Latest news with #TUIRiverCruises
Metro
5 days ago
- Metro
I went on a Nile River cruise — here's what nobody tells you
Drifting 1,500ft above Luxor's lunar-like streets, I knew this hot air balloon ride was an experience that would be hard to beat. It was calming to look down on the Valley of the Queens and the Temple of Rameses III without the hum of a plane's engine in my ears, the tranquility interrupted only by the roar of flames as our pilot Mahmoud adjusted our height. This was my final excursion before flying home after a week-long trip down the River Nile, a trip that felt decades in the making thanks to my lifelong obsession with ancient Egypt. The downside to this dream, however, was that I would be staying on a ship. Before this, the most sailing I had ever done was crossing the English Channel on a school trip to France. I feared relentless motion sickness, being forced to take part in cringeworthy entertainment, feeling alienated as the youngest person for miles, and worst of all, being stuck with terrible vegetarian options. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. But it only took a few hours on TUI's new five-star Al Horeya to realise my fears had been unfounded. Dare I say, I might even be a cruise convert. The Al Horeya, meaning freedom, is the latest offering from TUI River Cruises. Sailing for the first time in late 2024, it's designed for Brits who want to take the guesswork out of exploring the Nile and its historic sites. Flights and excursions are included. The first part of the Legends of the Nile itinerary that took me by surprise was that it didn't involve much sailing. In total, the ship sails for around 74 miles (120km), from the historic city of Luxor to ancient Aswan, with stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo before returning to Luxor again. We spent most nights docked, and although the two overnight voyages could be noisy, from the engine hum to the clacking sound of passing through the Esna Lock, I didn't lose much sleep after getting settled into my cabin. Gone were my fears of being shut up in a dark room with a porthole for a window. Instead, I stayed in a compact but comfortable third-deck cabin with a French balcony. While it was a case of luck whether the doors opened onto the river or the dock, more often than not, I was able to sit and watch the sun rise over the water while applying sunscreen for the day ahead. The ensuite bathroom, while a bit of a tight squeeze, had a shower with the option of a rainfall head — a great way to unwind after a day of exploring. As an ancient Egypt obsessive, I didn't want to spend my trip on sun loungers, but there are plenty of people who aren't as fanatical about Khonsu and Hathor as I am. Each Al Horeya sailing includes two excursions – the Temple of Horus at Edfu, and the Kom Ombo Temple – and they're both worth going to. The Temple of Horus is incredibly well preserved, offering a snapshot of how it would have looked thousands of years ago, while the Kom Ombo visit after nightfall had a fantastic atmosphere. Hardly anyone was there, which made for great pictures. If your priority is winter sun, it's easy to leave the excursions at that and spend the rest of your trip on the sun deck, basking in 20-25°C sun under cloudless blue skies and enjoying the all-inclusive drinks. But if you want to see more wonders of the ancient world, booking some additional excursions is well worth the money. Each excursion was fascinating and gave us a digestible snapshot of thousands of years of Egyptian history. Some excursions include visiting religious sites and it's recommended women cover their shoulders and midriffs. If you're a woman with visible tattoos you will receive stares and comments. There will be locals at temples offering to take pictures or teach you about an aspect of history. They will expect a tip. Entering and exiting attractions often involves running the gauntlet of pushy vendors trying to sell souvenirs. Eye contact is seen as provocative, so look straight ahead and politely shake your head or say no. You will often have to pay to use the toilets during excursions, and they're not always in best condition, so take tissues and hand sanitiser. It can be hard to get hold of Egyptian Pounds in the UK, but lots of places accept US Dollars or take card payments. On our first full day, we went to the Valley of the Kings and saw the mummy of Tutankhamen in his vacuum-sealed box. It was a real pinch yourself moment, realising this boy – as he was only 19 when he died – has laid in this tomb for more than 3,300 years. At Abydos Temple we saw the only known carving of Queen Cleopatra, one of Egypt's best-known historical figures. There was no trace of her reputation as a femme fatale; instead she shook a set of maracas for Hathor, the goddess of music, love, and beauty. And in Kom Ombo we saw dozens of mummified crocodiles, which had been incredibly well looked after in life as part of the priests' worship of Sobek, the crocodile god. