Tui River Cruises will expand its fleet in summer 2028 by introducing two new ships, Tui Zora and Tui Velara, increasing overall capacity by 26%. The new vessels are scheduled to debut on May 7 and August 14, 2028, respectively, raising the fleet total to 10 ships.
Seine River Cruises Debut with Tui Elara
From March 2028, the 138-passenger ship Tui Elara will reposition to the River Seine, marking Tui’s first sailings on the French river. Tui Elara will operate four, seven, and 10-night itineraries with port calls including Paris, Vernon, Rouen, and Le Havre.
New Ships Features and Alternative Fuel Design
Tui Zora and Tui Velara will each accommodate 188 passengers in 94
cabins, featuring full-board-plus as standard with an option to upgrade to all-inclusive. The sister ships are designed for alternative fuels, notably methanol, and will have shallower draughts than existing vessels to address low water level challenges.
Expanded Itineraries and Capacity Details
The 2028 summer program offers 43 itineraries across more than 60 ports on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, and Seine rivers. Starting prices for seven-night Danube cruises on Tui Velara begin at £1,749 per person, including flights from Gatwick Airport. This expansion represents Tui River Cruises’ largest growth phase, with capacity rising 26% compared to previous years.
Customer Demand and Operational Challenges
Tui’s Head of River Cruises, Katy Berzins, confirmed
that customer demand has made the Seine the company’s most requested river. Berzins acknowledged challenges posed by recent low water levels, explaining that itineraries may be adjusted or cancelled if necessary. She emphasized that despite more river cruise ships entering the market, demand continues to outpace supply, indicating growth potential across different customer groups.
“Summer 2028 is our biggest launch ever and marks a major step for Tui River Cruises,” said Berzins. “With capacity up 26% for summer 2028, we’re in a clear phase of growth.”
