TUI River Cruises, TUI UK's river cruise division, is set to enhance its culinary offerings across its European fleet with the introduction of innovative new menu items in summer 2025. These additions are the result of TUI’s “Culinary Voyages” competition, where onboard chefs and bar staff developed recipes inspired by the destinations visited during their river itineraries.
In keeping with TUI's emphasis on variety and regional authenticity, all riverboats operate on a Full Board Plus basis. This approach ensures daily menus are crafted using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that reflect the culinary traditions of key ports of call.
Additionally, passengers enjoy flexibility with no fixed dining times, allowing for casual lunches or leisurely dinners accompanied by live music.
Three new creations will feature across the fleet in 2025:
- One standout dish is the German-inspired Zamburinas alla Passau, developed by Executive Chef Jerry Rodriguez of TUI Skyla. This scallop-based recipe, enriched with white wine, celery root, red radish, asparagus, and nutmeg, draws inspiration from the cuisine of Passau (Germany). Rodriguez explained that his experience dining in Passau’s local restaurants inspired the dish, which combines regional flavors with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- In the beverage category, Sisi’s Secret is a cocktail designed to evoke the elegance of Vienna and the legacy of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Created by Mixologist Hannah Michael Nabil Attia, also of TUI Skyla, the drink blends gin, passion fruit, and lime for a sweet and robust flavor profile. Attia noted that the cocktail pays homage to the Danube itineraries and Vienna’s storied history.
- For dessert, the menu introduces the TUI River Cruises Kaissechmarrn, a modern interpretation of the classic Austrian dish. Chef de Patisserie Ramzi Morjme of TUI Maya has infused the traditional recipe - featuring flour, eggs, sugar, butter, and milk - with plum compote, rum, and a hint of lemon. The dish celebrates Vienna’s culinary heritage with a contemporary twist.
Passengers can experience these new culinary delights aboard itineraries such as the Danube Treasures cruise. Departing on May 5th, 2025, aboard TUI Skyla, the voyage starts at GBP 1,680 per person, based on two adults sharing a Deck 1 Superior cabin. This price includes flights from London Gatwick to Budapest, Full Board Plus dining, tips, and transfers.
With these new creations, TUI River Cruises continues to enhance the onboard experience, offering guests an authentic taste of the regions they explore while maintaining the flexibility and comfort that define the line’s river cruise offerings.