ports including Paris, Vernon, Rouen, Le Havre, and Caudebec.
Fleet Growth and Capacity Expansion
With the addition of the two new ships and Tui Elara’s repositioning, Tui River Cruises’ fleet will total 10 ships in 2028. The summer 2028 programme includes 43 itineraries covering more than 60 ports, representing a 26% increase in passenger capacity.
Prices for the 2028 season start at £1,749 per person, including flights from Gatwick Airport for a seven-night Danube Treasures itinerary aboard Tui Velara. Booking for the summer 2028 programme opens on October 15, 2026.
Katy
Berzins, Head of River Cruises at Tui River Cruises, described the launch as the company’s “biggest launch ever,” highlighting sustained strong demand. She noted, “We speak to customers time and time again, and this is the river that has become our most requested one,” referring to the Seine River.
Berzins emphasized that demand continues to exceed supply in the river cruise market despite increased competition, stating, “There’s space for all of us.” She also addressed challenges from low river water levels, saying the new ships’ shallower draughts will improve operational flexibility during such periods.
