My oh Maya
The long-awaited launch of Tui River Cruises got off to a strong start with its first vessel making its maiden sailing on the Rhine. Kelly Ranson reports
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travelweekly.co.uk
nce passengers try it, they will love it.” Those were the confident words of Tui Cruises UK managing director
Chris Hackney at the launch of the company’s brand-new river cruise fleet. Due to the pandemic, Tui River Cruises waited 18 months to officially welcome passengers on board the first of its three adult-only ships, Tui Maya. It has, however, given the team time to craft the style of the ships, which are geared to British travellers looking for a value-for-money river cruise option. While there are obvious differences between the river ships and the travel giant’s ocean line, Marella Cruises, the similarities in the customer offering and service are aligned as Tui looks to entice loyal beach and cruise customers – as well as those new to cruise – to the river. Hackney adds: “We have a great concept, and we think our customers will love the river cruises and the experiences we have created for them.
“The ships were largely designed with the UK customer in mind, particularly when we were thinking of the product proposition with our standout service, excursions and great entertainment acts.” During its December 2019 refit in Lemmer in the Netherlands, the four-deck Tui Maya and its sister ships were given a contemporary multimillion-pound makeover, and loyal Tui clients will be happy with the relaxed and casual style that awaits. Gone are the dark-wood furnishings, replaced with golds, pastels, marble and light-wood interiors, complemented with panoramic windows throughout the ship.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
As with most river vessels, dining is limited to a small number of venues. On board Tui Maya, there are two eateries, Verdastro and the Bistro. Adjacent to one another, both are open for buffet breakfast as well as à la carte lunch and dinner. Verdastro, with its green and gold decor, changes its menu daily, while the ²
9 SEPTEMBER 2021
DESTINATIONS TUI MAYA | CRUISE
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PICTURE: Shutterstock/Sergey Dzyuba
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