TUI Launches Second Nile Ship Bahareya From Luxor

TUI River Cruises has launched its second Nile River ship, TUI Bahareya, with the newly refurbished vessel beginning its maiden voyage from Luxor following an onboard blessing ceremony.

The start of operations adds capacity after the line’s first Nile season with TUI Al Horeya last winter, and enables TUI River Cruises to run two weekly seven-night, round-trip itineraries from Luxor.

Maiden voyage marked by a blessing ceremony in Luxor

TUI River Cruises framed the Luxor send-off around local tradition, including a Prayer to Hapi, referencing the ancient Egyptian god associated with the River Nile.

Katy Berzins, head of TUI River Cruises, linked the launch to the company’s growing Egypt program. “The maiden voyage of TUI Bahareya marks a significant addition to the TUI River Cruises fleet,” Berzins said.

Berzins also pointed to the previous season’s performance as the driver for expanding. “After a successful first winter season, TUI Al Horeya, we’re pleased to be launching the second ship on the River Nile, allowing more river cruisers to experience the wonders in Egypt,” she added.

Onboard launch event blends ceremony and guest reception

The cruise line said the celebration combined ceremonial elements with a reception for guests. The pool area was dressed with rose petals and LED candles, while food and beverage service included canapés and cocktails.

Entertainment during the gathering included Egyptian Whirling Dervish performances, a saxophonist, and additional live programming provided by the TUI River Cruises team.

To mark the first season, guests were presented with commemorative plaques made from traditional alabaster and engraved for the occasion.

Ship capacity, cabin categories, and onboard enrichment

TUI Bahareya is set up for 142 passengers across 72 cabins. Accommodation includes French Balcony Cabins and Superior French Balcony Cabins.

On each sailing, TUI River Cruises plans to have licensed Egyptologists onboard. The company said the specialists will be available during the week to provide historical context and help interpret key sites visited on the itinerary.

Seven-night Nile itineraries and what the all-inclusive fare covers

With the second ship now in service, TUI River Cruises is operating two seven-night, all-inclusive round-trip sailings from Luxor. The itinerary includes calls in Luxor, Kom Ombo, Aswan, and Edfu, including a “Ancient Gods and famous Pharaohs” round trip.

Pricing for the seven-night itinerary starts at £1,239 per person. TUI River Cruises said the fare is based on two adults sharing a Deck 2 Superior French Balcony cabin on an all-inclusive basis, and that shore excursions are available separately.

The company’s package inclusions listed for the itinerary include:

• TUI Airways flights from London Gatwick or Manchester Airport to Luxor on December 16, 2025
• 25kg luggage allowance per person
• Transfers
• Tips and service charges

How the Nile expansion fits wider fleet and capacity plans

Berzins said the company is planning to add a new riverboat to its European fleet in 2026, while also highlighting what she described as strong demand dynamics in river cruising. She said “supply is trying to keep pace with demand,” and indicated that TUI River Cruises’ European capacity could rise by as much as 41 percent by 2026.

Berzins also said the company was closing out summer 2025 with its highest occupancy levels to date.

UK-focused package model and onboard entertainment strategy

TUI River Cruises is primarily focused on the UK market and sells most guests a package holiday format. Berzins said 95 percent of guests opt to buy packages that include flights, aligning with the company’s positioning around bundled travel.

Onboard, Berzins said TUI River Cruises has introduced a three-person entertainment team on its ships, with programming intended to extend evening activity beyond traditional river cruise schedules. Planned entertainment includes production-style shows, cabaret, quizzes, and daytime activities aimed at making the onboard experience feel closer to an ocean cruise format.

TUI Aria planned for 2026 European deployment

In Europe, Berzins said the new ship TUI Aria will add 190 berths in 2026 and operate on waterways including the Rhine, Main, and Moselle. She highlighted onboard features such as a retractable-roof indoor pool that transitions into an Italian restaurant in the evening, alongside an approach built around varied dining and activities intended to match different guest preferences.

With TUI Bahareya now sailing from Luxor, the company is increasing availability for Egypt itineraries through twice-weekly seven-night Nile round trips, while its next fleet milestone is the planned introduction of TUI Aria in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the capacity of TUI Bahareya?

TUI Bahareya accommodates 142 passengers across 72 cabins, including French Balcony Cabins and Superior French Balcony Cabins.

What ports are included on the TUI Bahareya Nile itinerary?

The seven-night, round-trip itinerary begins and ends in Luxor and includes calls in Luxor, Kom Ombo, Aswan, and Edfu.

How much does the seven-night Nile cruise cost?

TUI River Cruises has listed pricing from £1,239 per person for a seven-night, all-inclusive round trip from Luxor, based on two adults sharing a Deck 2 Superior French Balcony cabin.

What is included in TUI River Cruises’ listed package fare for this sailing?

The listed inclusions include TUI Airways flights from London Gatwick or Manchester to Luxor on December 16, 2025, a 25kg luggage allowance per person, transfers, and tips and service charges, alongside the all-inclusive cruise fare.

What are the key features and deployment plans for TUI Aria in 2026?

TUI River Cruises has said TUI Aria will add 190 berths and is planned to operate on the Rhine, Main, and Moselle. Features highlighted by the company include a retractable-roof indoor pool that becomes an Italian restaurant in the evening.