• TUI Skyla embarks on her first sailing, Mistletoe & Rhine
• Festive sailing with themed activities, mulled wine and Christmas dishes
• Godmother, Catherine Hawkins, officially christens the ship

 TUI Skyla, the second ship in the TUI River Cruises fleet was officially christened before embarking on her first itinerary, Mistletoe & Rhine today.

The festive sailing will call at some of Germany’s well-known cities including Cologne, Dusseldorf and Koblenz, where guests will get into the festive spirit whilst visiting renowned Christmas markets. Guests will also enjoy Christmas activities, mulled wine and regional Christmas dishes onboard.

The christening ceremony, complete with the traditional champagne smash, was officiated over by Corporate Captain Marco Menke and godmother, college exam officer Catherine Hawkins.

To celebrate the launch of TUI Skyla, a winter wonderland themed top deck was created, with igloo style pods, a live choir, festive treats including hot chocolate and mulled wine, alongside the official sail away with sparklers lining the quayside signalling TUI Skyla officially joining the fleet.

Chris Hackney, Managing Director of Cruise TUI UK & I said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome the second ship to the TUI River Cruises fleet on our first festive sailing of the year. Since going on-sale we have seen continued growth in demand for TUI Skyla itineraries on the Danube with Danube Treasures being the top seller.”

“The feedback we have had from guests sailing on TUI Maya, which launched back in August, has been incredible so we’re delighted to offer even more to our guests and we’re looking forward to completing the fleet with TUI Isla next spring.”

Winter and Christmas sailings continue to be extremely popular with customers with demand high for winter and festive period. Solo traveller bookings have also increased and to accommodate for the demand, TUI River Cruises has increased their offering of solo cabins over the Christmas period by making all twin cabins available on all Christmas sailings.

As well as Mistletoe & Rhine, which set sail today, customers can get into the festive spirit on Yuletide Wonders itinerary from date or celebrate Christmas or see in the New Year on one of the Christmas and New Year itineraries, sailing on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Source: TUI