TUI reveals new spaces aboard refurbished Nile river cruise ship Al Horeya

TUI River Cruises, part of the TUI Cruises group, has unveiled new venues aboard the refurbished TUI Al Horeya, set to resume services on the Nile River this November.

TUI Al Horeya features 74 cabins accommodating 145 guests. The new venues are designed to reflect a personalised approach, with a hybrid multi-functional Top Deck offering a swimming pool and two hot tubs during the day, and transforming into an al fresco dining space Felucca at night.

“We’re so excited that TUI River Cruises will be revealing its fully refurbished ship this November,” said Katy Berzins, head of River Cruises. “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,” she added. 

TUI Al Horeya is the cruise line’s first river ship on the Nile, and comes amid a booming river cruise market in Egypt, with Viking having recently expanded its fleet in the country.

“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,” said Berzins. “Coupled with the option of TUI flying means that we can truly ensure a seamless end-to-end customer experience.”

TUI Al Horeya features five new venues. The Top Deck is a versatile space designed for both relaxation and dining. By day, it offers a swimming pool, two hot tubs, and sun loungers, where guests can enjoy light bites while soaking in the views.

By evening, the space transforms into Felucca, an intimate dining area with seating for 30 guests, offering an exclusive, reservation-only experience. Felucca serves locally inspired dishes such as shish veal kebab, boneless chicken, and beef kofta in a sophisticated, open-air setting.

In the heart of the ship, Lazeeza serves as the main restaurant, comfortably seating 141 guests. Lazeeza provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a mix of buffet options and live cooking stations, bringing fresh, diverse flavors to the table. The highlight of the culinary experience is the gala dinner, featuring a seven-course authentic Egyptian meal that showcases the rich traditions of Egyptian cuisine.

The Observatory is the ship’s lively entertainment hub, offering a vibrant array of nightly performances, including captivating Egyptian Whirling Dervishes and energetic Nubian acts. Guests can also enjoy live quizzes and music, creating an engaging and memorable evening atmosphere.

For wellness enthusiasts, the ship features a dedicated Wellness Area with a massage room and a fully equipped exercise space. The gym area includes a treadmill, cycling machine, and other facilities to ensure that guests can maintain their fitness routines while at sea.

TUI River Cruises on the Nile aboard TUI Al Horeya offer a 7-night “Legends of the Nile” itinerary running from November 2024 to April 2025. This cruise includes excursions to iconic sites like the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, and Edfu’s Temple of Horus, all guided by an Egyptologist. Stops include Aswan, where guests can visit Philae Temple and even venture to Abu Simbel.