TUI expands packages with exclusive routes for 2026 - including more flights to breathtaking holiday destinations

The travel giant is expanding its reach with 92 exclusive regional flying routes from UK airports, allowing holidaymakers to jet off from their local airports. New destinations joining TUI's portfolio include the Maldives, Mauritius, Lake Garda and Majorca for weddings.

The company is also enhancing its cruise options, with Marella Cruises announcing a special solar eclipse sailing aboard Marella Discovery 2 in August 2026, offering a unique opportunity to witness the celestial event at sea.

TUI River Cruises is introducing four new itineraries for its European fleet in summer 2026. The Dutch & Belgian Discovery offers a six-night journey along the Dutch and Belgian Waterway.

The East Danube Delights presents a seven-night cruise through Hungary, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Serbia. A new cruise-and-stay option combines a seven-night cruise with a week at Lake Balaton, a new Lakes & Mountains destination.

For longer adventures, the Moselle & North Rhine itinerary spans eight nights, while the North Rhine & Moselle Explorer offers a nine-night voyage through Germany and The Netherlands.

TUI is increasing departures from Newcastle and Bristol to Amsterdam and Frankfurt, with expanded capacity from Birmingham and London Heathrow.

Commercial director of TUI UK&I Phillip Iveson said: "We’re delighted to be expanding our summer free kids’ places including Florida. We know how much families value the offer and anticipate the uptake for Orlando will be strong.

“For summer 2026 we are offering our widest range of destinations with free kids’ places, the convenience of being able to fly from 24 UK regional airports, market-beating luggage allowance on our family concepts like Holiday Village, Sensatori and TUI Blue, and the icing on the cake is our TUI run kids clubs with UK accredited staff across 112 hotels.

“We are bolstering our TUI flying programme with an ever-expanding selection of flights including our airline partners meaning we offer unrivalled choice, all with the exceptional TUI service our customers know and love. Wherever and however holidaymakers want to getaway, for however long they want to go, they’ll find a TUI holiday to suit them."

Marella Cruises is expanding its offerings for Summer 2026 with a range of new itineraries. The solar eclipse sailing will be part of the revamped Cosmopolitan Charms itinerary, departing from Palma, Majorca on August 11, 2026.

Passengers will witness the eclipse in Palamos, Spain on August 12. The cruise line is also introducing the Jewels of the Mediterranean itinerary, starting from May 12, 2026. To celebrate Marella Cruises' 30th birthday, special sailings will depart from various locations on May 7, 2026.

The company has also extended its Cruise & Stay programme, adding 18 new hotels in Cyprus, Croatia, Corfu and Spain, bringing the total to 130 hotels available for cruise and stay guests. These can be accessed from 20 UK airports, offering greater flexibility for travellers.

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River cruise enthusiasts can now enjoy back-to-back cruising with seven-night round trips from Budapest, creating extended 14-night experiences.

Managing director for Marella Cruises Chris Hackney said: “We’re excited to be announcing our 30th celebration birthday sailings from 2026 departing from Cyprus, Greece, Spain and Croatia in addition to our unique solar eclipse sailing for our summer 2026 programme.

"By expanding our Cruise & Stay offerings in Croatia, Spain, Greece and Cyprus, it will give guests a chance to explore the sights, with a chance to stay at our TUI hotels pre- or post- cruise.”

Marella Cruises offers all-inclusive as standard with all tips and service charges included in the price. Prices start from £1533 for the ‘Cosmopolitan Charms’ summer 2026 itineraries which are available to book from Thursday October 17, 2024.