TUI Cruises is a German-based cruise line, a joint venture between the German tourism giant TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Group. It was specifically created to cater to the German-speaking market, offering a premium, "Mein Schiff" (My Ship) feel-good concept. TUI Cruises targets couples, families, and solo travelers who appreciate a relaxed, modern, and high-quality cruise experience with a focus on well-being, culinary variety, and comprehensive inclusions. They aim to provide a "premium all-inclusive" experience, allowing guests to largely leave their wallets in their cabins.
Fleet and Design:
TUI Cruises operates a modern and growing fleet of "Mein Schiff" vessels, characterized by their contemporary design, spacious layouts, and a strong emphasis on wellness, open deck spaces, and diverse dining options. The ships are designed to feel like floating resorts with a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
The fleet includes:
- "Wohlfühlflotte" (Feel-Good Fleet): This encompasses the majority of their ships, built from 2014 onwards. These vessels feature a consistent design philosophy centered around relaxation and well-being.
- Mein Schiff 1 & Mein Schiff 2 (New Builds): (2,894 guests each) Launched in 2018 and 2019 respectively, these are larger and more modern, with expanded sports and wellness areas, larger jogging tracks, and additional dining venues.
- Mein Schiff 3, Mein Schiff 4, Mein Schiff 5, Mein Schiff 6: (2,506 guests each) Launched between 2014 and 2016, these ships established the core "Mein Schiff" concept with a strong focus on inclusive dining, a substantial spa area, and extensive outdoor decks.
- Mein Schiff 7: (2,896 guests) Launched in 2024, this ship builds upon the successful features of the existing fleet, with further enhancements and an increased focus on environmental sustainability (e.g., capable of running on low-emission marine diesel and adaptable for future green methanol use).
- "InTUItion Class" (New Generation):
- Mein Schiff Relax: (3,984 guests) Christened in April 2025, this is the first of a new, larger generation of ships designed for an even more spacious and light-filled "feel-good" experience, with expanded dining and bar concepts.
- Mein Schiff Flow: (3,984 guests) Set to debut in 2026, the sister ship to Mein Schiff Relax, continuing the evolution of the brand.
All cabins, from inside to lavish suites, are tastefully designed and equipped with standard amenities. Many ships feature a high percentage of balcony cabins, and specific suite categories offer exclusive amenities and services.
Destinations (2025-2026):
TUI Cruises offers a wide array of itineraries globally, focusing on popular holiday regions, with departures primarily aimed at the German-speaking market, often including flight packages.
- Mediterranean: Extensive coverage of both the Western Mediterranean (Spain, Italy, France, Balearic Islands) and Eastern Mediterranean (Greek Isles, Turkey, Croatia, Adriatic). Many round-trip options from Palma de Mallorca, Valletta, or Heraklion.
- Northern Europe: Popular voyages to the Norwegian Fjords, Baltic Sea (including Scandinavian and Baltic capitals), Iceland & Greenland, and the British Isles. Often departing from German ports like Kiel, Hamburg, and Bremerhaven.
- Caribbean: Winter season itineraries exploring diverse islands in the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean.
- Canary Islands: A strong winter program, offering sunny escapes to the Canary Islands and sometimes extending to Madeira or Cape Verde.
- Middle East & Asia: Seasonal voyages to destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, and further afield to Southeast Asia.
- North America: Including voyages to Canada & New England, particularly for fall foliage, and sometimes longer transatlantic repositioning cruises.
- World Cruises & Long Voyages: Occasional longer and themed voyages, including segments of world cruises.
TUI Cruises emphasizes longer port stays and fewer sea days on many itineraries, maximizing time ashore for exploration.
Onboard Experience & Inclusions:
TUI Cruises' "Mein Schiff" concept is centered around a "Premium All-Inclusive" experience, designed to offer guests a comprehensive package with few hidden costs. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and comfortable, often referred to as "casual elegant," with no strict formal dress code.
Premium All-Inclusive Inclusions:
- Accommodation: Your chosen cabin category (inside, oceanview, balcony, suite).
- Dining: A vast selection of complimentary dining options, with a strong focus on quality and variety, available throughout the day.
- Main Dining Rooms: Offering multi-course meals (e.g., Atlantik Classic, Atlantik Mediterranean, Atlantik Brasserie).
- Buffet Restaurants: Expansive buffet areas for all meals (e.g., Anckelmannsplatz, GOSCH Sylt [select items]).
- Specialty Restaurants (Inclusive): Many specialty restaurants are included in the fare, a major differentiator from many other cruise lines. These might include:
- Hanami – by Tim Raue: Asian Fusion (Mein Schiff 3-6, Mein Schiff 1 & 2)
- Surf & Turf – Steakhouse: (Mein Schiff 1 & 2, Mein Schiff 7, Mein Schiff Relax/Flow)
- Richter's Bistro: Deli-style (Mein Schiff 7, Mein Schiff Relax/Flow)
- Backstube: Bakery (Mein Schiff 3-6)
- Tag & Nacht – Bistro: 24-hour casual dining.
- Eisbar: Ice cream parlor.
- Brot & Stulle: Sandwiches and baked goods (Mein Schiff 1 & 2, Mein Schiff 7, Mein Schiff Relax/Flow)
- Bosporus – Snackbar: Kebabs and snacks.
- Osteria – Pizza e Pasta: Italian (Mein Schiff 1 & 2, Mein Schiff 7, Mein Schiff Relax/Flow)
- Fischmarkt: Seafood (Mein Schiff 7)
- Room Service: Available (some items may incur a nominal fee).
- Beverages: A very extensive selection of premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included throughout the day in most bars and restaurants, without extra charge. This includes:
- Selected spirits, beers, wines by the glass, sparkling wine, cocktails, long drinks.
- Specialty coffees (e.g., espresso, cappuccino), soft drinks, juices, mineral water.
- (Some very high-end or rare spirits and bottled wines may be extra, but the inclusive selection is very broad).
- Gratuities: All service charges and tips for the crew are included in the cruise fare.
- Wi-Fi: Basic internet access (e.g., for messaging) is often included. Faster packages are available for purchase.
- Entertainment: High-quality and diverse entertainment:
- Broadway-style shows, musicals, and acrobatic performances in the theater.
- Live music in various lounges and bars (jazz, piano, pop, classical).
- Comedy shows, game shows, and quizzes.
- Themed parties and events on deck.
- Activities & Wellness:
- Access to multiple swimming pools (often including indoor pools or pools with retractable roofs).
- Large and well-equipped fitness center with complimentary group classes (e.g., yoga, Pilates, spin).
- Sports facilities (e.g., multi-sport courts, jogging tracks).
- Extensive SPA & Meer (Spa & Sea) area with saunas and steam rooms (spa treatments and some specialized areas incur additional costs).
- Various workshops, lectures, and cultural activities.
- Youth & Teen Programs: Supervised programs for children and teens of various age groups (e.g., Kids Club, Teens Lounge) with age-appropriate activities.
Primary Additional Costs:
- Spa treatments, private fitness coaching, and access to exclusive thermal suites.
- Certain high-end specialty restaurants (e.g., Schmankerl, Esszimmer, or speciality dinners/chef's table experiences).
- Premium bottled wines, spirits, and champagne from a very exclusive selection.
- Shore excursions (though often well-organized and diverse).
- Shopping onboard.
TUI Cruises excels at providing a premium, comprehensive "feel-good" cruise vacation that minimizes the need to reach for your wallet, making it a very popular choice for German-speaking guests seeking relaxation, quality dining, and diverse itineraries.
Exported from Firebase on 2025-08-02T14:17:19.899Z