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are a mix of traditional Egyptian and Mediterranean dishes alongside classic British fare. I loved ordering a made-to-order cheese omelette at breakfast, watching the chef cook it and taking notes on his technique. Combined with lightly-spiced Egyptian fava beans, herb-roasted potatoes and cheesy courgette toast, I always had plenty of energy for the day ahead. Lunches usually featured whole fish or grilled meats, flavourful rice and side dishes including vegetable tagine – rich tomato-based stews – or baba ganoush , an aubergine-based dip served with herby flatbreads. Felucca, the top-deck restaurant that seats 30 per night, served a five-course menu that gave us a true taste of Egypt, from richly spiced lentil soup to a baked pastry-based dessert not dissimilar from bread and butter pudding. Despite spending most of my downtime on the ship, it was easy to feel immersed in Egypt's culture and history during the cruise. Having two qualified Egyptologists on board at all times meant we could ask questions about all facets of life, from Cleopatra's reign to modern Egyptian politics. The British have been fascinated by Egypt for centuries, so much so that explorers brought relics and mummies back with them to live in our museums. Katy Berzins, head of TUI River Cruises, told me why she thinks our interest in Egyptology has stood the test of time. 'When it comes to Egyptology and ancient Egypt, human interest piques due to the curiosity of centuries of mystery, grandeur and cultural significance the country has preserved,' she said. 'We have curated a range of excursions that allows customers to experience the temples that hold centuries of stories, such as Abu Simbel Temples and Valley of the Kings with ease. 'For the more cultural experiences, we have immersive excursions that allows customers to discover new and exciting pieces of Egypt such as the Nubian Village Tour. 'With the richness of history and culture which is so different to the UK, the awe of Egypt alone has made it last the test of time of being a country which has so much to offer.' I left Egypt feeling awestruck and extremely lucky, but also like I could go back next week. With so much to see, do, and learn, there are so many possibilities to truly immerse yourself in Egypt's intriguing history. More Trending And if I am ever lucky enough to visit Egypt again, I'm certain I'll set sail on a Nile river cruise again. The Al Horeya launched and set sail on its maiden voyage in November 2024 – the first ship TUI has launched outside of Europe for its river cruise options. The ship accommodates 141 passengers and offers 72 cabins including singles, standard cabins and suites. The ship is adults-only. The top deck is home to a plunge pool and two hot tubs by day, and by night the al fresco dining space, Felucca, comes to life. There's also a bar on the top deck serving drinks around the clock. On the third deck is the Observatory, the lounge bar where evening entertainment is hosted. On-board entertainers perform live music, but the ship also has visits from traditional Nubian and whirling dervishes acts. Plus, there are two qualified Egyptologists on board throughout the sailing, to guide you through excursions and host talks. The lower deck is home to Lazeeza, the main restaurant and dining room open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast and lunch are buffets with some items, such as omelettes, made to order. During dinner, starters and desserts are self-serve but main courses are ordered via table service. Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Nile boat trip – from £94 Karnak and Luxor Temples and Sphinx Avenue – from £56 Experience Luxor by hot air balloon – from £89 Temple of Horus guided tour – free for all passengers Kom Ombo temple tour – free for all passengers Tour of the High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple – from £74 Nubian village tour and boat trip in Aswan – from £29 Tour of the temples of Dendera and Abydos – from £115 Other excursions are available. Private tours can also be booked at a higher price. To book excursions for your river cruise, click here. Katie Boyden was a guest on a seven-night Legends of the Nile sailing on the TUI River Cruises new ship, Al Horeya. A seven-night cruise starts from £1,799 per person, including flights between London Gatwick or Manchester Airport into Luxor. Food and drink is all-inclusive except between midnight and 8am, when charges apply. TUI Al Horeya sails between November and April each year. This article was originally published on 23 February 2025 and has been updated. MORE: My week in the world's most welcoming city where immigrants are 'newcomers' MORE: Forget the Great Barrier — I had the swim of a lifetime at Australia's lesser known reef MORE: I took my family on a digital detox holiday and something extraordinary happened
Scotsman
03-07-2025
- Scotsman
Holidaymakers reveals top 10 items they pack when they go abroad, research by TUI River Cruises reveals
