notitur.com August 2, 2026
CrucerosPublished August 2, 20261 min read

TUI River Cruises to sail the Douro in 2027 with TUI Luzia

JSBy Joan SanzCurated by Joan Sanz. · August 2, 2026 · Follow on LinkedIn
Voice reading · ~1 min

The TUI River Cruises fleet will reach the Douro in 2027. The first ship built for the brand, the TUI Luzia, has just been floated out in Serbia and will open its first season in Portugal. With 111 passengers, it also marks the company's entry into the rivers of the Iberian peninsula.

In my view, this confirms how strong European river cruising is right now. It is no longer just the Danube or the Rhine. The Douro fits perfectly with what travellers are looking for:

And, as Hosteltur points out, that demand keeps growing. Smart move by TUI, which gets into a destination with plenty of product and room for modern ships.

For the local sector, the opportunity is straightforward: wineries, rural hotels and agencies in northern Portugal and the Ribera del Duero can tap into a traveller with high spending power. Those that want in should get their offers ready.

Quick questions

When will TUI start sailing the Douro?
In summer 2027. The TUI Luzia, TUI River Cruises' first purpose-built ship, will open its inaugural season on the Douro and enter the Iberian peninsula's rivers.
Which ship will TUI use on the Douro?
The TUI Luzia, which has just been floated out in Serbia. It has capacity for 111 passengers and is the company's first purpose-built river ship.
Why is TUI choosing the Douro?
Because European river cruising is growing and the Douro matches the demand for itineraries that combine sailing, culture, gastronomy and wine tourism.
Where will the TUI Luzia's first season be?
In Portugal, sailing the Douro. Hosteltur reports that TUI will arrive on the Iberian peninsula's rivers in 2027.
What opportunities does this open for wineries and agencies?
It brings in visitors with a real interest in wine and heritage, which can turn into direct bookings for local wineries, rural hotels and travel agencies.

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