Fincantieri Unveils TUI’s Latest Cruise Ship: Introducing Mein Schiff Relax

On February 7, 2025, TUI Cruises celebrated the delivery of their latest cruise ship, the Mein Schiff Relax, marking a significant milestone in their extensive partnership with Royal Caribbean Group. This vessel is notable for being TUI’s largest to date, with a volume of 161,000 GT-tons and the distinction of being the fleet’s first designed to operate using liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Mein Schiff Relax is equipped to run on both LNG and Marine Gas Oil, with plans to transition to sustainable alternatives such as bio- or e-LNG in the future. This ship represents a shift in TUI’s shipbuilding strategy, as it is the first collaboration with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, departing from their previous long-term relationship with Meyer Turku in Finland.

The journey for Mein Schiff Relax began with an order secured by Fincantieri in July 2018, followed by steel cutting in June 2022. The ship was floated out in November 2023 and completed initial sea trials focused on performance and maneuverability. By December, it became the second LNG-powered cruise ship delivered by Fincantieri after successfully receiving its first LNG load.

Operating in a rapidly expanding German cruise market, TUI Cruises was established in 2009 to compete with Carnival Corporation’s AIDA brand. Their fleet has now grown to eight vessels, with the Mein Schiff Relax adding to this expansion.

The ship features a total length of 1,070 feet (326 meters), 19 decks, and approximately 1,945 passenger staterooms, accommodating up to 3,984 passengers and 1,535 crew members. Its innovative design includes 14 dining venues, expanded spa and wellness areas, and the introduction of new "freedom suites" crafted for relaxation, catering to solo travelers as well.

For environmental considerations, Mein Schiff Relax includes advanced technology such as catalytic converters that meet Euro 6 standards, a generative turbine that harnesses residual heat, and a connection for shore power during port operations. Additionally, it features an efficient waste treatment system capable of recycling organic waste.

The vessel is set to start operations in early March 2025, primarily in the Canary Islands for its first year, before transitioning to the German market in mid-2026. TUI has planned a unique christening ceremony in Malaga, Spain, on April 9, where Mein Schiff Relax will join its fleetmates for a festive gala. Following this, the introduction of another new vessel, Mein Schiff Flow, is expected in Spain in August 2026.

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