Mein Schiff Relax, the first newbuilding in the InTUItion class of ships, was officially handed over to TUI Cruises at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy today. Representatives from both companies, including Wybcke Meier and Frank Kuhlmann, CEO and CFO of TUI Cruises, as well as Cristiano Bazzara, Director of Fincantieri, attended the formal handover. The ceremony was also attended by the Italian Minister for Relations with Parliament, Luca Ciriani, who was welcomed by Biagio Mazzotta and Pierroberto Folgiero, Chairman, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri respectively, as well as Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri's Merchant Ships Division.
"It is a very special moment for us to receive the first ship of the new, innovative InTUItion ship class," says Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises. "Eleven years ago, we received our first new-build ship. Today, with Mein Schiff Relax, we are opening a completely new chapter in the premium cruise segment. We would like to thank the shipyard, and everyone involved for, together with our teams, realizing this ship, which takes the 'feel-good' experience to a new level."
Mein Schiff Relax offers both regular guests and cruise enthusiasts an even more varied culinary journey through particularly exclusive dining experiences. New and even more options are available for relaxation in architecturally spectacular wellness oases. When it comes to cabins and suites, Mein Schiff adapts even better to the needs of cruise travelers, creating a very special holiday experience: For the first time, there are inside, outside and balcony cabins for solo travelers on Mein Schiff Relax.
In addition to the many new features, the suites and suite area on Mein Schiff Relax have been relocated to the stern of the ship. In addition to a number of Junior Suites, Schöne Aussicht and Fernweh Suites, there will also be Weitblick Suites and, for the first time, two Große Freiheit Suites, which span two decks and feature a large terrace.
Spa and wellness are also being redefined. Guests can enjoy perfect relaxation with stunning views in the new, exclusive wooden barrel sauna on deck 19. And brand new: an exclusive cryotherapy chamber with temperatures down to -110 degrees, which can contribute to recovery, weight loss or improvement of skin texture.
High-quality entertainment and experience worlds, such as the Asian restaurant Fugu with its digital atmosphere and dishes created by Tim Raue, are also available on this ship.
Sustainable growth: First ship with gas operation
TUI Cruises is also focusing on environmental and climate protection for the new ship class: Mein Schiff Relax will be equipped with dual-fuel engines that can be operated with liquefied natural gas (LNG) and in the future also with low-emission and climate-friendly bio- and E-LNG – an important step on the path to climate-neutral cruises. The ship will also be equipped with improved catalytic converters (reduction of nitrogen oxide to Euro 6 standard) and a shore power connection. This will ensure virtually emission-free operation while the ship is at berth (around 40 percent of the operating time).
Hydro-Treat: Efficient waste management
Mein Schiff Relax is also equipped with an innovative system that grinds up organic waste through thermal treatment and prepares it for further use on land. In the so-called "HydroTreat" system, the liquid parts of the biological waste are separated using heat and pressure and fed into the ship's own wastewater treatment system. The result is purified wastewater on par with the most modern treatment plants on land. The solid parts of the waste are converted into so-called BioChar, which is considered a versatile product in agriculture - for example, for soil improvement or as an additive in animal feed.
TUI Cruises GmbH is one of the leading cruise companies in the German-speaking countries. The company is a joint venture between TUI AG and the American cruise company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and has around 750 employees in Hamburg and Berlin.
A fleet of seven ships sails for the Mein Schiff brand (Mein Schiff 1 to Mein Schiff 7 / bed capacity: 18,800). Mein Schiff Relax will be added to the fleet in 2025, followed by Mein Schiff Flow in 2026. The Mein Schiff fleet offers modern vacations at sea in the premium segment.
Since the end of 2020, the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises brand, with its fleet of five ships, has also been part of TUI Cruises GmbH. The fleet includes the two luxury cruise ships EUROPA and EUROPA 2 as well as the expedition ships of the HANSEATIC class. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is the leading cruise player in the luxury and expedition segment in the German-speaking countries, with a history that stretches back 130 years.
TUI Cruises operates one of the most modern, environmentally friendly and climate-friendly fleets in the world.
You can also find this press release and photos at www.meinschiff.com/presse.