TUI River Cruises is accelerating its fleet expansion with an order for two new vessels from Dutch shipyard Concordia Damen. The CDS River Cruise 135-class ships, each with 94 cabins and capacity for 188 guests, are scheduled for delivery in 2028. The announcement came during the christening of TUI Aria in Frankfurt, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to river cruising.
Fleet Growth and Sustainability Focus
The newbuilds will be methanol-ready, aligning with TUI’s broader sustainability strategy. This move positions the cruise line to adopt alternative fuels as infrastructure develops, reducing lifecycle emissions. By 2028, TUI River Cruises will operate ten ships, up from the current six, serving itineraries on the Rhine, Nile, and Douro rivers. The expansion responds to rising consumer demand for river cruise experiences, particularly from the UK market.
Katy Berzins, Head of River Cruises at TUI, stated: “Announcing our new-build ships marks a major milestone for TUI River Cruises and signals our continued investment in the future of our fleet.” She emphasized that the vessels are designed to meet the expectations of modern travellers seeking culturally immersive journeys.
Concordia Damen, known for its innovative river cruise designs, will tailor the ships to TUI’s specifications. The interiors will feature high-quality materials and spacious public areas, maintaining the line’s focus on guest satisfaction. The CDS River Cruise 135 platform offers flexibility for various itineraries, allowing TUI to optimize operations across different European waterways.
The order comes as the river cruise sector sees increased competition and investment. Rivals such as A-Rosa and CroisiEurope have also announced newbuilds, while Travelmarvel is launching its fourth European river ship in 2026. TUI’s expansion ensures it remains a key player in the UK-originating river cruise market.
Beyond hardware, TUI is integrating sustainability into its broader operations. The group has set targets to reduce carbon intensity across its entire portfolio, including airlines, hotels, and cruises. The methanol-ready specification of the new ships is a tangible step toward those goals, though the timeline for actual methanol bunkering remains dependent on port infrastructure and fuel availability.
For travel agents and tour operators, the additional capacity opens new opportunities for group bookings and tailored itineraries. TUI River Cruises has historically focused on the UK market, but the fleet expansion could support growth in other English-speaking source markets, including North America and Australia.
The company also continues to invest in its existing fleet. The christening of TUI Aria in Frankfurt highlighted the line’s commitment to modernizing its product. With the new ships, TUI aims to set higher standards for comfort, service, and environmental performance in river cruising.
Industry observers note that the river cruise segment has rebounded strongly post-pandemic, with forward bookings remaining robust. TUI’s order book reflects confidence in sustained demand, particularly for premium experiences that combine cultural enrichment with convenience. The new vessels are expected to feature enhanced dining options, wellness facilities, and flexible cabin configurations to appeal to a broad demographic.
As the delivery date approaches, TUI will likely announce specific itineraries and deployment plans. For now, the order signals a clear vote of confidence in the river cruise model and the company’s ability to execute its growth strategy.
