The Port of Malaga became the epicenter of maritime celebration on April 9th with the christening of the Mein Schiff Relax, the new flagship of TUI Cruises. We attended as guests an event that brought together more than 15,000 people, which stood out for the incredible display of TUI Cruises' celebration of this milestone in Malaga, with the presence of three of the company's ships: the Mein Schiff Relax, the Mein Schiff 5, and the Mein Schiff 7, as well as an exclusive concert by British singer Robbie Williams, who also served as the ship's godfather.
The ceremony took place at the Levante dock of the port of Malaga, where, for the first time, all three ships of the fleet were present. Among those in attendance were prominent TUI Cruises executives, including Wybcke Meier, CEO; Frank Kuhlmann, CFO; and Giuliana Rizzo, SPA & Sport Manager of the Mein Schiff Relax and godmother of the ship. Also present were institutional representatives, including Carlos Rubio, President of the Port Authority of Malaga; Francisco de la Torre, Mayor of Malaga; Francisco Salado, President of the Malaga Provincial Council; and Álvaro Rodríguez Dapena, President of State Ports.
Robbie Williams, Mein Schiff Relax 's wellness ambassador , delivered a vibrant performance that revisited his three decades-long musical career. With his characteristic charisma, he performed hits such as "Angels," "Feel," and "Let Me Entertain You," interacting with the audience on a very special celebratory evening.
The concert was primarily designed for passengers of the three docked cruise ships, but an additional 2,000 tickets were reserved for the people of Malaga, available through official port and city council channels. We all enjoyed an unforgettable evening that culminated with a speech by the ship's godmother, Giuliana Rizzo, and the traditional breaking of a bottle against the hull of the new Mein Schiff Relax to bestow good luck, protection, and best wishes upon the ship, its crew, and its future voyages. The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display that illuminated the sky above the port of Malaga.
The Mein Schiff Relax, built at the Fincantieri shipyards in Monfalcone, Italy, is the first ship in the InTUItion class and the largest in the TUI Cruises. Measuring 330 meters in length and powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the ship features 14 restaurants, 17 bars, and a 25-meter swimming pool, offering an experience focused on wellness and relaxation.
Following its christening, the Mein Schiff Relax embarked on its maiden voyage, with stops in cities such as Gibraltar, Barcelona, and Valencia, solidifying TUI Cruises' presence in the premium cruise market in the Western Mediterranean, where it will remain until November 2025. The company will offer 7- to 10-night cruises aboard its new ship, departing from Palma de Mallorca and including stops in prominent destinations in Italy, Spain, and France, such as Civitavecchia (Rome), La Spezia, Valencia, Barcelona, and Marseille. Later, during the winter months, it will offer itineraries to the Canary Islands and Madeira.
With this ceremony, TUI Cruises not only unveiled its most innovative ship, but also offered a cultural and musical performance that will remain in the memory of all attendees. Meanwhile, the Mein Schiff Relax positions itself as a benchmark in the cruise industry, combining advanced technology with luxurious and wellness experiences for its guests.
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