• Stylish christening ceremony on top deck of TUI Maya in Mainz, Germany
• First ever externally appointed godmothers take their roles
• First customer sailings set sail on 15 August

A stylish christening ceremony complete with pyrotechnics and ‘champagne smash’ officially named TUI Cruises’ first ship, TUI Maya with newly appointed godmothers, Rosie Brooks and Catherine Hawkins, taking up their honorary roles. Guests then embarked on an overnight sailing to Boppard to explore the delights of the Rhine.

Whilst onboard they will get a preview of the on-board experience from stand out service to culture-soaked excursions including sailing through the Unesco heritage site the Rhine Gorge, known for its stunning views and fairy-tale castles. Hidden gems, Boppard and Rudesheim were also on the itinerary with a walking tour taking in highlights of Boppard and a wine and coffee tasting experience in the charming town of Rudesheim in the heart of Germany’s wine country. Laid back entertainment was also on offer with yoga on the top deck, quizzes, and live music.

“We are delighted to finally launch TUI River Cruises and had a fitting celebration to get TUI River Cruises sailing in style. The team have worked tirelessly to get to this launch, and they’ve done a sensational job. The initial feedback we’ve had has been incredible and we’re now all really excited to welcome our first customers this weekend.

“People have been impressed by the elegant design and contemporary feel and surprised by how spacious the ship is.

“It was also a pleasure to have our amazing godmothers onboard to officially christen TUI Maya. TUI launched a nationwide search for its godmothers last year and out of 750 applications found the perfect candidates in Rosie Brooks an illustrator from London and Catherine Hawkins, a college exam officer from Barnsley. Both Rosie and Catherine have a passion for exploration which made them top of the list and their desire to cruise truly came out making them the ideal godmothers.”

“I still can’t believe I have been chosen to be a godmother for TUI River Cruises. I feel so proud and honoured – what a privilege! I love to travel, explore new places and embrace new experiences so I feel a new door of exploration is about to open! I can’t wait to get started cruising those rivers!”

“I am thrilled to become a river cruise godmother, it’s so exciting! After having been at home, dreaming of adventures, I can’t wait to get out and explore again. The chateaus and gateaux cruise looks phenomenal, I have been dreaming of it all throughout lockdown. I think that will be my next one. To be able to travel again will be incredible, I can’t wait to explore all the sights the rivers of Europe, it is going to be amazing!”

The new cruise line combines stand out service with culture packed itineraries that take in big name cities like Vienna and Budapest as well as smaller hidden gems like Boppard and Rudesheim. With exploration at its heart, TUI River Cruises offers a huge range of shore experiences – an average of 14 per itinerary – and it is up to customers to decide what’s best for them. For every seven nights guests get a £120 shore experience voucher to choose whatever they want to do be it a walking tour a wine tasting or visit to a cultural landmark.

The ships have been transformed with multi-million pound make overs to combine beautiful contemporary design with classic comfort. With two restaurants, two bars and deck areas designed to allow for relaxing, wellness and more strenuous activity, there’s something for every type of explorer.

First customer sailings set sail on 15 August on the Moselle Valley itinerary visiting German hotspots, Frankfurt, and Koblenz as well as lesser-known destinations, Trier, Piesport and Oberwesel taking in picture-perfect landscapes bursting with history.

Winter sailings are proving increasingly popular with customers as international travel resumes, allowing guests to get back to visiting new destinations. Setting sail from 31 October, customers can enjoy four new themed sailings on the Rhine, where they can expect sumptuous food and drink, guest speakers and incredible shore excursions. TUI River Cruise customers can get into the festive spirit with the new itineraries visiting Germany’s renowned Christmas markets and big-name cities, with 11 festive itineraries now on offer over winter 2021 and winter 2022.