First look: TUI River Cruises reveals brand new build ship for 2025

TUI River Cruises has announced its latest venture – a new ship called TUI Alma to sail on the Douro River in Portugal from spring 2025.

The project marks the shift of the British holiday company’s river cruise arm into bespoke ship construction.

What is the new TUI River Cruises ship?

TUI Alma – which translates to ‘Soul’ in Portuguese – will be an intimate river cruise ship spanning four decks.

The new TUI River Cruises ship will accommodate 123 guests across 62 cabins and will be designed with flexibility in mind to cater for customer’s needs, says TUI.

TUI Alma will be purpose-built for Portugal’s River Douro which is renowned for its striking landscapes of steep gorges and terraced vineyard-lined hills – and offers a unique setting for cruising.

– READ MORE: 5 things you never knew about Portugal –

The new ship isn’t the brand’s only big revelation in recent months. Having debuted in 2021 with TUI Isla, TUI Maya and TUI Skyla, TUI River Cruises is now preparing for a winter 2024 launch of a new River Nile cruise, the TUI Al Horeya.

Chris Logan, Managing Director of Specialist Businesses, commented on this milestone: “This is a huge moment for TUI River Cruises and a defining moment in our journey.

“Given we only launched back in 2021 it’s a testament to the response of our customers that we’re able to deliver a newbuild ship. We’re so excited to create something amazing for our guests.”

He added: “We’re designing the ship with true flexibility and choice in mind by making spaces different from day to night to allow the customer a choice of how to spend their day/evening onboard.”

TUI Alma Itineraries

Starting December 14, 2023, TUI Alma week-long sailings along the picturesque Portuguese river will be available. They will be based around Porto with a heavy focus on daytime sailing.

The new Douro cruise encompasses five destinations, commencing in Porto, meandering through Entre-os-Rios, Peso de Regua, Vega de Terron and Barca d’Alva. The itinerary loops back to Peso de Regua before culminating the voyage back in Porto.

What’s onboard TUI Alma?

The design of TUI Alma focuses on versatility, featuring spaces that transform to suit different preferences during the day and evening.

The top deck on TUI Alma will boast a shallow pool, seating areas, sun loungers, a bar and food service.

Dining options include a main restaurant serving breakfast to dinner, as well as a Portuguese-inspired alfresco dining area doubling as a relaxation spot by day.

Among the 62 cabins, TUI Alma will offer six standard balcony cabins and two suites, with construction scheduled to commence in 2024.

– READ MORE: Full list of new cruise ships launching in 2024 –

What’s included on TUI Alma ship?

Similar to other ships in the fleet, TUI Alma will offer full board plus as standard, with the option to upgrade to all-inclusive packages.

Full Board Plus includes tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine or beer with meals. There’s the option of house white, red, or rose wine at lunch and dinner, or you can try the specially selected wine from the region at dinnertime. Any other drinks need to be paid for, or you can upgrade to All Inclusive.

Katy Berzins, Head of River Cruises, expressed excitement about the expansion: “We’ve gone from the European waterways of the Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle to our recently announced sailings on the Nile and now we get to offer our customers the chance to experience the Douro.

“Coupled with the option of TUI Flying means that we can truly own the end-to-end Customer Experience.”

TUI River Cruises new cruises

The news also coincides with TUI River Cruises going on sale with its summer 2025 programme which features 21 itineraries across 12 countries.

There are three new itineraries: a five-night sailing, Windmills & Waterways, in April 2025 cruising the Netherlands for Keukenho Gardens, with the addition of historic Hoorn as a new port of call.  

Sail the Southern Rhine is a six-night sailing visiting Germany & Switzerland, and finally Danube Gems. This seven-night sailing calls at some smaller ports of call along the Danube, perfect for customers who have already ticked off the bigger cities. 

TUI Maya and TUI Skyla will sail on the Danube whilst TUI Isla will operate on the Main, Moselle and the Rhine, all offering various durations from three-night to 15-night cruises.