TUI Launches £2,299 Cruise for Hungarian Grand Prix
TUI River Cruises has launched its first racing-themed sailing, pairing a week on the Danube with the 2027 Hungarian Grand Prix. The seven-night From River to Racetrack itinerary runs from 26 July to 2 August aboard TUI Maya, visiting Bratislava and Vienna before returning to Budapest for race weekend. The package went on sale on 26 October 2026, with flights included in the advertised fare.
The ship will remain in Budapest for the full Grand Prix weekend, with passengers able to attend Friday practice, Saturday qualifying and Sunday's race. TUI has organised grandstand entry and transport to the circuit on all three days. A guest speaker is planned onboard, though no name has been announced. The company also stresses that this is not an official Formula 1 product.
What £2,299 Buys You
- Dates: 26 July–2 August; racing 30 July–1 August 2027.
- Fare: From £2,299pp, two sharing; prices vary.
- Cabin: Deck 1 standard.
- Flights: Gatwick–Budapest return, 23kg luggage.
- Included: Meals, selected drinks, tips, airport/race transfers, three-day tickets.
- Seats: Grid 1/2, allocated automatically.
- Extras: Excursions, drinks upgrades.
- Age: 18+.
- Cancellation: Normal charges; unused race tickets non-refundable.
- Book: TUI's official page.
The Hungaroring is around 20km north-east of Budapest, and the included transfers remove the need to arrange separate transport on race days. If racing is delayed, TUI says its coaches will wait until it finishes. Anyone returning independently must tell a River Cruises team member. Guests can also spend the weekend exploring Budapest, although skipping the track does not reduce the price.
Solo travellers face a different calculation: TUI Maya has only three single cabins, so availability and pricing need checking separately. The £2,299 fare is a starting price, not a discount, and optional sightseeing excursions add to the bill. Before committing, compare flights, Budapest accommodation and Grand Prix tickets booked separately. Those mainly interested in the race may get more control over grandstand seating that way.
