TUI Confirms Two New River Ships for 2027

Written By Richard Phillpott

Two brand-new ships, fresh itineraries, and a brand-new river to explore, all arriving in 2027

TUI River Cruises has officially confirmed the arrival of not one, but two new ships, and the good news is, both are set to launch in 2027. Meet TUI Elara and TUI Luzia, two very different river cruise experiences designed to give travellers more choice across Europe’s waterways.

TUI Elara: Classic Rivers, Fresh Itineraries

Launching in March 2027, TUI Elara will become the eighth ship in the fleet, offering an adults-only experience for up to 138 guests.

Her sailings focus on some of Europe’s most iconic waterways, including the Rhine, Moselle, and the Belgian and Dutch waterways. Guests can expect a mix of big-name cities and smaller, storybook towns, with stops in places like Amsterdam, Cologne and Boppard.

One standout addition is a brand-new port of call, Brussels, marking the first time TUI River Cruises will visit Belgium’s capital.

Onboard, guests can expect:

  • Adults-only cruising

  • Full Board Plus dining, including drinks at mealtimes

  • Two restaurants and two bars

  • A spacious top deck with activities like yoga and a putting green

  • Evening entertainment in the Observatory lounge

Brand-new port of call for Tui Elara - Brussels

TUI Luzia: A New Ship on a New River

Also arriving in summer 2027, TUI Luzia introduces something completely new for the cruise line. This will be TUI River Cruises’ first purpose-built ship, sailing exclusively on Portugal’s Douro River.

With space for around 111 guests, the experience will feel even more intimate, focusing on scenic, slower-paced journeys through vineyard-lined landscapes. Sailings will be seven nights, round-trip from Porto.

Ports along the way showcase the region’s charm, culture and wine heritage, making this a standout option for those looking to try something a little different.

Onboard highlights include:

  • Three dining venues, including Portuguese-inspired options

  • Three bars, including a main lounge and a relaxed retreat space

  • A top deck with a shallow pool and sun loungers

  • Wellness areas for yoga and relaxation

  • Full Board Plus, with an optional all-inclusive upgrade

What This Means for River Cruisers

This dual launch is all about variety:

  • TUI Elara builds on the cruise line’s popular Central European routes

  • TUI Luzia opens up an entirely new destination with the Douro River

Whether it’s castles along the Rhine or vineyard views in Portugal, TUI is clearly expanding its river cruise offering in two distinct directions, while keeping the same relaxed, adults-only feel onboard.

The Takeaway

With both TUI Elara and TUI Luzia confirmed for 2027, there’s no confusion, these ships are part of the same exciting expansion phase for TUI River Cruises.

For travellers, it means more ships, more destinations, and more ways to explore Europe by river, all starting in 2027

Richard Phillpott
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