TUI apologizes after river cruise air-conditioning problems

Dozens of holidaymakers were reported stranded in Budapest during a heatwave while traveling aboard TUI River Cruises’ Skyla, where the air-conditioning system had broken down. Travelers from other voyages aboard Skyla and sister ship Isla also reported experiencing similar problems.

Skyla passenger Adam Peach said large blowers were installed in place of air conditioning but did not appear to cool the vessel. He also said one blower obstructed an exit. Peach, who paid almost £4,000 for his trip, said TUI offered him a £300 refund and gave him and his wife three days to accept it.

Wendy Charnley said some areas of Isla became extremely hot after its air-conditioning units failed, leaving passengers without a place to cool down.

TUI River Cruises attributed the disruption during the Danube voyage to unexpected technical problems affecting air-conditioning systems, alongside other challenges. The company apologized to passengers whose trips did not meet its standards.

TUI said unusually high temperatures across Europe had placed pressure on the systems. It added that repairs and maintenance had since been completed on vessels and that upgraded air-conditioning systems would be installed across its European fleet during the winter.