Mein Schiff 5 Enters Dubai Drydock for Scheduled Maintenance: What to Expect
TUI’s Mein Schiff 5 has officially entered drydock in Dubai for scheduled maintenance and refurbishment, resulting in a temporary halt to her winter deployment in the Middle East. The vessel, constructed in 2016, completed a series of regional cruises before taking a break from service on January 8, 2026. She is expected to resume operations later this month on January 20.
The drydock work is part of routine maintenance and involves both technical inspections and the addition of various upgrades to passenger facilities. These enhancements include the installation of a new LED wall in the theatre, sound system adjustments, a replacement scoreboard for the arena, new carpeting in the Atlantik restaurant, and updates to selected suites.
Mein Schiff 5 will return to her 2025–2026 schedule, which features 7-night itineraries originating from Dubai and Doha, with stops at several key ports in the UAE, Oman, and Qatar, such as Sir Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat. In early March, the ship will commence her repositioning voyages back to Europe via Africa, eventually reaching Spain.
Dubai’s selection as the drydock location highlights the city’s growing importance in the cruise ship maintenance sector. Over recent years, Dubai Drydocks has expanded its capabilities and has serviced several notable vessels, including AIDAstella and Carnival Spirit, as well as converting Cunard’s former flagship QE2 into a floating hotel.
As cruise ships continue to grow larger and more complex, proximity to well-equipped shipyards for maintenance becomes a crucial concern for cruise operators. Dubai’s advanced drydock facilities, located near major cruise terminals, solidify its status as a vital service hub for cruise lines in the Middle East.
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