TUI Al Horeya's interiors revealed ahead of maiden voyage

TUI River Cruises’ newly refitted ship, which is due to set sail on its maiden voyage in November on the river Nile, will be boosted with five new venues.

The top deck will be a hybrid multi-functional space split between relaxation and activity zones. It will host TUI River Cruises’ first swimming pool and two hot tubs, and offer sun-loungers for customers to relax in the sun. In addition, customers can try light bites such as mini burgers and fruit served in the afternoon. The multi-functional space will host the river cruise’s famous afternoon tea, which includes tasty sandwiches, cakes, scones and a selection of teas.

At night, the top deck will transform into an al fresco dining space haven, Felucca, which will offer locally inspired cuisine from shish veal kebab, boneless chicken and beef kofta served with rice. Felucca will be a reservation-only dining space for an intimate 30 customers on board per evening, where waiters will serve customers in traditional galabaya clothing.

The main restaurant, Lazeeza, which means delicious in Arabic, will sit 141 on board the ship for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The waiter-service restaurant will be open to all customers and will offer a buffet mix and live cooking prepared by the ship’s chef. The gala dinner for each sailing will take place in Lazeeza where customers can be served a seven-course meal which takes them on an Egyptian culinary journey with every course.

The Observatory will be the heartbeat of the ship as it will host nightly traditional entertainment from Egyptian Whirling Dervishes and local Nubian acts. It will also be home to a range of entertainment including quizzes, music and films.

The Wellness Area will include a relaxing massage room, a fully equipped exercise area with a treadmill and cycling machine.

TUI Al Horeya will be equipped with 74 cabins to house 145 guests per sailing.

Head of river cruises Katy Berzins said, “We have focused on TUI Al Horeya having quality venues, with flexibility in mind for all our customers. The design of each of these venues gives choice to our customers, from the intimate Felucca dining space, to the traditional Lazeeza main restaurant. We’ve gone from the European waterways of the Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle and now our first North African cruise ship down the Nile, which will offer our customers the chance to experience Egypt in a whole new light. Coupled with the option of TUI flying means we can ensure a seamless end-to-end customer experience.”