Cruise ships are known for their amenities, but the upcoming TUI Ria takes luxury to a new level with an innovative swimming pool that offers more than just a refreshing dip. Set to embark on its first journey in April 2026, the TUI Ria will be the first European river cruise ship with a movable pool floor. The feature allows guests full use of the pool during the day, however at night the swimming pool transforms into a solid floor that is part of one of the ship’s two onboard restaurants. This unique amenity promises an unforgettable experience for passengers, merging daytime relaxation with nighttime entertainment.
The TUI Ria, which will operate along the Rhine and Moselle rivers, is designed with modern touches and will carry 190 passengers across 96 cabins. Travelers can choose from itineraries ranging from six to nine nights, departing from Amsterdam, Basel, and Frankfurt. But the true star of the TUI Ria is the pool – a revolutionary addition that appeals to pool enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
A Pool Designed for All Weather Conditions
At the heart of the TUI Ria’s upper deck is an all-weather swimming pool that offers passengers the chance to enjoy the water regardless of the season. Its retractable roof ensures that guests can swim under the sun on warm days or stay sheltered during cooler weather. Whether cruising through the Rhine’s scenic vineyards or along the serene Moselle, passengers can take in the views while floating in comfort. This unique design is perfect for those who want to relax without worrying about changing weather conditions.
The pool also features surrounding sun loungers, offering a cozy spot for guests to unwind after their swim. Additionally, the upper deck provides other recreational amenities, including a putting green and shuffleboard, making it a hub for leisure and relaxation throughout the day.
A Pool by Day, a Restaurant by Night
As the sun sets on the river, the TUI Ria’s pool undergoes a remarkable transformation. The pool floor rises to seal off the water, converting the area into an elegant dining venue. This secondary dining space provides an intimate, riverside dining experience, giving guests the chance to enjoy meals with spectacular views. It’s more than just a pool—it’s a dynamic space that adapts to meet passengers’ desires, whether that’s a swim or a fine dining experience under the stars.
With this convertible design, TUI River Cruises has seamlessly blended functionality and luxury, creating an experience that redefines onboard amenities. It allows guests to make the most of their time onboard, offering a swimming pool by day and a chic entertainment venue by night. This dual-purpose area will also host evening shows and events, adding an extra layer of excitement to the cruise.
This Cruise Ship Has a Movable Pool Floor
At Pool Magazine, we’ve previously covered the rise of movable pool floors—an innovative feature gaining traction in high-end residential pools and luxury resorts across the United States. These strategically planned spaced offer a dual-purpose design, allowing the pool depth to be adjusted or the water completely concealed, transforming the area into a dry, usable space with the push of a button. While movable pool floors are becoming a desirable amenity for homeowners seeking versatile outdoor spaces, the TUI Ria marks the first time we’ve seen this technology integrated aboard a cruise ship.
Movable pool floors have been praised for their versatility and practicality, making them increasingly popular in the U.S. They offer the ability to switch between a swimming pool and a solid surface within minutes, providing homeowners and commercial venues with flexibility in how they use their outdoor spaces. Whether it’s adjusting the pool’s depth for safety, hosting events, or simply concealing the pool during colder months, the appeal of this technology lies in its adaptability.
This dual-purpose design is particularly valuable in spaces where functionality and elegance must coexist—like the TUI Ria, where the pool area serves as both a relaxation zone and a dining space. With the press of a button, the movable floor rises to close off the pool, offering guests a dry surface to enjoy dinner and evening entertainment. This feature not only conserves space but also gives passengers a memorable, multi-functional experience.
The First of Its Kind in TUI’s European Fleet
The TUI Ria will be the first in TUI’s fleet to introduce this revolutionary feature, setting it apart from other river cruise ships. While other TUI vessels—such as Isla, Maya, and Skyla—offer luxurious amenities, the TUI Ria’s convertible pool-restaurant is a game-changer. This innovation elevates the cruise experience, giving passengers a new reason to explore Europe’s waterways aboard this exceptional vessel.
TUI’s Head of River Cruises, Katy Berzins, expressed the company’s excitement about expanding their offerings:
“These innovative features of TUI Ria, combined with enhanced accessibility from UK regional airports, will strengthen TUI River Cruises’ position in the market, offering customers more choice and flexibility in how they choose to sail with us.”
With the addition of the pool-restaurant, the TUI Ria aims to attract travelers seeking more than just a standard river cruise. It combines relaxation, entertainment, and fine dining, ensuring guests leave with unforgettable memories.
A Full-Board Experience with Perks
In addition to its standout amenities, the TUI Ria offers full-board plus service as standard, meaning all meals, drinks, and onboard activities are included in the fare. Early bookings come with extra perks—travelers who reserve their spot before November 30 will receive a £50 shore excursion credit. Passengers will also have access to direct flights from Bristol to Amsterdam or Newcastle to Frankfurt, providing convenient travel options.
TUI Ria’s Dutch Delta Discovery itinerary, starting at £1,649 per person, promises a memorable journey through some of Europe’s most scenic rivers. With itineraries departing from iconic cities like Amsterdam, Basel, and Frankfurt, passengers will have the opportunity to explore Europe’s vibrant cities and tranquil countryside, all while enjoying the ship’s modern and luxurious amenities.
The Perfect Blend of Leisure and Luxury
For pool enthusiasts, the TUI Ria offers a refreshing twist on the traditional cruise experience. Imagine swimming with panoramic river views by day, only to return to the same space for a gourmet meal as the stars reflect off the water at night. This innovative design ensures that every moment aboard the TUI Ria feels special, whether guests are floating in the pool, enjoying the upper deck’s activities, or indulging in a carefully curated dinner menu.
Photo Credits: TUI Group
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