Concordia Damen’s partner yard Kladovo Shipyard has floated out TUI Luzia, the first purpose-built ship for TUI River Cruises. Scheduled for delivery in June 2027, TUI Luzia will spend its inaugural season sailing itineraries on the Douro Valley in Portugal.
The float out denotes the ship moving into its final stage of construction.
The 80-metre ship will accommodate 111 passengers in 56 cabins, including Super French Balcony cabins, Balcony cabins, French Balcony Suites and a single cabin. The TUI Luzia features four decks, including a top deck complete with a shallow pool and sun loungers. In addition, there are lounge bars and restaurants.
The float out follows the announcement of another order for the river cruise company announced in mid-July. This one involves two methanol-ready river cruisers. Concordia Damen will deliver these CDS River Cruise 135 vessels in 2028.
Also read: Concordia Damen to build methanol-ready river cruisers
Extending the TUI portfolio
‘The float out of TUI Luzia marks another significant milestone for TUI River Cruises and our longstanding partnership with Concordia Damen,’ says Katy Berzins, Head of River Cruises at TUI River Cruises. ‘As our first purpose-built ship, TUI Luzia represents an exciting new chapter for our brand. Her arrival on the River Douro in summer 2027 will not only extend our portfolio into one of Europe’s most sought-after river cruise destinations, but also open up new experiences for both existing and new TUI River Cruises customers.’
Chris Kornet, CEO at Concordia Damen: ‘We are proud to be partnering with TUI River Cruises on its first purpose-built river ship, TUI Luzia. The new vessel embodies our shared ambition to bring innovative, future ready ship designs to the European river cruise market, by combining Concordia Damen’s engineering expertise with TUI River Cruises’ clear vision for expanding the brand. We look forward to delivering the vessel that will support the river cruise brand’s growth.’
Picture: The TUI Luzia after being launched in Serbia (photo by Concordia Damen).
Also read: Concordia Damen delivers river cruiser to Century Cruises