Even though (36 percent) are keen to travel abroad every year, a staggering three quarters of the nation are put off by not being surrounded by the comforts of home and familiarity as (75 percent) stated it was important to be surrounded by familiarity when abroad. Nearly half (43 percent) say that being around smiley staff and friendly crew means the most to them and a third (37 percent) say that being taken care of is the most important thing when they are abroad, allowing them to make them feel more at home. With (33 percent) stating that friendly crew and staff make them feel more relaxed whilst they are abroad on their holidays. It's no surprise that three quarters (75 percent) want familiarity of home when they are on an abroad holiday, so TUI River Cruises has invited TV Presenter, Anthea Turner to spot all of those home from home comforts she can get onboard a TUI River Cruise this summer. With Anthea sailing the Danube, she felt like she was able to travel in comfort and premium style whilst visiting famous landmarks in Hungary, Slovakia and Austria along the way. With TUI River Cruises, every aspect of your holiday is taken care of. Providing all-inclusive river cruise holidays with full end-to-end service, including flights, a selection of cabins, entertainment, exceptional food and drinks and transfers. The river cruise line provides choice and flexibility with its three- to eight-night sailings and various river offerings from the cultural Danube and festive Rhine to the sunny Nile. Anthea Turner hopped onboard TUI River Cruises to try out the All Inclusive river sailing with Twinings Tea bags and afternoon tea all in tow. Whilst sailing, she tried out a range of varied excursions from the Walking Tour of Passau where she was able to explore the Baroque-designed St Stephen's Cathedral and Italian-inspired buildings which are surrounded by cobbled stone lanes, for the first time. Anthea Turner, TV Presenter says: 'A river cruise is a brilliant way to explore different cities in a relaxed environment. I was able to explore the grand cities along the Danube in the comfort of familiarity onboard TUI Skyla. From branded tea to hearty British classics onboard, TUI River Cruises has Brits covered so they can relax and unwind and visit the scenic sights along the river in style.' Surprisingly, two out of five Brits (39 percent) don't even know where they want to go on holiday before they book it. To help the nation choose the right river cruise for them, with the familiar comforts from home, TUI River Cruises has created the 'Which river cruise is for me?' tool, which showcases all of the different options customers can get with TUI River Cruises if they're interested in history, cities or scenic wonders, there's a river cruise for everyone. Showcasing the vast destinations from the sunny Nile to the scenic Danube, excursions, length and offerings, customers have a vast range of variety available at their fingertips 10 HOME FROM HOME OBJECTS BRITS NEED WHEN THEY GO AWAY: 1 . Contributed Anthea Turner has teamed up with TUI River Cruises exploring the European cities along the river Danube and the home from home comforts onboard TUI Skyla. Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 2 . Contributed Anthea Turner has teamed up with TUI River Cruises exploring the European cities along the river Danube and the home from home comforts onboard TUI Skyla. Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 3 . Contributed Anthea Turner has teamed up with TUI River Cruises exploring the European cities along the river Danube and the home from home comforts onboard TUI Skyla. Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 4 . Contributed Anthea Turner has teamed up with TUI River Cruises exploring the European cities along the river Danube and the home from home comforts onboard TUI Skyla. Photo: Submitted Photo Sales Related topics: Holidaymakers
Scotsman
20-06-2025
- Scotsman
Holidaymakers reveals top 10 items they pack when they go abroad, research by TUI River Cruises reveals
Even though (36 percent) are keen to travel abroad every year, a staggering three quarters of the nation are put off by not being surrounded by the comforts of home and familiarity as (75 percent) stated it was important to be surrounded by familiarity when abroad. Nearly half (43 percent) say that being around smiley staff and friendly crew means the most to them and a third (37 percent) say that being taken care of is the most important thing when they are abroad, allowing them to make them feel more at home. With (33 percent) stating that friendly crew and staff make them feel more relaxed whilst they are abroad on their holidays. It's no surprise that three quarters (75 percent) want familiarity of home when they are on an abroad holiday, so TUI River Cruises has invited TV Presenter, Anthea Turner to spot all of those home from home comforts she can get onboard a TUI River Cruise this summer. With Anthea sailing the Danube, she felt like she was able to travel in comfort and premium style whilst visiting famous landmarks in Hungary, Slovakia and Austria along the way. With TUI River Cruises, every aspect of your holiday is taken care of. Providing all-inclusive river cruise holidays with full end-to-end service, including flights, a selection of cabins, entertainment, exceptional food