Tui has revealed images of its three river cruise ships as it prepares to launch its new venture in 100 days.
Tui River Cruises was due to launch this summer but was postponed until November 26 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its three adult-only ships – Tui Isla, Tui Maya and Tui Skyla – have been refurbished in a “boutique style” ahead of their debut sailings, a series of Christmas market itineraries.
Tui’s winter river cruise schedule will also include New Year itineraries and its debut programme runs into April 2021, after which a full programme is scheduled to begin.
New health and safety measures for on board the ships have also been put in place as the line prepares for its launch following the Foreign Office’s removal of its travel ban on river cruises.
The company has also announced its Little Extras Package of winter excursions, available from £35, and including priority check-in and late check out
Customers will have the choice of two restaurants both complete with floor to ceiling views of the river. Two brand new bars will also be onboard each ship, which will also house coffee and cocktail bars.
There is a choice of seven cabin types per ship with three cabins for solo travellers and 36 suites.
As part of the river cruise line’s sustainability initiative, all cabin carpets have been made from recycled fishing nets.
All passengers on the debut programme will receive a £120 credit per seven-day itinerary to use towards shore excursions, of which there are 150 on offer.
Tui River Cruises offers 32 itineraries along the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main and Dutch and Belgian waterways with options of sailings ranging from three to 14 nights.
Chris Hackney, managing director of cruise for TUI UK & Ireland, said: “Following the change in government advice on river cruising, holidaymakers now have the chance to explore Europe from its rivers and waterways.
“We’re working hard to get ready for our first sailings and with so much to discover on a river cruise, we’ve put exploration at the heart of our offer.
“First sailings are already proving popular and we’re looking forward to welcoming our first guests onboard Tui Isla in 100 days’ time. Our teams are working really hard behind the scenes to ensure customers can cruise with confidence and enjoy their holiday with us.”
Ahead of its first sailings, the new river cruise line is implementing a number of new health and safety measures, including regular deep-cleaning of transfer buses, providing staff with PPE, encouraging social distancing, temperature checks and asking passengers to fill in health questionnaires.
Extra cleaning measures will be in place around the ships, and customers can choose between a buffet or a la carte breakfast on board
Excursion group sizes have been reduced and customers can cancel any excursions 48 hours in advance if they wish.