TUI Bahareya Unveils New Arabic-Inspired Dining and Wellness Venues for Nile Cruise Launch
(IN SHORT) TUI River Cruises has announced the onboard experiences of its newest ship, TUI Bahareya, which will launch on the River Nile in November 2025. The ship, decorated with modern Arabic influences, offers guests a rich cultural journey through Egypt with a host of new venues. Among the highlights are Hetep, the fleet’s first wellness area featuring a sauna and massage rooms, and Sofra, a flexible top-deck space that serves both casual daytime snacks and a reservation-only fine dining experience at night. Belhana, the main restaurant, caters to all guests with buffet and à la carte meals, while The Observatory hosts nightly entertainment and Egyptologist talks. TUI Bahareya, joining TUI Al Horeya, marks the cruise line’s continued expansion in Egypt and underscores the rising demand for Nile river travel. With flights included in the package, TUI offers a comprehensive and culturally immersive travel experience.
(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 2025-Jul-25 — /Travel PR News/ — TUI River Cruises has unveiled the elegant onboard venues aboard its newest ship, TUI Bahareya, which is set to make its maiden voyage on the River Nile this November. Designed to reflect modern Arabic aesthetics and local Egyptian culture, the fully refurbished ship features a range of thoughtfully curated spaces to offer guests an immersive and relaxing river cruise experience.
TUI Bahareya accommodates up to 146 passengers in 74 cabins, blending flexibility and cultural enrichment. Among its standout features is Hetep, meaning “peace” in Arabic, which becomes the first wellness area in the Egyptian river fleet to include a sauna and two massage rooms, one designed for couples.
The Top Deck serves as a multi-functional leisure area complete with a swimming pool and sun loungers. During the day, the Sofra space—named after the Arabic word for “table spread”—offers light alfresco lunches and hosts the river cruise’s signature Afternoon Tea. In the evening, Sofra transforms into a reservation-only à la carte restaurant with locally inspired cuisine and table service delivered by staff in traditional galabaya attire. The intimate dining area accommodates 30 guests per night.
The ship’s main restaurant, Belhana (meaning “Bon Appétit” in Arabic), seats all 146 passengers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It features buffet-style meals during the day and a la carte options for dinner, including a gala dinner experience with a curated multi-course menu prepared by the onboard chef.
The heart of the ship is The Observatory, a vibrant space for nightly cultural entertainment, including performances by Whirling Dervishes and Nubian artists, as well as expert talks by licensed Egyptologists. It also serves as the venue for onboard quizzes, live music, and film screenings led by TUI River Cruises’ resident entertainment team.
Katy Berzins, Head of River Cruises at TUI River Cruises, expressed excitement about the launch of the fleet’s second Egyptian vessel: “TUI Bahareya reflects our commitment to delivering culturally immersive experiences. With stunning Arabic design, wellness amenities like the first sauna in the Egyptian fleet, and new culinary offerings like Sofra, we are elevating the river cruise experience on the Nile. This expansion aligns with growing interest in Egypt as a travel destination, and with our seamless flight-inclusive packages, we’re proud to offer a complete holiday journey.”
TUI Bahareya joins TUI Al Horeya in Egypt as the cruise line continues to grow its fleet. TUI River Cruises currently operates four adult-only ships in Europe—TUI Isla, TUI Skyla, TUI Maya—and is set to expand further with the upcoming TUI Aria on European waters in April 2026.
TUI UK&I Press Office
pressofficeuk@tui.co.uk
SOURCE: TUI Group
