TUI Velara

The 2028-built cruise ship TUI Velara is a newbuild riverboat operated by TUI River Cruises via TUI Group's subsidiary "TUI UK and Ireland". TUI River Cruises (tui.co.uk/river-cruises) was established in 2019 and primarily targets the UK passenger market.

The 188-passenger TUI Velara is scheduled for inauguration in Q1 2028, together with the sister ship TUI Zora. Both vessels are designed specifically for the UK source market.

The vessel (ENI number tba) will be Switzerland-flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Basel.

The names for the vessels Velara and Zora were announced by TUI River Cruises on October 15, 2026, when the brand opened for booking its 2028 schedule (March through October) comprising 10 riverboats and 43 itineraries. The program introduced the newbuilds TUI Zora and TUI Velara (deployed on the Rhine, Moselle and Danube) and also confirmed TUI Elara's repositioning from the Rhine to the Seine, with year-round deployment in France.

The boat's name, Velara, has Spanish roots and means "to shine".The sister ship's name, Zora, has Slavic roots and means "dawn" and "daybreak".

History - construction and ownership

Unlike other TUI's European riverboats, Velara and Zora are fully owned (not chartered) vessels.

The ship design (CDS River Cruise 135) was developed by the shipbuilder Concordia Damen Shipbuilding (Werkendam, Netherlands). It allows for a maximum of 210 passengers and 52 crew/staff.

The corporate shipowner behind TUI River Cruises is TUI UK Ltd (TUI UK and Ireland) - TUI Group's subsidiary that manages tour operations (package holidays, all-inclusive getaways, luxury hotel and resort stays, river cruises) and the TUI-owned travel brands and subsidiaries First Choice Holidays (British tour operator and online travel agency), Marella Cruises (ocean ships), TUI River Cruises (boats), TUI BLUE (TUI's flagship hotel brand), and TUI Airways (the world's largest charter airline).

Concordia Damen river cruise ship technology

The vessel features a hybrid propulsion (diesel-electric) system and a low draft, enhancing maneuverability and accessibility across Europe's main inland waterways.

The propulsion is integrated with smart peak-shaving technology, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The system also incorporates advanced battery technology and shore-power capability.

The Smart Peak Shaving technology allows the boat's diesel generators to run at optimal efficiency, with the surplus power/electricity stored in batteries. The high-capacity battery pack covers peak power demands, reducing overall fuel use. The battery-stored electricity also allows silent in-port operations (mooring and maneuvering) and fully-electric navigation in protected zones, like Wachau Valley.

Solar and Shore Power - the boat is fitted with electrical charging technology (via shore power connections at river ports) and with solar panels (integrated directly into the railings).

The low-draft hull design (max ballast draft 2,1 m/6,6 ft; air draft 6 m/20 ft) enables safe navigation during low-water seasons. The hull itself was produced with recycled steel.

Decks and Cabins

All TUI Velara staterooms (94 total) are outside and include Superior French Balcony Cabins (decks 2-3) and French Balcony Suites (deck 3), Balcony Suites (decks 2-3), Standard Cabins (deck 1) and Single Cabins (deck 1). Only the Lower Deck's cabins (Standard and Single) lack balconies and instead have fixed/non-opening windows positioned near the ceiling.

All French Balcony accommodations feature drop-down windows that convert the seating area into an indoor balcony lounge.

All staterooms include as standard amenities King-size bed (convertible to twin beds, premium bedding sets), headboard with reading lights, bedside tables, mirrored panels, a seating area (a coffee table with two chairs), en-suite bathroom (WC, single-sink vanity, shower cubicle, mirrored cupboards, clothesline, luxury bath products/branded toiletries, plush bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer), mirrored wardrobe, digital safe (in the closet), direct-dial phone, HDTV (satellite channels, infotainment system, movies on demand, "View From the Bridge" webcam views), minibar (refrigerator), tea and coffee-making facilities, individual climate control, 220V outlets.

Suites are the largest accommodations and additionally receive complimentary in-cabin dining (Continental breakfast in bed) and a complimentary mini-bar setup (replenished daily).

The boat has 4 decks, of which 3 have cabins.

All crew cabins (29 total) are on the Lower Deck and include 13 single and 16 double, accommodating a total of 52 crew and staff.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The ship's facilities include the TUI Lounge & Bar with an adjacent outdoor Alfresco Lounge/Bow Terrace (Deck 3 forward), Aft Lounge & Coffee Bar (Deck 3 aft, functions as Library/Bar/Cafe), TUI Restaurant (full-capacity Dining Room on Deck 2 forward) with an adjacent Galley (kitchen and storage rooms for provisions), wellness facilities (Gym, Sauna, Beauty & Spa/massage room for treatments), Lobby Hall (Reception, Travel Desk/Cruise Director's Office, Boutique Shop, two ship entrances/portside and starboard).

In the Atrium, one lift/passenger elevator and a grand staircase interconnect all cabin decks (1-2-3/Lower-Main-Upper).

TUI provides complimentary WiFi throughout (shipwide coverage).

TUI River Cruises' Full Board Plus package comes as standard/included in the fares, covering three meals a day and drinks at mealtimes.

