Thurgau Travel continues to modernize its fleet with the innovative MS Thurgau Arva, which will operate on European rivers from summer 2028. The ship will feature Swiss stone pine interiors, hybrid propulsion, and a heat recovery system.
Measuring 135 meters in length, the ship will accommodate approximately 190 passengers. Thurgau has deliberately chosen to move away from the glossy, polished style prevalent among many newbuilds on the European market, instead embracing a distinctly Swiss character.
The central design concept of the MS Thurgau Arva will be Alpine comfort, with the use of Swiss stone pine, also known as Arolla pine. The ship will thus become the “Queen of the Alps,” with warm wood tones and natural materials creating a natural, warm, and unforgettable atmosphere.
Cabins will start at a generous 16 m², while several suites will measure 24 m² and will be available on the Middle and Upper Decks. The ship will also feature a swimming pool, bar and barbecue area, a wellness area with a steam room and sauna, and a fitness area. Several restaurants will complete the dining offering, with open kitchens and flexible lounge areas that can also be used for private dining.
For more than twenty years, Thurgau Travel has been distinguished by high-quality travel experiences that stand apart from the mainstream, conceived with a pioneering spirit and a strong sense of responsibility.
The company has invested, and continues to invest, consistently in its fleet: six new ships in six years since 2022. Thurgau Ganga Vilas was launched in India in 2022. MS Thurgau Gold joined the fleet for the 2023 season, earning Green Award Gold certification and setting a new benchmark for sustainability in the European river cruise market. RV Mekong Discovery followed in 2024 on the Lower Mekong, while RV Mekong Star entered service in 2025 on the Upper Mekong.
With the inaugural voyage of MS Thurgau Avanti in May 2027 and MS Thurgau Arva currently under construction, the family-owned company based in Weinfelden will complete six new ships within just a few years.
Daniel Pauli-Kaufmann, Managing Director of Thurgau Travel, confirmed that for the company, every new ship is a response to the specific needs and expectations of travelers looking for something more than simply a journey from one port to another. Greater comfort, clearer sustainability standards, and memorable experiences are the goals the company aims to achieve with the MS Thurgau Arva.
Thurgau Travel is not stopping there, as it is also aiming to obtain Green Award Gold certification for the new vessel, following the certification already achieved by MS Thurgau Gold. It is worth noting that this is one of the most demanding levels within the European certification program for the safe and environmentally responsible operation of ships.
A heat recovery system and a battery storage system for maneuvering help reduce energy consumption during navigation. The main propulsion systems comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard, while energy-efficient glazing and a modern climate-control system contribute further to reducing consumption.
According to Pauli-Kaufmann, sustainability does not begin with certification, but with the first technical decision made during the construction phase. Nor does it end when the ship is delivered; rather, it continues through itinerary planning and the selection of partners.
Construction of the MS Thurgau Arva will begin in the second quarter of 2027, with the first renderings expected to be available in spring of the same year. Completion of the hull is scheduled for the end of 2027, with the ship expected to embark on its inaugural voyage in the third quarter of 2028.
Lucia Angeli