TUI’s River Fleet Is Heading to Paris and Normandy

TUI River Cruises has announced its biggest season to date for 2028, with ten ships and 43 itineraries of three to fourteen nights, running from March to October. Sales open on October 15, 2026.

The headline addition is a new river. The adults-only TUI Elara, which joins the fleet in March 2027, will sail the Seine from March 20, 2028, with four-, seven- and ten-night itineraries through northern France including Paris, Vernon and Rouen. An excursion to the Normandy D-Day beaches is part of the program.

Two new ships arrive as well. TUI Zora debuts on the Rhine on May 7, 2028, and TUI Velara on the Danube on August 14, 2028. Each carries 94 cabins and 188 guests, is built for the UK market, sails on a Full Board Plus basis with an All Inclusive upgrade, and has foundations for alternative fuels, particularly methanol.

Other changes include seven-night Douro sailings on TUI Luzia, dedicated solo-traveler sailings on TUI Maya and TUI Skyla, and a move to the Danube for TUI Aria. The announcement does not give fares, so those interested should compare prices once sales open.

Sources: Cruise Industry News, Cruise Industry News (cruise news index)