TUI is rapidly expanding its offerings in both city breaks and cruise experiences, showcasing a commitment to providing diverse travel options for its customers. The company has recently announced the addition of two popular destinations to its city break program, as well as a significant investment in new cruise ships for its Marella Cruises brand.
Since January 2025, TUI has added six new destinations to its city break packages, bringing the total to an impressive 57. Among the newly introduced locations are the picturesque cities of Salzburg and Alicante, each offering unique experiences for travelers. Salzburg, known for its rich cultural heritage, museums, and stunning mountain scenery, is particularly significant this year as it marks the 60th anniversary of the beloved film, "The Sound of Music." Visitors can immerse themselves in the city's vibrant atmosphere, which includes local bars, traditional food vendors, and the enchanting architecture reminiscent of a Renaissance painting.
Meanwhile, Alicante presents a different allure, combining relaxing beach days with a bustling city life steeped in history. The city boasts a variety of architectural styles, from Medieval to Modernist, and offers travelers the chance to enjoy both sun-soaked beaches and lively city centers. With its picturesque parks providing breathtaking views, Alicante is poised to attract travelers looking for both relaxation and adventure.
Chris Logan, Commercial Director of TUI UK & I, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion of the city break program. He stated, "Our cities program is growing from strength to strength and we’re really excited that we are continuing to expand our offering to more and more destinations. We’ve been able to add Salzburg and Alicante to our portfolio due to our recently launched dynamic partnership with Ryanair, which means we offer great flexibility and choice powered by our strong supplier partnerships. Alicante and Salzburg have plenty to offer from cultural sights to relaxing on the beach and we can’t wait for our customers to explore these exciting new destinations."
In addition to the city break expansions, TUI is making waves in the cruise industry. The TUI Group has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to design and construct two new cruise ships for Marella Cruises, expected to debut in 2030 and 2032. This investment, exceeding 2 billion euros, marks the first newbuilds for the Marella brand, which aims to deliver a premium cruising experience tailored for the English market.
Fincantieri CEO and Managing Director, Pierroberto Folgiero, expressed pride in partnering with Marella Cruises, stating, "We are proud to welcome Marella Cruises as a new customer and to support its vision as it enters the newbuild segment. This agreement is a testament to Fincantieri's ability to forge strategic partnerships with an expanding client base, reinforcing our long-term visibility and ensuring a high level of capacity saturation for our shipyards."
The new ships will incorporate sustainable innovations, addressing the evolving expectations of modern cruise passengers. This commitment to sustainability aligns with Fincantieri's ongoing efforts, as the shipbuilder has previously delivered vessels such as the "Mein Schiff Relax" to TUI Cruises in February 2025. The sister ship, "Mein Schiff Flow," is scheduled for delivery in 2026.
As TUI continues to broaden its offerings in both city breaks and cruises, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the travel industry, catering to a wide range of customer preferences. The addition of Salzburg and Alicante to its city break program, coupled with the ambitious new cruise ship project, underscores TUI's dedication to delivering memorable travel experiences.
Travelers looking for a city getaway can now choose from an extensive list of destinations, each promising a unique blend of culture, history, and relaxation. With TUI's dynamic partnership with Ryanair enhancing flexibility and choice, the opportunities for exploration are greater than ever.
Overall, the recent developments at TUI reflect a strategic approach to meeting the diverse needs of travelers, whether they are seeking a cultural escape in a historic city or a luxurious cruise experience. As the company continues to innovate and expand, it remains committed to providing exceptional travel options that resonate with the desires of modern consumers.
