Tui River Cruises has launched after an 18-month pause due to the pandemic.

The line’s first of three adult-only river cruise ships, Tui Maya, was officially named during a christening ceremony in Mainz, attended by the ship’s godmother Catherine Hawkins, a college exams officer from Barnsley.

Tui Skyla’s godmother Rosie Brooks, an illustrator from London, was also present at the event.

The 155-passenger Tui Maya has since departed for a short cruise along the Rhine. The line recently confirmed that its sister ships – Skyla and Tui Isla – will start passenger cruises in spring 2022.

Tui’s cruise MD Chris Hackney.

Tui UK & Ireland managing director of cruise Chris Hackney said: “We are delighted to finally launch Tui River Cruises and had a fitting celebration to get sailing in style. 

“The team have worked tirelessly to get to this launch, and they’ve done a sensational job. The initial feedback we’ve had has been incredible and we’re now all really excited to welcome our first customers this weekend.

“People have been impressed by the elegant design and contemporary feel and surprised by how spacious the ship is.

“It was also a pleasure to have our amazing godmothers on board to officially christen Tui Maya. Tui launched a nationwide search for its godmothers last year and out of 750 applications found the perfect candidates in Rosie Brooks an illustrator from London and Catherine Hawkins, a college exam officer from Barnsley.

“Both Rosie and Catherine have a passion for exploration which made them top of the list and their desire to cruise truly came out making them the ideal godmothers.”

Tui godmothers Rosie Brooks and Catherine Hawkins.

Hawkins added: “I still can’t believe I have been chosen to be a godmother for Tui River Cruises. I feel so proud and honoured – what a privilege.

“I love to travel, explore new places and embrace new experiences, so I feel a new door of exploration is about to open. I can’t wait to get started cruising those rivers.”

Brooks said she was “thrilled to become a river cruise godmother”, adding: “After having been at home, dreaming of adventures, I can’t wait to get out and explore again.”