The Mein Schiff Relax, the innovative new cruise ship being built by Fincantieri in Monfalcone for TUI Cruises, has completed its first sea trials. At 160,000 gross tons, it will be the largest cruise ship in the fleet and the company's first dual-fuel LNG cruise ship.
Christened Mein Schiff Relax, the vessel left the Monfalcone shipyard and began its initial maneuverability trials, successfully completing all tests in the first round. The 333-meter-long ship is scheduled to undergo initial testing of its new dual-fuel LNG propulsion system in the coming weeks.
The vessel is powered by two Azipods and incorporates new design elements, such as an innovative bridge and improved catalysts, as well as an onshore electrical connection. In the future, this vessel and a sister ship still under construction at Fincantieri will also be able to operate using future biofuels or e-LNG.
Passengers will also find new design elements on board the ship, as well as 14 restaurants, 17 bars and lounges, a 25-meter swimming pool, a new design for the pool roof and deck areas, and a design focused on relaxation. The cruise line calls the new ship "the wellness ship.".
CEO Wybcke Meier highlights that the company will introduce a new cruise ship, Mein Schiff 7, in June 2024, Mein Schiff Relax in 2025, and its sister ship, Mein Schiff Flow, in 2026.
Mein Schiff Relax will be the largest cruise ship and the first LNG-powered vessel in the fleet. Construction of Mein Schiff Relax began in June 2022, and the ship was launched in November 2023. It will enter service in March 2025, sailing from Málaga, Spain, to the Canary Islands. Mein Schiff has announced a unique christening event scheduled for April 9, 2025, where two other ships in the fleet, Mein Schiff 5 and Mein Schiff 7, will join Mein Schiff Relax.
The line reports that work is underway on its ninth cruise ship, Mein Schiff Flow, the second LNG-powered vessel to enter service in 2026.
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