Tui River Cruises have just begun a new expansion into Egypt and the River Nile. Their ‘Legends of the Nile’ itinerary includes a package holiday with direct flights to Luxor from Gatwick or Manchester. Tours started on the 7th November 2024 and travel every Thursday.
The new Tui ship, named Tui Al Horeya, operates seven-night, all-inclusive round-trip sailings from Luxor and can accommodate 145 passengers in 74 cabins including singles, standard cabins and suites. As with all Tui River Cruises, the Tui Al Horeya is for adults-only.
Indeed, TUI River Cruises celebrated the blessing of its first Egyptian river ship in Luxor, marking the start of its voyage on the river Nile, just a few weeks ago. TUI Al Horeya, in style, setting 100 lit biodegradable candles afloat on the iconic Egyptian river which marked the start of its voyage in Luxor.
The blessing ceremony took place onboard the river ship with a traditional ‘Prayer to Hapi’, the god of the Nile River, blessing the ship on safe and prosperous voyages. Guests were invited to make a personal wish with one of the 100 biodegradable candles set in coconut shells and also received a papyrus gift inscribed with “TUI Al Horeya” in Arabic, crafted by local Egyptian artists. These candles were then placed into the river to signify the blessing before it sailed to Luxor Temple.
Throughout the night, TUI Al Horeya was a hive of activity with a live sand artist showcasing the story of the river Nile, traditional Egyptian acts of Whirling Dervishes, a gala dinner and live entertainment from TUI River Cruises’ entertainment team.
TUI River Cruises’ newly refurbished five-star ship, TUI Al Horeya, enjoyed its maiden voyage along the River Nile. The exciting expansion means that the river cruise line will operate a seven-night, all-inclusive round-trip sailings from Luxor. TUI Al Horeya will accommodate 141 passengers and offers 72 cabins including singles, standard cabins and suites and hosts a hybrid multi-functional Top Deck, which is home to a swimming pool and two hot tubs by day, and al fresco dining space, Felucca, by night. Each sailing will include two Egyptologists onboard, live entertainment from the TUI River Cruises team and live traditional whirling dervishes and Nubian acts. The Legends of the Nile’ itinerary will call at: Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan and return to Luxor.
Katy Berzins, Head of TUI River Cruises at TUI River Cruises says: “The official first voyage of the TUI Al Horeya is a massive milestone for TUI River Cruises being the first ship to sail outside of European waters. Since going on sale, we have sold 80% of our winter Nile programme, and new bookings are continuing to come in week-by-week – we can’t wait to greet these passengers onboard for this season’s sailings.”
The two exclusive charter flights per week operate from Gatwick and Manchester to Luxor City. Chris Hackney, managing director of Tui River Cruises, said: “Tui River Cruises is going from strength to strength, and we are so excited to introduce this latest offering on the Nile which we are confident our customers will love.
“The name Tui Al Horeya was chosen to ensure we kept local connection to Egypt, as it is our only Tui River Cruise ship which will stay in the one country.”
Licenced Egyptologists are on hand throughout the trip to answer any questions, with the modern and contemporary ship boasting a top deck swimming pool, two whirlpools, an entertainment area, restaurant, Al Fresco dining, lounge bar, wellness studio and a boutique shop.
Like the rest of the fleet, Tui Al Horeya includes a fab day and night entertainment programme, as well 2 excursions as standard, with option to do more in resort.
Tui Al Horeya Nile Cruise Highlights
Five-star refurbished ship joins fleet
Two exclusive charter flights per week from London Gatwick and Manchester to Luxor
Dedicated licenced Egyptologists on hand for cruises
The exciting expansion means that the river cruise line will add a fully refurbished five-star ship, to be named TUI Al Horeya, which means ‘freedom’, to operate seven-night, all-inclusive round-trip sailings from Luxor.
Chris Hackney continued; “A cruise along the Nile offers a serene and unforgettable experience with lush landscapes, traditional villages, and other iconic landmarks such as the Luxor and Edfu Temples. With year-round sunshine, Egypt is the perfect destination for exploring ancient history and allowing guests to immerse themselves in a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
“The name TUI Al Horeya was chosen to ensure we kept local connection to Egypt, as it is our only TUI River Cruise ship which will stay in the one country. TUI Al Horeya in Arabic means ‘freedom’, signifying the freedom the water brings to explore which is a great representation of what river cruising is all about.”
Like the rest of the fleet, TUI Al Horeya will include a day and night entertainment programme, as well as offering customers a wide range of excursions which have been curated by industry experts, guaranteed to transport visitors back in time to the era of pharaohs and dynasties.
There will be two set excursions included within the sailing package price, this includes the Temple of Horus in Edfu and the temple of Kom Ombo. To ensure that customers have as much flexibility within their cruise, a range of excursions will be on offer in Luxor and Awan for them to choose from. Options include:
Discovering the Temples of Karnak and Luxor with the Sphinx Avenue, a strikingly graceful piece or architecture on the banks of the Nile;
Experiencing a sound and light show at Karnak Temple, which recounts the history of Thebes and the lives of pharaohs;
Visiting the Nubian Village, located on an Island, and sail on a traditional felucca, a canvas-sailed boat;
Touring the High Dam, Obelisk and Philae Temple, which was built in 1960.
TUI Al Horeya is the latest addition to the TUI River Cruise fleet, which currently has three other adult-only ships.
The Legends of the Nile itinerary:
Day 1: Luxor
Day 2: Luxor
Day 3: Edfu
Day 4: Kom Ombo
Day 5: Aswan
Day 6: Aswan
Day 7: Luxor
Day 8: Luxor
Available from £1189 based on two adults sharing a Deck 2 Superior French Balcony cabin on an All-Inclusive basis.