Mein Schiff Relax Successfully Completes First Round of Sea Trials

Mein Schiff Relax is an innovative cruise ship currently being built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard for Germany’s TUI Cruises, and it has successfully completed its first sea trials this October.

This impressive vessel, with a gross tonnage of 160,000 GT, will be the largest ship in TUI’s fleet and will represent the company’s inaugural LNG-powered/dual-fuel ship.

After leaving the Monfalcone yard, Mein Schiff Relax underwent a short drydocking for hull cleaning before initiating its maneuverability assessments. The sea trials featured various tests including zigzag maneuvers, basic turns, and full astern trials.

Among the notable maneuvers observed from a drone was a complete 360-degree turn and a “Williamson turn”—a swift 180-degree movement typically employed during man-overboard situations.

TUI reported that the ship exhibited remarkable handling at full speed, successfully fulfilling all requirements of the initial testing phase. With a length of 1,093 feet (333 meters), Mein Schiff Relax will soon commence trials of its dual-fuel LNG power system, equipped with two Azipod propulsion units and advanced catalytic converters.

This vessel showcases an advanced Navigation Bridge design and a shore power connection. Mein Schiff Relax, along with its sister ship Mein Schiff Flow (which is also under construction and expected to be delivered in 2026), is set to adopt bio- or e-LNG fuels in the future, further emphasizing TUI’s dedication to sustainable practices in maritime operations.