Note: The following overview of TUI Velara's venues, facilities, and amenities by deck is based on Concordia Damen's CDS River Cruise 135 design. It will be updated as soon as TUI officially releases further details.

Lower Deck (1st floor)

The midship Wellness Complex consists of a Fitness Center (modern Gym with cardio and strength-training equipment), Sauna Room, and Spa and Massage Room (for treatments).

The forward and aft sections contain crew cabins, service rooms, and technical spaces that are not accessible to passengers.

Main Deck (2nd floor)

TUI Restaurant is the ship's main dining venue, which provides single-seating capacity and waiter-served breakfasts, multi-course lunches, and dinners.

The food is prepared mainly with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Complimentary drinks (tea, coffee, and selected beverages) are served during meals. The dining room's floor-to-ceiling windows provide unobstructed views.

A Bakery/Patisserie is integrated into the Dining Room.

Adjacent to the TUI Restaurant is the Galley (kitchen and storage rooms for provisions).

The Lobby Hall/Foyer (midship) is the ship's entrance and central meeting point. The Lobby houses the Reception Desk (24-hour general assistance, guest services), Travel Desk (cruise and shore excursions information), and comfortable seating areas.

The Boutique Shop sells souvenirs, travel essentials, and locally made gifts.

Upper Deck (3rd floor)

From the Lobby/Entrance Hall, passengers walk into the forward TUI Lounge & Bar (aka Observatory), which has its own bar and features wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable seating (sofas and armchairs), a grand piano (for performances by a resident pianist in the afternoons and evenings), and a dance floor. During the day, it serves as an observation lounge for socializing, enjoying the passing scenery, lectures and media presentations, interactive quizzes and trivia games, and pre-dinner destination briefings (Cruise Director's port talks). TUI Lounge's evening entertainment programming includes live music and dancing, cultural performances (by local artists boarding the ship), movie screenings, pre-scheduled social events, themed dance parties, and the signature Crew Show (held here once per cruise). The Lounge's full-service TUI Bar serves specialty coffees and teas, cocktails, wine, and premium spirits.

The TUI Lounge has a 24-hour beverage station (with a coffee machine, hot water, tea selection, and drinking water). The Observatory also offers TUI's Afternoon Tea service, which includes light sandwiches, sweets (cakes, scones), and a selection of premium teas.

The forward Bow Lounge (aka Alfresco Lounge/Bow Terrace) is an outdoor observation area with open-air seating, and is open depending on the weather. The venue is directly accessed from the TUI Lounge and also from the Sun Deck (above) via outside stairs.

The Aft Lounge & Coffee Bar is an indoor venue designed as a quiet retreat that doubles as a Library/Bar Lounge/Cafe, offering river views from the stern. The Aft Lounge features modern, comfortable seating (armchairs and sofas), soft lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows (overlooking the ship's wake), and a peaceful atmosphere. The Coffee Bar offers complimentary coffee, tea, hot water, specialty coffee drinks, light refreshments, and light snacks (cookies/biscuits, small pastries/cakes, occasionally finger sandwiches or sweet treats during Afternoon Tea), making it a great alternative to the busier TUI Lounge.

Also serving as the Library/Card Room, the Aft Lounge offers a selection of books and travel guides, and playing cards and popular board games.

The midship Atrium (Lobby's upper level) has comfortable seating areas and two small step-out balconies (portside and starboard).

Sun Deck (4th floor)

The Navigation Bridge/Wheelhouse is hydraulic.

The forward Sky Lounge is a casual open-air venue for relaxation and enjoying refreshments and beverages, including freshly brewed coffee and signature cocktails. Thanks to its elevated position, the Sky Lounge provides exceptional views over both riverbanks. The Sky Lounge's bar service is provided from the TUI Lounge (on Deck 3 below), accessed via outside stairs.

Also forward is the ship's deck games area designed for outdoor leisure activities. Depending on the weather, guests can enjoy playing Giant Chess and Giant Tic-Tac-Toe.

The spacious Sun Deck has shaded seating areas (covered by retractable awnings) furnished with comfortable sun loungers, tables and chairs. A walking track surrounds the entire sundeck area.

SkyLight is a glass roof over the Atrium, allowing natural light into the ship's interior.

All sundeck structures (Wheelhouse, awnings, railings) are collapsible and lowered when the ship passes under low bridges. During these periods, the Sun Deck closes temporarily, all furniture is secured, and passengers must leave the deck until clearance is restored.

Itineraries

TUI Velara's Danube inaugural cruise itinerary program starts with the Maiden Voyage on August 14th, 2028.

TUI's ships operating on Danube routes typically visit ports in Germany (Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg), Austria (Vienna, Krems, Linz, Dürnstein, Melk), Hungary (Budapest, Kalocsa, Mohacs), Slovakia (Bratislava), Serbia (Novi Sad, Belgrade, Iron Gates), and Croatia (Vukovar).

TUI's Danube cruise homeports are Budapest (Hungary) and Passau (Germany).

Standard TUI River Cruises packages typically include direct return flights (from selected UK regional airports), a luggage allowance (usually 20-23 kg), airport-to-ship transfers (coach or local transfers), tips, and shipboard meals (Full Board Plus package). TUI's "Cruise Only" booking options are also available if you prefer to arrange your own travel or use alternative transport, which excludes the flights and transfers.