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TUI launching river cruises in November for UK market

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TUI Isla will sail three festive itineraries throughout November and December
TUI River Cruises will launch November 26, with Isla sailing three Christmas and New Year itineraries – Mistletoe and Rhine, Yuletide Wonders and Rhine Gems – and Skyla and Maya preparing to set sail in April 2021 from Frankfurt and Budapest.

Catering to the UK market, three to 14 night river cruise sailings will be available for 32 itineraries, which include the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main and Dutch and Belgian waterways.

‘Following the change in government advice on river cruising, holidaymakers now have the chance to explore Europe from its rivers and waterways’, says Chris Hackney, Managing Director - Cruise, TUI UK and Ireland. 

He added, ‘We’re working hard to get ready… First sailings are already proving popular and we’re looking forward to welcoming our first guests onboard TUI Isla in 100 days’ time.’

Health measures

Restaurants will offer a waiter service for lunch and dinner, and staff will assist with a buffet/à la carte breakfast offering.

Extra cleaning measures will be put in place on board the ships and deep cleaning will be implemented on transfer buses. Passengers will be required to fill in a health questionnaire and have their temperature taken before embarkation, and excursion group sizes will be reduced. 

Hand sanitiser will be available for passengers and staff will wear protective equipment. 

Design & Refurbishment 

The adult-only ships took 12 to 18 weeks to refurbish; there are 36 suites across Isla, Maya and Skyl, and seven cabin types are available per ship, each containing carpets made from recycled fishing nets.

The ships contain two restaurants and two new bars, as well as a coffee and cocktail bar.