TUI River Cruises launches new routes with 33 sailings across Europe and beyond - on sale within weeks

TUI Aria, the fleet's largest capacity vessel, will make its winter debut on the Rhine, offering passengers access to Germanic festive markets.

The winter schedule also includes enhanced flight options and flexible cruise durations ranging from four to seven nights.

TUI Aria will sail two Rhine itineraries during its inaugural winter season. The 'Mistletoe and Rhine' route includes stops at Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Koblenz and Cologne, and the 'North Rhine Noel' itinerary visits Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

TUI Isla will offer 'New Year on the Danube' sailings, enabling passengers to celebrate New Year in Belgrade and visit the city's festive markets.

The company will operate a second TUI flight from London Gatwick to Vienna for both TUI Isla and TUI Maya, providing 16 itinerary options. Additional flight options through TUI partner airlines will serve destinations including Basel and Amsterdam for various Rhine cruises.

The cruise line is introducing shorter four to seven-night options for increased flexibility. These include the four-night 'Yuletide Getaway' on TUI Isla visiting Vienna, Linz and Bratislava, and the seven-night 'East Danube Explorer'.

Festive sailings will feature 11 departures across four ships - TUI Aria, TUI Isla, TUI Maya and TUI Skyla. The 'East Danube Christmas Charm' on TUI Isla offers a five-night journey through Vienna, Esztergom, Budapest and Bratislava, whilst 'Rhine Festive Flavours' on TUI Skyla visits Cologne, Boppard, Rüdesheim, Frankfurt, Koblenz and Düsseldorf.

TUI Al Horeya and TUI Bahareya will return to the Nile with direct flights from London Gatwick and Manchester to Luxor, offering seven-night sailings on alternating itineraries.

Head of River Cruises at TUI River Cruises Katy Berzins said: “We’re excited to launch our largest winter programme providing our customers with more choice and flexibility than ever before.

“With the introduction of new Serbian and Croatian ports on the Danube, the debut winter season for TUI Aria, and enhanced flight options, we’re making it easier for our guests to explore Europe’s most enchanting riverscapes.

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"Whether it’s celebrating New Year in Belgrade, discovering the charm of German Christmas markets, or soaking up the sun along the Nile, there’s a winter cruise for every traveller.”

This is not the only update TUI has given customers, as it announced it will bring back flights from a British airport to a stunning resort with guaranteed sunshine.

British holidaymakers will be able to get direct flights between East Midlands airport and the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh from March 2026, marking the route's return after a three-year absence.

The travel operator last served this route in 2023 and will restart the service with twice-weekly flights on Mondays and Thursdays.