The company’s first adults-only ship - Tui Isla - will begin sailing from 26 November with Christmas and New Year itineraries and a full programme from April 2021 with sister vessels Tui Maya and Tui Skyla.
Following the Foreign Office’s removal of its travel ban for river cruises, final preparations are now underway and Tui has released the first images of the newly refurbished ships and announced new excursions for this winter.
Customers will have the choice of two restaurants onboard, a number of bars and a seven cabin types per ship with three cabins for solo travellers.
As part of Tui’s sustainability drive, all cabin carpets have been made from recycled fishing.
All passengers will receive a £120 credit per seven-day itinerary to use towards shore excursions, with 12 new winter excursions expanding the total on offer to 150.
The new additions include visits to Christmas markets and Christmas-themed city walking tours.
Tui will offer 32 itineraries along the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main and Dutch and Belgian waterways ranging from three to 14-night sailings
Tui Isla will sail three festive Christmas itineraries including Mistletoe & Rhine, Yuletide Wonders and Rhine Gems throughout November and December. Tui Skyla and Tui Maya will be preparing to set sail in April 2021 from Frankfurt and Budapest.
A new perks option – the Little Extras Package - has been introduced costing £35 per cabin and includes elements such as priority check-in, a small group ship tour, welcome prosecco and chocolates, a personalised card from the captain, continental breakfast in bed and a late cabin check-out.
Tui UK and Ireland’s managing director of cruise, Chris Hackney, said: “Following the change in government advice on river cruising, holidaymakers now have the chance to explore Europe from its rivers and waterways.
“We’re working hard to get ready for our first sailings and with so much to discover on a river cruise, we’ve put exploration at the heart of our offer.
“First sailings are already proving popular and we’re looking forward to welcoming our first guests onboard Tui Isla in 100 days’ time. Our teams are working really hard behind the scenes to ensure customers can cruise with confidence and enjoy their holiday with us.”
