TUI River Cruises signs two new ships for the next generation of river cruises during the christening ceremony of the TUI Aria in Frankfurt.
This move reflects TUI's ongoing commitment to growing its river cruise brand. The two new vessels will expand the TUI River Cruises fleet from six ships in 2026 to a program reaching 10 ships in 2028, operating in Europe, on the Rhine, the Nile, and the Douro.
These two new ships have been designed and will be built with the foundations prepared for the next generation of alternative fuels, especially methanol. Each ship will feature 94 cabins, a capacity for 188 passengers, and will continue to set new standards in modern river cruising through innovative features, high-quality interiors, and a variety of spacious areas, while maintaining TUI's signature service at the heart of the product.
This represents a significant step for TUI River Cruises, marking its move towards a new generation of ships for its river fleet. The investment underscores a clear phase of growth and expansion for the brand, increasing the fleet from six ships in 2026 to 10 in 2028, with operations in Europe, on the Rhine, the Nile, and the Douro.
The ships will be designed specifically for the UK market and will continue to offer flexibility and variety for their customers.
The company continues to post strong year-on-year performance, with high levels of customer satisfaction and increased occupancy. TUI Group is committed to developing its river cruise business in response to growing consumer demand for enriching cultural experiences on waterways.
Katy Berzins, Head of River Cruises at TUI River Cruises, said: “Announcing our new ships marks a significant milestone for TUI River Cruises and reflects our continued investment in the future of our fleet. These new ships, designed specifically for our customers, reflect our ambition for growth and our commitment to delivering a modern, high-quality river cruise experience. They will embody the flexibility and variety that defines TUI River Cruises, allowing culturally immersive holidays to come to life on the river.”.
It has also been a pleasure to share this news as we welcome the TUI Aria into operation, another important step in the evolution of our brand. We look forward to introducing these new ships to our guests when they enter service in 2028, as well as the TUI Aria from summer 2026.”
This announcement followed the christening of the TUI Aria, the newly renovated, larger-capacity ship joining the TUI River Cruises European fleet. The christening ceremony took place on the Rhine River in Frankfurt, with speeches given by Katy Berzins, Head of River Cruises, and Mircea Tudose, Managing Director of Business Expansion. The celebrations included the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony, the official naming of the TUI Aria, and the participation of the godparents: TUI agent Paula Burgess and Senior Commercial Director Mark Sage. The evening concluded with a live DJ set by Frankfurt-based DJ Duka, a seven-piece band called B*Spoke, and saxophonist Dima.
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