and drinks and transfers. The river cruise line provides choice and flexibility with its three- to eight-night sailings and various river offerings from the cultural Danube and festive Rhine to the sunny Nile. Anthea Turner hopped onboard TUI River Cruises to try out the All Inclusive river sailing with Twinings Tea bags and afternoon tea all in tow. Whilst sailing, she tried out a range of varied excursions from the Walking Tour of Passau where she was able to explore the Baroque-designed St Stephen's Cathedral and Italian-inspired buildings which are surrounded by cobbled stone lanes, for the first time. Anthea Turner, TV Presenter says: 'A river cruise is a brilliant way to explore different cities in a relaxed environment. I was able to explore the grand cities along the Danube in the comfort of familiarity onboard TUI Skyla. From branded tea to hearty British classics onboard, TUI River Cruises has Brits covered so they can relax and unwind and visit the scenic sights along the river in style.' Surprisingly, two out of five Brits (39 percent) don't even know where they want to go on holiday before they book it. To help the nation choose the right river cruise for them, with the familiar comforts from home, TUI River Cruises has created the 'Which river cruise is for me?' tool, which showcases all of the different options customers can get with TUI River Cruises if they're interested in history, cities or scenic wonders, there's a river cruise for everyone. Showcasing the vast destinations from the sunny Nile to the scenic Danube, excursions, length and offerings, customers have a vast range of variety available at their fingertips 10 HOME FROM HOME OBJECTS BRITS NEED WHEN THEY GO AWAY: 1 . Contributed Anthea Turner has teamed up with TUI River Cruises exploring the European cities along the river Danube and the home from home comforts onboard TUI Skyla. Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 2 . Contributed Anthea Turner has teamed up with TUI River Cruises exploring the European cities along the river Danube and the home from home comforts onboard TUI Skyla. Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 3 . Contributed Anthea Turner has teamed up with TUI River Cruises exploring the European cities along the river Danube and the home from home comforts onboard TUI Skyla. Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 4 . Contributed Anthea Turner has teamed up with TUI River Cruises exploring the European cities along the river Danube and the home from home comforts onboard TUI Skyla. Photo: Submitted Photo Sales Related topics: Holidaymakers
Telegraph
08-06-2025
- Telegraph
Five essential things to know before you board a TUI River Cruises ship
River cruises are the newest venture for travel giant TUI, which officially entered the sector in August 2021 with the launch of the 155-passenger TUI Maya following an 18-month delay due to the Covid pandemic. The adult-only ship was soon joined by sisters TUI Skyla and TUI Isla, who collectively sail some of Europe's leading waterways. In winter 2024, TUI River Cruises expanded geographically and launched its first Nile River ship: TUI Al Horeya (Arabic for freedom). This inaugural Nile ship proved so popular that a second, TUI Al Bahareya, is due to debut in Egypt towards the end of 2025. Yet regardless of which TUI River Cruises ship you set sail on, you can be sure they have Brits in mind; kettles and Twinings tea bags can be found in every cabin, while shore experiences can be pre-purchased in sterling. Onboard, a fun and sociable vibe prevails: the amiable and talented entertainment team lead quizzes, trivia contests, and Motown Moves sessions. They also perform West End hits, pop classics, and rock and roll anthems and host silent discos and stargazing sessions. Expect local guest acts, too – on my recent TUI Nile River cruise, energetic belly dancers, Egyptian whirling dervishes and traditional Nubian acts all performed on board. What's even better is how much is included in the cost of your river cruise: all entertainment, drinks, meals, gratuities, unlimited internet access, and even a return flight. All you'll need to put your hand in your pocket for are select shore excursions, spa treatments, and shop purchases. This transparency makes the line a great option for anyone looking to explore Europe and Egypt without breaking the bank. 1. Where does TUI River Cruises sail? In Europe, TUI Isla, Skyla and Maya sail the Rhine, with its billowing vineyards and dramatic cliffs, and the Danube, which strings together some of Europe's most majestic cities and sights such as Budapest's Parliament building and the lavish palaces of Vienna. Stops on a Rhine cruise could include Strasbourg, where you can wander the Roman streets and admire the half-timbered houses, Cologne, to sample the city's signature Kölsch beer, and the quaint town of Rudesheim, home to the quirky Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum with its unique collection of automated musical instruments. In addition, TUI Isla offers itineraries on the Main, which meanders out from the east of the Rhine and through