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November 11, 2025

The Swiss company Thurgau Travel introduces two prestigious new additions to its fleet, MS Thurgau Avanti and RV Mekong Star, marking a significant expansion of available routes and strengthening its presence in Europe and Asia.

On the occasion of the traditional “Tage der offenen Schiffe” in Basel, an event that attracts thousands of enthusiasts every year, Thurgau Travel unveiled a remarkably broad vision of its future. More than 3,000 visitors were able to discover the evolution of the fleet and services, clearly perceiving how the company is redefining the standards of contemporary river cruising.

The atmosphere of the event provided the setting for presentations, meetings with experts, tastings and guided tours on board the ships, allowing guests to observe first-hand a commitment that has now become evident on the company’s part: investing in a product that combines aesthetics, comfort, technical innovation and a high level of environmental responsibility.

The most eagerly awaited announcement concerns MS Thurgau Avanti, a 29-million-franc investment scheduled to enter service in 2027 and representing one of the most significant new developments in the European river cruise market. With a length of 135 metres, a capacity of 180 guests and a design that blends modern elegance with Swiss functionality, this new vessel marks a turning point for the company.

There are 82 cabins, complemented by four Junior Suites — two of which are designed to be fully accessible — and four generously sized suites for guests seeking a particularly refined experience.

On board, the public areas have been conceived to offer both convivial spaces and zones of tranquillity: the Sun Deck welcomes guests with a BBQ station and a panoramic bar, while the three restaurants, including an elegant private dining venue in the main lounge, enhance the overall gastronomic experience.

Completing the picture, a wellness area with a whirlpool fits seamlessly into the concept of on-board wellbeing that Thurgau Travel aims to make increasingly central.

MS Thurgau Avanti has been awarded Gold Status, the same distinction already granted to MS Thurgau Gold, and fully qualifies as one of the most sustainable navigation projects in the world.

Energy efficiency, next-generation technical systems and the reduction of environmental impact are structural elements of the company’s vision, as confirmed by CEO Daniel Pauli-Kaufmann, who emphasises how the ship embodies “a new form of travel that combines experience, relaxation and environmental awareness”.

The drive for renewal does not, however, concern Europe alone. For almost twenty years, Thurgau Travel has cultivated a stable presence in Asia, and the recent introduction of RV Mekong Star confirms its intention to continue along this path.

This elegant and intimate boutique ship can accommodate 24 guests in an environment with an authentic and refined character. Sailing along the northern stretch of the Mekong between Laos and Thailand, it offers a new way to explore a fascinating region still far removed from mass tourism, with itineraries that combine unspoilt landscapes, cultural encounters and moments of genuine discovery.

The traditional design, enhanced by modern comforts, makes Mekong Star a benchmark for travellers seeking a slow-paced, deeply immersive cruise experience.

Within the European continent, fleet growth is further confirmed by the arrival of MS Swiss Pearl and MS Swiss Splendor, which further strengthen the brand’s presence along the main waterways.

The growing demand for high-quality river cruises in Switzerland and Germany, two markets of historical importance for the company, reflects travellers’ appetite for well-crafted and reliable products, where comfort, varied itineraries and personalised services are integrated into a balanced experience.

Single travellers are also an important target of the new strategy, a rapidly growing segment that now accounts for around 15% of Thurgau Travel guests. In response to this trend, the company has increased the number of departures without a single-cabin supplement and has introduced accommodation solutions specifically designed for those travelling alone.

At the same time, attention to accessibility is increasing, with the development of cabins and itineraries that can accommodate passengers with specific needs without barriers. The presence of barrier-free suites on board MS Thurgau Avanti is a clear signal of the direction being taken.

From a technical perspective, the company is introducing more efficient propulsion systems, energy-saving solutions and digital tools to optimise navigation. As explained by Sonja Vock, Head of Operations, the aim is to harmonise comfort and environmental protection through a combination of modern technologies and responsible processes.

This commitment is further reinforced by the “Cause We Care” programme, developed in collaboration with the Myclimate foundation, which allows guests to voluntarily contribute to climate protection projects; a contribution that the company doubles, making collective participation more impactful.

Taken together, all these innovations — from MS Thurgau Avanti to Mekong Star, from new itineraries to the growing focus on sustainability and technology — clearly define the company’s current profile: a brand capable of interpreting the future of the sector through a combination of elegance, quality and responsibility.

In the world of river cruising, Thurgau Travel’s contribution therefore continues to stand out for its vision, consistency and ability to chart a course that, today more than ever, looks to the future.

Don’t miss news, updates and offers from Thurgau Travel on our Cruising Journal website.

Mara Di Dio

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