Germany takes the lead in restarting operations after the pandemic with its largest and most modern ships.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 53 – July 2020
TUI Cruises, a 50/50 joint venture between the German tourism group TUI AG and Royal Caribbean, was one of the first companies to restart operations after the coronavirus pandemic. Its two largest and most modern ships, the Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2, with a gross tonnage of 111,500, have begun a program of non-stop cruises that could set a precedent for other cruise lines.
On July 24, the first "blaue reisen" (blue voyage) of the Mein Schiff 2 departed from Hamburg. This three-night cruise included a technical stop in Kristiansand, Norway, where passengers were not permitted to disembark. For these cruises, the company has limited passenger capacity to 60% and implemented a comprehensive set of hygiene and safety measures in accordance with the strictest protocols of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the WHO. Furthermore, the company is working with SGS Institut Fresenius, a leading German hygiene testing and control company.
Tui Cruises has restarted operations with short, non-stop cruises.
Only balcony cabins and suites can be booked. Online check-in is required, and passengers must arrive at the terminal at an assigned time. Once on board, as on land, masks must be worn in situations where a 1.5-meter distance cannot be maintained, such as in hallways, elevators, and stairwells. The buffet will not be self-service, and there are no bar stools. Cabins are thoroughly disinfected each embarkation day, and there are more hand sanitizer dispensers than usual.
As a precautionary measure, staffing at the onboard hospital has been increased, including a new Infection Control Officer, and additional testing and laboratory equipment has been added. Guests and crew members' temperatures are monitored daily, and in the event of a positive case, established protocols are in place, developed in close collaboration with the German healthcare system.
The "Blue Voyages" program includes four short cruises of three and four nights, embarking in Hamburg with technical stops in Kristinasand and Oslo for the Mein Schiff 2, and one short cruise embarking in Kiel with a technical stop in Bornholm for the Mein Schiff 1. Starting August 7, the trial becomes more serious, with seven-night cruises through the Norwegian Fjords, which also do not allow disembarkation, only the enjoyment of the scenery. Furthermore, the company has also begun offering a short cruise from Malta on the Mein Schiff 6, departing on August 29. This cruise will be available only to Maltese citizens and will carry only 35% of its usual passenger capacity, approximately 1,000 passengers. TUI Cruises ships are registered in Malta.
The aft lounge “great freedom” offers up to 4 gastronomic options in the same space.
The current schedule for cruises doesn't extend beyond September; it remains to be seen if it will be extended and if any destinations will give the green light for passengers to disembark. The Mein Schiff 2 is theoretically scheduled to sail from Mallorca with stops in Barcelona, Malaga, Cadiz, and Gibraltar in September and October. Germany is one of the countries with the fewest active cases in the European Union, so its ships, carrying German passengers, should have an easier time, but logic doesn't seem to be prevailing in this crisis.
Mein Schiff 2, a traditional premium product.
In 2018, the Mein Schiff 1, with a displacement of 111,500 tons, was launched—a new, larger type of ship for the company, which until then had built four 99,000-ton vessels. The following year, the Mein Schiff 2 arrived, and the images accompanying this article, except for the aerial shots, correspond to this ship.
This ship offers a traditional cruise experience; you won't find a water park, zip line circuit, simulators, or virtual reality centers on board. Perhaps the only distinguishing feature is the availability of some dining options included in the price, as TUI Cruises operates on a Premium All-Inclusive basis. Possibly for this reason, the decor and certain spaces are reminiscent of Celebrity Cruises, the premium brand of the Royal Caribbean group. There's a lot of medium- or light-toned wood, soft colors in general, and modern, urban surfaces and finishes. The overall feeling is one of luxury with few concessions to vulgarity. The outdoor pool areas are exceptionally clean and simple.
In August there will be scenic cruises to the Norwegian fjords, with no possibility of disembarking.
One of the most striking spaces on the Mein Schiff 2 is the aft lounge on decks 4 and 5, which opens to the sea with a large glass wall surrounding the entire area, filling it with natural light. The glass wall itself, formed by triangles at the stern, is reminiscent of polished diamonds, adding a very attractive aesthetic touch to the ship's exterior. In this space, its name, "Große Freiheit" (Great Freedom), says it all, as it is essentially a large living room with armchairs and sofas, but also a dining area with several options in each zone, without any separation between spaces. To starboard, for example, we find Cucimare, an Italian restaurant serving fresh pasta and pizzas, and next to it a corner called "Manufaktur – Creative Cuisine," where we can attend cooking workshops at digital tables or enjoy a five-course dinner. On the other side is the Surf & Turf – Steakhouse, whose name makes it clear that it is a steakhouse specializing in both meat and fish.
TUI Cruises operates on a premium all-inclusive basis, offering a traditional cruise experience without water parks, rope courses, or virtual reality centers.
On deck 4, beneath a unique chandelier, you'll find Esszimmer – Lieblingsgerichte (Dining Room – Favorite Dishes), a cozy area where you can savor classic German cuisine. These aft restaurants are not included in the fare, but the ship offers other options that are, such as the main dining rooms, Atlántico Clásico and Atlántico Mediterráneo, the buffet, a healthy bistro, a pastry shop, and a snack bar.
Outside, there are two pool areas, neither of them covered. The main pool is particularly impressive at 25 meters long, although it can be divided in two if the sea is rough to minimize waves. The spa, located at the bow, is another very inviting and luxurious area, decorated in earth tones that create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
TUI Cruises ships have a very clear product definition for their premium German clientele: a very pleasant and modern décor, without any ostentation, with some dining options included in the price, as well as drinks and many other service details, such as gym classes, room service, etc. The suites feature the private panoramic X-Lounge and the outdoor X-Solarium.
TUI Cruises' bold plan to restart the cruise industry will be closely watched by the world.
It is a completely opposite proposal to the other German cruise line, AIDA Cruises, where bright colors and palm trees abound, the ships are arranged around a central circular atrium where parties and shows take place for much of the day, and there are water slides, climbing walls and other amusements.
The cruise line's nonstop "blue voyages" offer customers a chance to escape their daily routine in a well-maintained, tranquil environment, with the peace that comes from sailing on the high seas, and with enhanced health and safety measures for everyone's well-being. Hopefully, this is a first step towards normality and the full resumption of cruises.