the middle of Germany, the Moselle, a must for wine lovers, and the beautiful Belgian and Dutch waterways. Summer 2025 marks the start of sailings along Portugal's Douro River onboard TUI Alma. The line's first new-build river ship will offer seven-night round-trip sailings from Porto calling at Entre-os-Rios, Peso de Regua, Vega de Terron and Barca d'Alva. Yet another new European ship, TUI Ria, is scheduled to launch in summer 2026 and will also sail on the Rhine and Moselle. Egypt also features on the agenda with an unforgettable cruise along the Nile. The group's first Nile ship, TUI Al Horeya, operates a seven-night Legends of the Nile voyage; a round-trip sailing from Luxor that calls at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Sister ship, Tui Bahareya, is slated to debut on the Nile in November 2025 and will offer two round-trip routes from Luxor: the Legends of the Nile cruise and a seven-night Ancient Gods and Famous Pharaohs itinerary. Both sailings will take you to Egypt's most famous historic sites, including the Valley of the Kings, Aswan and the Temple of Horus. Two Egyptologists will also be on board to reveal the stories that lie behind the extraordinary temples and tombs. 2. Who does TUI River Cruises appeal to? The line has gone out of its way to attract British passengers with flights (on TUI Airways) offered from a number of UK airports. As TUI River Cruises ships are strictly adults-only, they fit the bill for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxed and informal sailing. Solo travellers aren't neglected either: each ship has been fitted with a handful of single cabins and those going it alone can meet up with like-minded travellers at mealtimes and social events. All told, you might embark on a river cruise as a single traveller, but you certainly won't end up alone. You'll find plenty of first-time river cruisers on board too. These are typically guests who have travelled with TUI before, be it on a package holiday or an ocean voyage with sister line Marella Cruises, and fancy experimenting on a new type of holiday with a company they feel comfortable with. With absolutely everything included in the fare, TUI River Cruises is also a great option for cost-conscious travellers who want to get away without worrying about extra fees. 3. The fleet TUI Skyla, TUI Isla, TUI Maya (151, 155, and 155 passengers respectively) Sails to: Danube, Rhine. TUI Isla also sails the Dutch & Belgian waterways, Main and Moselle The trio of adult-only vessels share a light and breezy aesthetic, with each ship featuring two restaurants and two bars as well as a wellness area and activity area on the top deck. Cabins span several categories, ranging from singles to suites. TUI Al Horeya (145 passengers) W inter 2024 marked the debut of TUI Al Horeya on the Nile. The freshly refurbished ship features 72 river-facing cabins, the lion's share of which have French balconies. Spacious public spaces include the third-floor Observatory lounge – head here for enlightening lectures and film showings during the day, and cabaret and trivia contests at night – two restaurants, a small gym, and a top deck with an inviting pool, hot tubs, sun loungers and a shaded bar seating area. TUI Alma (123 passengers) Sails to: Douro Meaning 'soul' in Portuguese, TUI Alma – the line's first brand-new ship – will cruise along Portugal's River Douro when it launches in 2025. Expect 62 river-facing staterooms situated across three of the four passenger decks, plus a shallow pool with seating areas, main restaurant and Portuguese-inspired al fresco dining space. TUI Bahareya (136 passengers) Sails to: Nile TUI Bahareya will be the sixth ship to join the fleet when it launches towards the end of 2025. The name means 'belongs to the river' in Arabic and the ship will accommodate 136 passengers in 68 cabins, including standard French balcony cabins and superior cabins. While the real attraction of any Nile cruise lies on dry land, TUI Bahareya will have plenty to keep guests entertained, from an open-air pool to a massage tent and an entertainment area. TUI Ria (190 passengers) Sails to: Rhine, Moselle This will be the largest ship in the fleet when it launches in summer 2026 and the big talking point is the onboard pool that will double as a restaurant: in the evening, the pool floor will rise to close off the water, transforming the space into a secondary dining venue and entertainment area. It will even have a retractable roof, allowing guests to take a dip whatever the weather. In addition, there will be a choice of restaurants, lounges and entertainment spaces. 4. Loyalty scheme None officially, but the line says that it does try to offer repeat guests 'access to things like exclusive offers and events' as a thank you for their loyalty. 5. Access for guests with disabilities Wheelchairs cannot be used on board, so TUI River Cruises says that if you're unable to walk unaided up and down flights of stairs, then a cruise with them may not be suitable for you. It's worth contacting the Assisted Travel Team (0203 451 2688) before booking a cruise if you have specific needs.
