TUI River Cruises Marks Milestone as First Purpose-Built Ship TUI Luzia Touches Water

New river cruise ship will enter service on Portugal’s Douro River in summer 2027.

TUI River Cruises has reached a major construction milestone with the float-out of TUI Luzia, the brand’s first purpose-built river cruise ship.

The vessel was floated out at the Kladovo Shipyard in Serbia, a partner yard of Concordia Damen. The milestone marks the first time TUI Luzia has touched water and signals the start of the final stage of construction.

The ship is scheduled for delivery in June 2027. It will then begin its inaugural season sailing itineraries along Portugal’s Douro Valley.

TUI Luzia to Expand TUI River Cruises’ Portfolio

The new vessel represents a significant step in the development of TUI River Cruises.

“The float out of TUI Luzia marks another significant milestone for TUI River Cruises and our longstanding partnership with Concordia Damen,” said Katy Berzins, Head of River Cruises at TUI River Cruises.

“As our first purpose-built ship, TUI Luzia represents an exciting new chapter for our brand. Her arrival on the River Douro in summer 2027 will not only extend our portfolio into one of Europe’s most sought-after river cruise destinations, but also open up new experiences for both existing and new TUI River Cruises customers.”

The float-out also moves the ship into its final construction phase. Concordia Damen is building the vessel with TUI River Cruises’ requirements for the European river cruise market in mind.

Ship to Accommodate 111 Guests

TUI Luzia will accommodate 111 passengers across 56 cabins. Accommodation options will include Super French Balcony cabins, Balcony cabins, French Balcony Suites and a single cabin.

Guests will have access to four decks. The top deck will feature a shallow pool and sun loungers, providing an outdoor space for relaxation.

Meanwhile, Cinder, the ship’s bar and dining area, will operate throughout the day. It will serve drinks and self-service lunches.

Other onboard venues will include Novo, the main lounge bar, and Retreat, a quieter space that combines a juice bar with an intimate secondary lounge.

For dining, Sorriso will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main restaurant. In addition, Vinha will offer Portuguese-inspired alfresco dining. The venue will serve à la carte dinners and provide a relaxed space during the day.

Full Board Plus Included

Like other TUI River Cruises vessels, TUI Luzia will operate with Full Board Plus as standard.

Guests will also have the option to upgrade to an all-inclusive package.

Chris Kornet, CEO at Concordia Damen, said the company was proud to partner with TUI River Cruises on its first purpose-built river ship.

The vessel combines Concordia Damen’s engineering expertise with TUI River Cruises’ plans for the brand’s expansion. According to Kornet, the partnership aims to deliver an innovative vessel for the European river cruise market.

Douro Discovery Cruises Now Available

TUI Luzia’s inaugural season will focus on the Douro Valley in Portugal.

The ship’s Douro Discovery itinerary is already available to book. Prices start from £1,219 per person for a seven-night sailing, with flights from London Gatwick or Manchester to Porto available through third-party airlines.

With delivery scheduled for June 2027, TUI Luzia will introduce TUI River Cruises’ first purpose-built vessel to one of Europe’s established river cruising destinations.