TUI River Cruises has shared details of more facilities aboard its upcoming ship TUI Aria, scheduled to embark on its first journey in March 2026.
The adults-only vessel represents the company's largest river cruise ship, featuring 96 cabins housing up to 190 passengers. The ship will navigate the Rhine, Main, Moselle and waterways throughout the Netherlands and Belgium from summer 2026.
Multiple new spaces have been designed for it, including a transformable pool-to-dining facility. The company has also announced improved regional connectivity with direct services from Bristol to Amsterdam and Newcastle to Frankfurt.
Reflections stands out as the ship's most versatile facility, hosting the fleet's first swimming pool with sweeping panoramic vistas. The area features shower facilities, a sauna and a retractable covering, making it suitable for all weather conditions.
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|Cruise guests can discover a number of new areas
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|The ship has plenty of places for holidaymakers to relax
Throughout daylight hours, the space functions as a poolside retreat complete with sunbeds. Light bites, including yoghurt selections, granola, baked goods and blended drinks, are available.
Come evening, the pool base elevates to form a restaurant accommodating 36 diners. The menu shifts to Italian-inspired cuisine featuring dishes like arancini, caprese salads, cured meats and pasta selections. Musical performances and cinema screenings also take place in this adaptable venue.
The Top Deck combines leisure and recreation areas, allowing passengers to enjoy some drinks whilst admiring the riverside scenery. The space introduces the fleet's first putting green alongside sunbeds, shuffleboard and assorted deck activities.
Ship personnel will host complimentary yoga classes and organise Top Deck barbecues. An ice cream celebration occurs during each voyage.
This upper deck area caters to various preferences, whether passengers seek active pursuits or peaceful relaxation. The combination of sporting facilities and comfortable seating creates a versatile outdoor environment for enjoying the passing European landscapes throughout the journey.
Verdastro, an established favourite throughout the European fleet, serves as the main dining venue, accommodating all 190 passengers for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The waiter-service restaurant combines buffet options with live cooking demonstrations by the onboard chef.
Daily menus showcase regional specialities reflecting the areas through which passengers travel. Each voyage features a gala dinner presenting a six-course European culinary journey.
The Observatory acts as the ship's entertainment hub, hosting performances by the resident entertainment crew. Programming includes vocal shows, music, quiz nights, film presentations and silent discos.
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|TUI's largest river cruise is set to sail in March next year
This adaptable space also serves traditional afternoon tea featuring sandwiches, cakes, scones and tea selections.
Head of River Cruises, TUI River Cruises, Katy Berzins said: “TUI Aria marks a bold new chapter for TUI River Cruises, reflecting our commitment to innovation and guest experience. As our highest capacity ship to date, it’s been designed to offer more flexibility for our customers, whether they’re seasoned river cruisers or new to river cruise.
"Reflections, our new multi-use innovative venue, transforms from a poolside area by day to a stylish dining venue by night, offering more choice for our customers. Alongside new itineraries, additional regional flight options, and thoughtfully designed onboard experiences, TUI Aria opens up even more ways for customers to explore Europe’s rivers in style.”