Brief
TUI unveils new Seine river cruise ship Elara, set for 2027 launch
The Elara will offer four, seven and ten‑night cruises past Paris landmarks and Normandy stops, with flights from Air France included.
By Felo News Desk · Published
TUI River Cruises announced that its new 138‑passenger vessel, the TUI Elara, will debut on the Seine in March 2027 and begin offering four, seven and ten‑night itineraries from March 2028.
What happened
The cruise line said the Seine was identified as a favourite among passengers. The Elara will sail past the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Musée d’Orsay, with port calls at Vernon, Rouen and Le Havre. Guests can also join a Normandy excursion that includes the D‑Day landing beaches.
What the reports add
According to the Independent, the Elara features 70 cabins, including the brand’s first French Balcony Junior Suites, each with nightly turndown service and continental breakfast in bed. The announcement also revealed two further next‑generation ships – TUI Zora, slated for the Rhine in May 2028, and TUI Velara, planned for the Danube in August 2028 – both with 94 cabins for 188 guests.
What was said
Katy Berzins, head of river cruises at TUI River Cruises, told the Independent: “Summer 2028 is our biggest launch ever and marks a major step for TUI River Cruises. With capacity up 26 per cent for summer 2028, we’re in a clear phase of growth… With the Seine, we’re offering more choice for customers on one of the most requested rivers in our research, from Paris to Monet’s gardens to the Normandy coast.”
How it came about
The Elara follows TUI’s recent expansion of its river fleet, building on earlier launches such as the TUI Maya on the Danube and TUI Skyla on the Rhine. The company has highlighted guest feedback as a driver for larger balcony suites and new itineraries, linking the Seine debut to growing demand for European river cruising.
Key facts
- TUI Elara will launch on the Seine in March 2027. (independent.co.uk)
- The ship holds 138 passengers across 70 cabins, including French Balcony Junior Suites. (independent.co.uk)
- Four, seven and ten‑night itineraries start in March 2028, visiting Paris landmarks and Normandy ports. (independent.co.uk)
- TUI also announced two next‑generation ships, Zora for the Rhine (May 2028) and Velara for the Danube (August 2028). (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “New Tui river cruise ship will sail through Paris as it debuts on the Seine”
