TUI River Cruises marked the launch of its first Nile river ship, the TUI Al Horeya, with a special blessing ceremony in Luxor on the Nile.

During the event, 100 biodegradable candles were set afloat in the river as part of a traditional “Prayer to Hapi”’ invoking blessings for safe voyages. Guests participated by making personal wishes with the candles, which were placed in the water along with a gift of papyrus inscribed with “TUI Al Horeya” in Arabic.

The celebration continued aboard the ship with live performances, including a sand artist telling the story of the Nile, Whirling Dervishes, a gala dinner and entertainment from TUI’s team. The ship then set sail toward Luxor Temple.

Katy Berzins, head of TUI River Cruises at TUI River Cruises, said: “The official first voyage of the TUI Al Horeya is a massive milestone for TUI River Cruises being the first ship to sail outside of European waters. Since going on sale, we have sold 80 percent of our winter Nile program, and new bookings are continuing to come in week-by-week – we can’t wait to greet these passengers onboard for this season’s sailings.”

The newly refurbished TUI Al Horeya set sail on its seven-day maiden voyage along the River Nile from Luxor on November 4, 2025.