Ship review: Tui Al Horeya

Everything you need to know about Tui River Cruises' Tui Al Horeya

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Overview: Meaning ‘freedom’ in Arabic, Tui Al Horeya is the fourth ship to join Tui River Cruises’ adult-only fleet alongside Tui Isla, Skyla and Maya.

The 145-passenger vessel is the line’s first ship to sail on the Nile and offers seven-night Legends of the Nile voyages – round-trip sailings from Luxor that call at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan.

Cabins: The ship’s 72 sleek cabins include singles, standard cabins and suites, all river-facing with harmonious decor in a palette of denim blue and beige.

Most feature French balconies and are well appointed with supremely comfortable beds, plenty of plug sockets, hairdryers, flatscreen TVs, kettles and Twinings teabags – so guests need not leave their cabin for a decent cup of tea. Storage is limited and bathrooms are compact, but they have power showers and are more than serviceable for a week-long cruise.

Food and drink: Lazeeza – Arabic for ‘delicious’ – is the main dining room, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a mix of buffet and à la carte options, as well as a six-course gala dinner once per sailing.

There’s always a good range of Egyptian dishes on the menu – think oven-baked tagines of okra and aubergine – for those who want to broaden their culinary horizons. Passengers can also enjoy a superb Egyptian dinner at the alfresco Felucca restaurant, which is included in the fare but requires booking – and a hefty appetite – while tea, coffee and cakes are served every afternoon on the top deck.

Facilities: The amenities are impressive for a ship of this size, including a small gym with high-tech running, cycling and lifting equipment, a massage room, two hot tubs and the river line’s first swimming pool. The pool is located on the top deck, which is furnished with sun loungers and a shaded bar seating area.

However, the heartbeat of Tui Al Horeya is the third-floor Observatory lounge: head here for fascinating lectures and film showings during the day, followed by quizzes, cabaret shows, traditional Nubian music and dance and whirling dervishes at night.

USP: When you consider that return flights, tips, transfers and two excursions – the Temple of Horus and the Temple of Kom Ombo – are included, Tui Al Horeya sailings offer serious value.

That said, the ship’s biggest selling point is its efforts to incorporate Egyptian history and culture: two Egyptologists are on board every sailing to reveal the stories that lie behind the extraordinary temples and tombs; local ingredients and dishes feature on menus; and the staff are warm, friendly, efficient and predominantly Egyptian.

Book it: A seven-night round-trip Legends of the Nile sailing on board Tui Al Horeya starts from £1,520 per person, based on two sharing a Superior French Balcony Cabin, with flights from Manchester to Luxor departing January 13, 2026, on an all-inclusive basis with tips.
tui.co.uk/river-cruises

Reviewed by Kaye Holland

PICTURES: Tui River Cruises