Tui River Cruises will add two new vessels, Tui Zora and Tui Velara, to its fleet in 2028 and launch sailings on France’s Seine River, expanding its summer program and increasing capacity by 26% for that year.
Each new ship will hold 188 passengers across 94 cabins. Tui Zora will begin operations on the Rhine River on May 7, 2028, while Tui Velara will debut on the Danube River starting August 14, 2028. Both ships will feature full-board-plus service with an option to upgrade to all-inclusive and offer an expanded selection of bars and restaurants. They are also designed to
run on alternative fuels, specifically methanol, and have shallower draughts to improve navigation during low water periods.
In addition, the 138-passenger Tui Elara will be repositioned to the Seine River starting March 2028, marking the first time Tui River Cruises will operate on this route. Tui Elara will provide itineraries lasting four, seven, and ten nights, visiting ports including Paris, Vernon, Rouen, and Le Havre.
Katy Berzins, Head of River Cruises at Tui River Cruises, said the Seine has become the operator’s most requested river. She described summer 2028 as Tui River Cruises’ largest launch with a 26% capacity increase
and noted that demand continues to exceed supply despite growing competition. Berzins added that the new ships’ shallower draughts allow for more flexibility amid low water conditions, which can require itinerary adjustments or occasional rare cancellations.
For summer 2028, Tui River Cruises’ fleet will grow to 10 ships offering 43 itineraries visiting more than 60 ports across Europe. Prices for a seven-night Danube Treasures sailing on Tui Velara start at £1,749 per person, including flights from Gatwick Airport.
