TUI River Cruises has reached a key construction milestone with the float-out of TUI Luzia, the brand's first purpose-built river cruise ship, at the Kladovo Shipyard in Serbia. The ceremony marks the vessel's first contact with water and the beginning of the final phase of construction ahead of its scheduled delivery in June 2027.
Following delivery, TUI Luzia will enter service on Portugal's Douro River, where it will operate its inaugural season on the brand's Douro Valley itineraries.
The float-out took place at the Kladovo Shipyard, a partner yard of Concordia Damen, signifying the transition from hull construction to final outfitting and commissioning.
TUI River Cruises stated that the vessel represents an important stage in the company's development, becoming its first ship specifically designed for the brand. The cruise line indicated that TUI Luzia will expand its portfolio into the Douro Valley, one of Europe's most established river cruise destinations, while providing new travel options for both returning and first-time guests.
Designed to accommodate 111 passengers, the vessel will feature 56 cabins, including Super French Balcony cabins, Balcony cabins, French Balcony Suites and a dedicated single cabin.
Guests will have access to four passenger decks, including an open top deck equipped with a shallow swimming pool and sun loungers. Dining and social venues will include Cinder, offering drinks and self-service lunches; Novo, the ship's main lounge bar; Retreat, combining a juice bar during the day with a quieter lounge in the evening; Sorriso, the main restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner; and Vinha, an outdoor Portuguese-inspired dining venue offering à la carte evening meals while serving as a relaxation area during the day.
As with the rest of the TUI River Cruises fleet, TUI Luzia will operate with the company's Full Board Plus concept as standard, including tea, coffee, soft drinks, and selected beer and wine during meals. Guests will also have the option to upgrade to an all-inclusive package.
Concordia Damen noted that the project reflects the collaboration between the shipbuilder and TUI River Cruises to deliver a purpose-built vessel combining modern engineering with the cruise line's long-term expansion strategy in the European river cruise market.
Bookings for the vessel are now open. Seven-night Douro Discovery cruises, including flights from London Gatwick or Manchester to Porto, are currently priced from GBP 1,859 per person, subject to availability and applicable booking conditions.