TUI Al Horeya soon to commence first sailing on the Nile

The newly refurbished TUI Al Horeya sets out on its inaugural voyage along the Nile river on November 7, starting in Luxor, Egypt. 

It coincides with the first TUI flights to Luxor from Manchester Airport and London Gatwick Airport, with passengers travelling on the two Boeing 737s met with balloons and chocolates to mark the milestones. 

From today until until April 25, two flights per week will operate from Manchester and London Gatwick airports to Luxor. The flights will then return for the winter 2026 season operating weekly on a Tuesday from November 4, 2025 until April 21, 2026 to Manchester and London Gatwick airports.

Katy Berzins, head of TUI River Cruises, stated, ‘We are excited to be welcoming our first passengers onto our first river cruise ship down the River Nile, TUI Al Horeya, this winter season on these inaugural flights from Manchester and London Gatwick airports. 

‘This inaugural sailing and flight to Luxor is the first of many to come for the river cruise line and TUI Airways; passengers will be able to marvel in the greatness of the ancient cities along the Nile or soaking up that well needed winter sun in our nearby TUI hotels in Hurghada or Luxor.’ 

Stay and cruise

Cruise and stay options are available: The 'Legends of the Nile’ itinerary will give passengers the choice to stay at various hotels in Luxor for seven nights post-cruise, Hurghada for a four-night hotel stay post-cruise, or there are three-night pre-cruise options.

Recently refurbished

TUI River Cruises also unveiled the ship’s five new venues, including Top Deck. This is the brand’s first hybrid multi-functional al fresco space split between relaxation and activity zones for all passengers. Plus, it will host TUI River Cruises’ first swimming pool and two hot tubs, as well as sun-loungers for customers to relax in the sun. Customers can try light bites available throughout the day such as mini burgers and fruit served in the afternoon. The venue will host afternoon tea, made up of sandwiches, cakes, scones and a selection of teas.

At night, the Top Deck will transform into al fresco dining space haven, Felucca, offering locally inspired cuisine from shish veal kebab, boneless chicken and beef kofta served with rice. Felucca will be a reservation-only dining space for 30 customers per evening, where waiters are dressed in traditional galabaya. 

The main restaurant, Lazeeza, meaning ‘delicious’ in Arabic, has capacity for 141 passengers, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. The waiter-service restaurant will be open to all customers and will offer a buffet and live cooking. The gala dinner for each sailing will take place in Lazeeza where customers can be served an authentic seven course meal which takes them on an Egyptian culinary journey. 

The Observatory will be the heartbeat of the ship as it will host nightly traditional entertainment from Egyptian whirling dervishes to local Nubian acts. It will also be home to a range of entertainment onboard including live quizzes, music and film showings.

The Wellness Area will include a massage room, a fully equipped exercise area with a treadmill and cycling machine.

Berzins remarked, ‘...We have focused on TUI Al Horeya having quality venues, with flexibility in mind for all our customers. The design of each of these venues gives choice to our customers from the intimate Felucca dining space to the traditional Lazeeza main restaurant.

‘We’ve gone from the European waterways of the Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle – and now our first North-African cruise ship down the Nile, which will offer our customers the chance to experience Egypt in a whole new light. Coupled with the option of TUI flying means that we can truly ensure a seamless end-to-end customer experience.’

TUI Al Horeya offers 72 cabins including singles, standard cabins and suites.

Two Egyptologists will join every voyage.