Tui makes river cruise push

BRITISH travel operator Tui Group has announced plans to expand into the river cruise sector following the purchase of three passenger ships.

The company has confirmed the purchase of three 155-passenger vessels from German firm Werner Tours and Swiss operator Reiseburo Mittelthurgau Fluss.

The new Tui River Cruises brand will offer personalised adults only packages which will depart for the first time in 2020, offering a total of 19 itineraries on the Danube, Rhine, Maine and Moselle rivers.

The ships will offer “chic and revamped spaces”, as well as dining options such as a la carte dinners and casual dining venues.

Vessels will also offer social spaces for group activities and “world class entertainment”.

Excursions available will include tours for “avid adventurers”, sightseeing tours led by local experts, and more active activities such as bike tours.

“We’re incredibly excited to be moving into the river cruise market, we’re always looking for new opportunities to offer our customers even more variety when it comes to choosing the perfect holiday,” said Cruise for Tui UK Managing Director Chris Hackney.

“Our river cruises will really take this to the next level as customers are able to personalise their package whether that’s board type, cabins, excursions and even cocktail choice,” he added.

Pictured: A rendering of the outer decks on board one of Tui River Cruises’ new vessels.