Travel Daily News
05-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
TUI River Cruises launches Zerbian and Croatian Danube itineraries
TUI River Cruises will debut new sailings on the River Danube for winter 2026 with new Serbian and Croatian ports of call. The winter itineraries will go on sale from 3 July 2025, offering 33 sailings across the entire fleet from November 2026 – April 2027. For TUI Aria's first winter season, the largest capacity ship amongst the fleet, will be sailing the Rhine offering customers a glimpse of different Germanic festive markets on the 'Mistletoe and Rhine' itinerary featuring Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Koblenz and Cologne as well as the 'North Rhine Noel' itinerary which stops in Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands. In addition, TUI River Cruises is also introducing new Danube sailings on TUI Isla, 'New Year on the Danube' so guests can celebrate the New Year in style and also visit the spectacular Belgrade festive markets. There will be a second TUI flight from London Gatwick to Vienna for both TUI Isla and TUI Maya including a incredible 16 itineraries for customers to sail on. In addition to this, there will be alternative flight options with TUI partner airlines to a range of destinations including Basel and Amsterdam on the newest ship, TUI Aria itineraries including: 'Rhine Explorer', 'Rhine Explorer 2' and 'Southern Rhine Delights'. Furthermore, the river cruise line will introduce new four to seven-night river cruise options, to continue to offer more flexibility and choice for customers. These include 'Yuletide Getaway', a four-night on TUI Isla sailing visiting Vienna, Linz, Bratislava and the seven-night 'East Danube Explorer'. Festive sailings on The Danube and The Rhine will return with 11 sailings for the season with Christmas market-filled itineraries and even more New Year's celebrations across four different ships, TUI Aria, TUI Isla, TUI Maya and TUI Skyla. These include 'East Danube Christmas Charm' on TUI Isla, a five-night sailing through Vienna, Esztergom, Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna and 'Rhine Festive Flavours' on TUI Skyla sailing through Cologne, Boppard, Rüdesheim, Frankfurt, Koblenz, and Dusseldorf. The Nile will see two ships, TUI Al Horeya and TUI Bahareya, return for winter 2026 with direct flights from London Gatwick and Manchester Airport to Luxor, Egypt. Customers seeking the sun can sail on alternating itineraries: 'Legends of the Nile' and 'Ancient Gods and Famous Pharaohs' for seven-night sailings. The sailings will begin and end in Luxor and will visit Egyptian hotspots of Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. 'We're excited to launch our largest winter programme providing our customers with more choice and flexibility than ever before' said Katy Berzins, Head of River Cruises at TUI River Cruises. 'With the introduction of new Serbian and Croatian ports on the Danube, the debut winter season for TUI Aria, and enhanced flight options, we're making it easier for our guests to explore Europe's most enchanting riverscapes. Whether it's celebrating New Year in Belgrade, discovering the charm of German Christmas markets, or soaking up the sun along the Nile, there's a winter cruise for every traveller.'
