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New river ship

TUI River Cruises announces new Egypt ship for the Nile

TUI has announced a new ship that will join its river cruising fleet, setting sail on the River Nile in Egypt next year. This is what we know.

TUI River Cruises has announced the launch of its second newly refurbished five-star ship, set to sail the Nile in Winter 2025. This follows strong demand for the TUI Al Horeya, currently cruising the Nile this season.

The new ship, TUI Bahareya, will be the sixth addition to the TUI River Cruises fleet, joining five other adult-only vessels. Its name, meaning “belongs to the river” in Arabic, reflects the ship’s connection to the Nile.

It will offer seven-night, all-inclusive round-trip sailings from Luxor with two itineraries. Onboard, guests can expect modern Arabic-inspired décor and venues, blending cultural immersion with the cruising experience.

 

– READ MORE: What is TUI River Cruises’ drinks policy?

What’s onboard TUI Bahareya?

The TUI Bahareya will accommodate 136 passengers across 68 cabins, including standard French balcony and superior cabins, similar in size to other ships in the fleet.

Throughout the journey, licensed Egyptologists will be onboard to enhance and personalize the customer experience. The ship will feature a top-deck swimming pool, massage tent, entertainment area, restaurant, Al Fresco dining, and a boutique shop.

What TUI shore excursions will there be on TUI Bahareya?

As with other ships in the fleet, TUI Bahareya will provide a day and night entertainment program, traditional onboard activities, and a variety of excursions curated by industry experts. These excursions will transport visitors back in time and offer personalised, unforgettable experiences.

Two excursions are included in the cruise package: a visit to the Temple of Horus in Edfu and the Kom Ombo temple. Additional excursions in Luxor, Kom Ombo, and Aswan will also be available, offering flexibility for guests to explore more.

 

– READ MORE: Inside TUI’s first-ever new build river ship for 2025

What else do we know about the new TUI River Cruises ship?

Two flights per week will operate from London Gatwick and Manchester to Luxor, a city renowned for its rich history, architecture, and culture. The direct, non-stop flights will run weekly on Tuesdays from November 4, 2025, to April 21, 2026.

Katy Berzins, Head of TUI River Cruises, commented: “This ship signifies our continued growth as a relatively new River cruise brand, and we are confident that given sales for our first Nile cruise, the launch of TUI Bahareya will go down really well with current and prospective customers.

“TUI Bahareya will offer a different culturally immersive experience onboard and will allow customers to get a taste of Egypt through its modern Arabic inspired décor, cuisine, activities and entertainment onboard.”

 

– READ MORE: Full list of new cruise ships sailing in 2025

Where will TUI Bahareya sail?

The new “Ancient Gods and Famous Pharaohs” itinerary will debut on November 4, 2025, featuring more daytime sailing, while the “Legends of the Nile” itinerary will start on December 2, 2025. TUI Bahareya will alternate between the two itineraries each month.

Ancient Gods and Famous Pharaohs Itinerary:
– Day 1: Luxor
– Day 2: Luxor
– Day 3: Kom Ombo / Aswan
– Day 4: Aswan
– Day 5: Aswan
– Day 6: Edfu
– Day 7: Luxor
– Day 8: Luxor

Legends of the Nile Itinerary:
– Day 1: Luxor
– Day 2: Luxor
– Day 3: Luxor
– Day 4: Edfu & Kom Ombo
– Day 5: Aswan
– Day 6: Aswan
– Day 7: Luxor
– Day 8: Luxor

How much will TUI Egypt river cruises cost?

Prices start from £1,499 per person, based on two adults sharing a Superior French Balcony cabin on an all-inclusive basis. The price includes flights from London Gatwick on January 6, 2026, two excursions, and transfers.

 

– READ MORE: We tried a French river cruise – here’s what happened

And if you can't wait...

What to expect from sister ship TUI Al Horeya

TUI River Cruises marked the launch of its first Nile river ship, TUI Al Horeya, in early November 2024, with an enchanting ceremony featuring 100 lit biodegradable candles set afloat on the historic Nile in Luxor, signifying the beginning of its inaugural voyage.

The blessing event took place aboard the ship and included a traditional ‘Prayer to Hapi,’ invoking the god of the Nile for safe and prosperous journeys. Guests participated by making personal wishes with the candles, which were set in coconut shells, and received special papyrus gifts bearing “TUI Al Horeya” in Arabic, handcrafted by local Egyptian artisans. The candles were then gently released into the river as part of the blessing, before the ship set sail for Luxor Temple.

The newly refurbished, five-star TUI Al Horeya is now ready for its maiden voyage on the Nile. This new venture will see the cruise line offering seven-night, all-inclusive round-trip sailings from Luxor. The ship, accommodating up to 141 guests, features 72 cabins including singles, standard rooms, and suites. The hybrid multi-functional Top Deck boasts a swimming pool and two hot tubs by day and transforms into Felucca, an al fresco dining space, by night.

Each journey will be enriched with two Egyptologists on board, as well as live entertainment featuring traditional whirling dervishes and Nubian performances. The ‘Legends of the Nile’ itinerary includes stops at Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan and a return to Luxor.

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Author

Harriet Mallinson

Sailawaze Editor Harriet has been a travel writer for nine years and specialised in cruising for nearly four. She recently won Specialist Travel Writer of the Year at the Travel Media Awards 2024 for her coverage of the cruise industry. Globetrotting highlights include flyboarding in Malaga, exploring waterfalls in Belize, ziplining in Costa Rica, truffle-hunting in Tuscany and whale-watching in Iceland. Next on her cruise bucket list is Antarctica – or any opportunity to see the Northern Lights!

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Published 11.11.24