TUI Alma

The 2025-built TUI Alma cruise ship (currently under construction) is specifically designed to operate voyages on Douro River in Portugal. Like the fleetmates, the boat is owned by TUI AG and operated by its subsidiary company "TUI UK and Ireland". "TUI River Cruises" (tui.co.uk/river-cruises) is a new travel brand (2019-established/2021-inaugurated) and targets predominantly the UK's passenger sourcing.

The Portuguese word "alma" translates as "soul".

The boat TUI Alma will be Portugal-flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Porto.

TUI Alma (TUI's 5th riverboat) was officially announced in December 2023 by Chris Logan (Managing Director of TUI's subsidiary Crystal Ski Holidays). Along with TUI's Douro-deployed boat (Alma), Chris Logan also announced the brand's expansion to offer Nile River voyages in Egypt, starting in November 2024 with the fully refurbished hotel ship TUI Al Horeya.

Unlike the fleetmates, TUI Alma's design is more versatile, allowing public spaces/venues to transform and serve different functions during the day and in the evening.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The ship's top deck/sundeck houses a shallow pool, sunbathing and shaded seating areas (furnished with premium furniture/tables, deckchairs, padded sunloungers), and an open-air Bar (with full food service, also serving occasional BBQ dining/barbecue lunches).

Onboard dining options are two - the Main Dining Room (full-capacity restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, with both buffet-style and a-la-carte options) and the Portuguese-inspired alfresco dining area (with a full dinner service and doubling as a relaxation area throughout the day). The alternative dining venue is also complimentary, with a menu focusing on traditional Portuguese and regional cuisine specialties.

The boat has three bars, including the Main Show Lounge (with live entertainment in the evenings/musical performances, crew show, trivia games and fun quizzes), the Top-Deck Bar and the smaller/quieter Vinha's Lounge & Bar.

The wellness area comprises a Gym (with modern exercise and fitness equipment), a separate Studio (for group classes/yoga, exercise) and a Juice Bar (open during the day). In the evenings, the wellness area transforms into the Vinha's Lounge (intimate bar lounge and dinner-only restaurant).

The midship Atrium's Lobby Hall houses the Reception Desk, the Cruise Director's Desk and the Shore Excursions/Tour Desk.

Decks and Cabins

TUI Alma staterooms (62 total) include 2x French Balcony Suites (deck 3), 6x Balcony Cabins (deck 3/each fitted with a step-out veranda) in addition to the industry's standard French Balcony Cabins (decks 2 and 3) as well as Standard Cabins (double and single, located on deck 1).

Deck 1's staterooms are with fixed/non-opening windows positioned near the ceiling. These cabins are designed for solo cruisers (can be booked with no single supplement) and are fitted with a single bed.

Standard/complimentary cabin amenities include TV, individually controlled air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom (WC, single-sink vanity, shower, LED mirror, hairdryer), lounge/sleeping are (mirrored desk, chairs, double bed, electronic safe box/in the closet, intercom/phone, tea and coffee-making facility).

The boat has 4 decks, of which 3 are with cabins.

TUI Douro River cruise itineraries

TUI's Douro cruise schedule lists 7-night roundtrip itineraries (out of Porto City) with prices inclusive of flights between the UK and Portugal via TUI Group's airline subsidiary TUI fly.

Starting with the Maiden Voyage on December 14, 2024, TUI Alma offers 7-day Douro River itineraries leaving roundtrip from Oporto.

The voyages are heavily focused on daytime cruising and combine four call ports/destinations - Entre-os-Rios, Regua/Lamego, Vega de Terron/to Salamanca, and Barca d'Alva/to Castelo Rodrigo. Then the route loops back to Regua and ends in Oporto.

Pricing is also inclusive of "TUI Full-Board Plus" package (three meals a day plus complimentary beverages at mealtimes (tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine/beer by the glass). The complimentary alcoholic drinks include house wines (white, red, or rose) served at all lunches and dinners, plus a special selection of regional Portuguese wines at dinner. All other drinks cost extra unless you upgrade to "TUI All-Inclusive".

While Full Board Plus is TUI's standard/complimentary package, travelers can always upgrade their vacation with TUI's all-inclusive package deals.

All gratuities (onboard and ashore tips) and service charges are included in TUI's standard river cruise fares.