TUI River Cruises Unveils Biggest Summer Programme for 2028.
TUI River Cruises has announced its largest summer programme to date for 2028, introducing two new purpose-built ships, TUI Zora and TUI Velara, and expanding into France’s Seine River. The programme will feature 10 ships and 43 itineraries ranging from three to 14 nights between March and October 2028, with capacity increasing by 26 per cent year on year.
Bookings open on October 15, 2026, with fares starting at £1,749 per person.
Two New Ships to Join the Fleet
Designed specifically for the UK market, TUI Zora and TUI Velara will each accommodate 188 passengers across 94 cabins. Both ships will offer Full Board Plus as standard, with an optional All Inclusive upgrade.
TUI Zora will debut on the Rhine on May 7, 2028, while TUI Velara will begin sailing on the Danube on August 14, 2028. Their design follows customer research highlighting destinations as the main factor influencing river cruise bookings.
The ships will feature a Cultural Mosaic concept, incorporating regional influences from the Rhine, Moselle and Danube through interiors inspired by local cuisine, wine, architecture and folklore. Facilities will include additional restaurants and bars, while Balcony Suites measuring up to 25 square metres will be the largest suites in TUI’s European river cruise fleet. Both vessels will also incorporate infrastructure designed to support future alternative fuels, particularly methanol.
TUI Elara to Launch Seine River Cruises
The programme marks TUI River Cruises’ debut on the Seine, with TUI Elara commencing operations on March 20, 2028. The adults-only ship, joining the fleet in March 2027, will offer four-, seven- and 10-night itineraries through northern France.
Accommodating 138 passengers across 70 cabins, the 110-metre vessel will visit Paris, Vernon, Rouen and Le Havre. Shore excursions will include Monet’s house and gardens, Normandy’s historic towns and the D-Day landing beaches.
Onboard facilities will feature the Verdastro à la carte restaurant, The Observatory lounge and bar, and a top deck with sun loungers, a putting green and space for yoga and outdoor activities. The ship will also introduce French Balcony Junior Suites measuring 19.5 square metres.
New flight connections will link Paris Charles de Gaulle with UK departure points through Air France and easyJet services.
Broader Itinerary Choice
TUI Luzia will continue seven-night Douro cruises, while dedicated solo departures will operate aboard TUI Maya on the Danube and TUI Skyla on the Rhine. TUI Aria will move to the Danube.
The expanded programme will cover the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Dutch and Belgian waterways, Douro, Nile and Seine.
Katy Berzins, Head of River Cruises at TUI River Cruises, said the expansion reflected growing demand and customer feedback, describing summer 2028 as the brand’s biggest launch yet.
The introductory fare of £1,749 per person covers a seven-night Danube Treasures cruise aboard TUI Velara, based on two adults sharing a Deck 1 Standard Cabin, with Full Board Plus and flights from London Gatwick included.
