The German cruise market is set to enjoy a significant boost as Fincantieri proudly delivers the new Mein Schiff Relax to TUI Cruises. Handed over on a momentous Friday in Monfalcone, this state-of-the-art vessel marks the beginning of a new era for the German brand. The ship is the largest and the first to operate on LNG (Liquid Natural Gas).

The Mein Schiff Relax is the first of two InTUltion class new concept cruise ships. It is designed to be dual-fuel powered and operate efficiently on both LNG and Marine Gas Oil. This cutting-edge ship, boasting an impressive 161,000 gross tons, exemplifies innovation with its readiness to transition to alternative fuels like bio- or e-LNG as they become available in the market.

The journey to this milestone began in July 2018, when TUI Cruises placed an order with Fincantieri. Fast forward to June 2022, when the steel cutting commenced, leading to the vessel being floated out in November 2023. The ship embarked on its first sea trials in October 2024, where its performance and manoeuvrability were tested. By December, it received its first LNG load and successfully completed sea trials operating on LNG by the end of the month. Mein Schiff Relax is now the second LNG-fuelled cruise ship delivered by Fincantieri.

This remarkable vessel, 326 meters long, features 1,945 passenger cabins and can accommodate 3,984 passengers and 1,535 crew members. It offers unparalleled innovations for relaxation, with 14 restaurants, including a new Asian restaurant, redefined spa and wellness areas, and the cruise line’s first two-deck “freedom suites.” Additionally, it introduces various cabin options for solo travellers.

Mein Schiff Relax has modern sustainable technologies, including catalytic converters meeting Euro 6 standards, a generative turbine utilising residual heat from diesel generators, and a highly efficient waste treatment system. It also features a shore power connection for ports, further cementing its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Set to enter service in March 2025, the Mein Schiff Relax will sail around the Canary Islands for the first year before relocating to Germany in mid-2026. To celebrate its christening on 9 April 2025 in Malaga, TUI Cruises has planned an innovative ceremony where the new ship will join fleet mates Mein Schiff 5 and Mein Schiff 7. The event will feature a celebrity performance, a gala dinner, and special culinary dishes, ensuring a grand inauguration.

TUI Cruises continues its rapid growth with the introduction of Mein Schiff 7 in June 2024 and is set to welcome Mein Schiff Flow in August 2026. As Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises, puts it, “With the Mein Schiff Relax, we are now opening a whole new chapter in the field of premium cruises.” This new chapter not only exemplifies luxury and innovation but also showcases a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.