TUI River Cruises has confirmed plans for its most extensive summer season to date, scheduled for 2027. The expansion includes the launch of the TUI Luzia, the company's first-ever newbuild ship, which will begin sailing on Portugal's Douro River.
Key Takeaways
- TUI River Cruises will introduce its first newbuild ship, TUI Luzia, in summer 2027.
- The ship will operate on the Douro River in Portugal, a new destination for the cruise line.
- The summer 2027 program will be the company's largest, featuring 35 sailings from March to October.
- Bookings for the new itineraries will open on October 16, 2025, with pre-registration available from October 2, 2025.
Introducing the TUI Luzia
The centerpiece of the 2027 expansion is the introduction of the TUI Luzia. This vessel marks a significant step for the company as its first ship built from the ground up rather than being acquired and refurbished. The name Luzia means "light" in Portuguese, reflecting its new home port.
The ship is designed to offer a modern river cruising experience. It will operate on a Full Board Plus basis as standard, giving passengers meals and select drinks. An option to upgrade to a more comprehensive All-Inclusive package will also be available.
Ship Specifications and Amenities
The TUI Luzia is designed with passenger comfort in mind, accommodating a smaller number of guests to ensure a more intimate atmosphere. It will have a capacity for 111 passengers spread across four decks.
Key features include a top deck equipped with a shallow pool and sun loungers for relaxation. The ship will also feature Cinder, a versatile bar and dining area that will be open daily, serving drinks and self-serve lunches.
TUI Luzia at a Glance
- Passenger Capacity: 111
- Total Cabins: 56
- Decks: 4
- Dining: Full Board Plus (standard), All-Inclusive (upgrade)
- Key Feature: Top-deck pool and sun loungers
The vessel will offer a total of 56 cabins. Accommodation options include Super French Balcony cabins, Balcony cabins, and French Balcony Suites. For solo travelers, the ship will also have one dedicated single cabin.
Expansion into a New Destination
The deployment of TUI Luzia on the Douro River signals the cruise line's entry into the Portuguese market, a popular and scenic route for European river cruises. This move diversifies TUI's portfolio of river itineraries.
The Douro River Valley
The Douro River is one of Western Europe's major rivers, flowing from Spain across northern Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean. Its valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its terraced vineyards where port wine is produced. River cruises in this region are known for their scenic beauty and cultural excursions.
Katy Berzins, head of river cruises at TUI River Cruises, commented on the expansion and the new vessel.
“We’re thrilled to introduce TUI Luzia, our first newbuild ship, which will sail the stunning River Douro in Portugal, a brand-new destination for TUI River Cruises. This marks a major milestone as we launch our biggest summer program to date, with more itineraries, more durations and exciting new ports of call across Europe.”
TUI's Largest Summer Program
The 2027 summer season is set to be the largest in the company's history. A total of 35 sailings are planned across the entire European fleet, running from March through October 2027.
The program is designed to appeal to a wide range of travelers, from those new to river cruising to seasoned enthusiasts. Itineraries will vary in length, offering flexibility for different holiday plans.
Varied Itinerary Lengths
To attract first-time river cruisers, TUI will offer several shorter sailings. These include three-, four-, five-, and six-night options. For travelers seeking a more immersive experience, longer cruises are also available.
The full range of sailing durations for summer 2027 includes:
- 3-night cruises
- 4-night cruises
- 5-night cruises
- 6-night cruises
- 7-night cruises
- 8-night cruises
- 9-night cruises
- 11-night cruises
- 14-night cruises
- 15-night cruises
These itineraries will cover several of Europe's most famous rivers, including the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, and the Belgian and Dutch Waterways.
New Ports of Call Added
In addition to the new Douro route, TUI River Cruises is adding two new ports of call to its existing itineraries for the 2027 season, further enhancing its European offerings.
Zaandam, Netherlands
The TUI Aria, sailing the Dutch and Belgian Waterways on its “Dutch Delta Discovery” itinerary, will now include a stop in Zaandam. The city is known for its distinctive green wooden houses, windmills, and proximity to the Zaanse Schans open-air museum.
Aljmas, Croatia
The TUI Maya will add a visit to Aljmas, Croatia, as part of its “East Danube Delights” itinerary. Aljmas is a picturesque village located at the confluence of the Drava and Danube rivers, offering a glimpse into a tranquil part of the region.
Booking and Pricing Information
Travelers interested in the summer 2027 program can begin booking their trips from Thursday, October 16, 2025. To manage early interest, TUI will also launch a pre-registration service starting on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
According to the company's press release, prices for the new season will start from £899 per person. This entry-level price is for the “Grand Capitals” three-night sailing on the TUI Maya.
