By
Laura Hyde |
TUI River Cruises newest ship, TUI Aria, will feature new venues when it debuts in March 2026 on the River Rhine.
Reflections is the cruise line’s new multi-use venue, featuring the fleet’s first pool with panoramic views, as well as a sauna, showers and a retractable roof for year-round use. In the daytime Reflections will be a poolside area with sun loungers and light breakfast and lunch options available, but at night the pool floor will rise to turn the space into a secondary à la carte restaurant that serves Italian-inspired dishes and has capacity for 36 guests. It will also be used as a live music and film venue.
A rendering of TUI Aria’s new multi-use venue, Reflections
Top Deck will provide relaxation and activity zones for guests. The venue will include the fleet’s first putting green, as well as sun loungers, a shuffleboard and various deck games. The ship’s crew will host complimentary yoga sessions, barbecues and an ice cream party each sailing (weather permitting).
The ship will also feature the brand’s signature main restaurant Verdastro, which will offer a buffet mix and live cooking. The menu will change daily, allowing guests to taste dishes inspired by the region the ship is sailing through. Verdastro will host the gala dinner, where guests will experience a European culinary journey courtesy of a six-course meal.
The Observatory will host nightly entertainment, including vocal productions, music, quizzes, film showings and silent discos. The venue will also host the cruise line’s afternoon tea.
A rendering of ship’s entertainment venue, The Observatory
TUI Aria will be the cruise line’s highest capacity ship, accommodating 190 guests in 96 cabins. The adults-only cruise ship will sail six- to nine-night itineraries along the Rhine, Main, Moselle, Dutch and Belgian waterways from summer 2026.
“TUI Aria marks a bold new chapter for TUI River Cruises, reflecting our commitment to innovation and guest experience,” said Katy Berzins, head of river cruises at TUI River Cruises. “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. 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.”