Mein Schiff Relax is the latest addition to TUI Cruises ' Mein Schiff fleet, which will also welcome Mein Schiff Flow this year. With this ship, the German cruise line inaugurated its new generation of vessels, conceived under a simple yet profoundly ambitious idea: to transform the ship into a true floating sanctuary dedicated to well-being.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 76 – March 2026
When you watch it slowly approaching the port, large, but with the smooth lines of its elegantly blue-painted hull and the spaciousness of its decks, it becomes clear that here naval architecture pursues something more than operational efficiency.
Since its inception in 2008, TUI Cruises has developed a very distinct identity within the European market. Its offering lies somewhere between a premium cruise and a contemporary resort, deliberately moving away from the classic formality that defined the cruise experience for decades.
The concept behind their product, the so-called Premium All Inclusive, is not just a marketing formula; it's a way of organizing life on board. Included are restaurants, quality beverages, extensive access to facilities, and a relaxed atmosphere that eliminates the constant feeling of having to pay extra, a characteristic that still plagues much of the industry.
The ship belongs to the new InTUItion class, built by the Italian shipyard Fincantieri, and represents the biggest evolutionary leap for the fleet since the brand's inception. At over 330 meters long and nearly 160,000 gross tons, its scale is impressive. But what truly defines the experience is how those spaces are used. The focus here isn't on filling the ship with attractions, but on allowing passengers to breathe and flow.
On a ship dedicated to wellness, water had to take center stage, and the central pool on this ship is the largest we've ever seen on a cruise ship
The first impression upon entering a cabin at Mein Schiff Relax is that of a contemporary hotel. Light tones, natural materials, and indirect lighting create a serene atmosphere that seems to converse with the seascape visible from the balcony. Nothing is jarring. Every element appears designed to enhance relaxation.
Most of the ship's more than two thousand cabins feature a private veranda. This is no accident. On an Atlantic itinerary like the one to the Canary Islands and Madeira, the connection to the outdoors is essential. Waking up to the open horizon, feeling the breeze at sunset, or simply watching the ship cut through the ocean are all part of the journey. The suites further enhance this sense of private sanctuary. Spacious living rooms, generous verandas, and access to exclusive areas of the ship allow for an experience that combines privacy and personalized service. In all of them, the design maintains the same aesthetic: clean lines, quiet comfort, and the feeling that the space has been created to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
Gastronomy, a journey within the journey.
If there is one aspect in which the Mein Schiff brand has built its reputation, it is in gastronomy.
At Relax, the culinary offerings unfold like a true gastronomic map. Restaurants included in the premium concept coexist with specialty options where the product and culinary creativity take center stage.
Some spaces evoke the relaxed atmosphere of a Mediterranean market. Others adopt the sophisticated aesthetic of European haute cuisine. There are also restaurants where the experience becomes more intimate, almost theatrical, with tasting menus that unfold like a culinary narrative. The key, however, lies not only in the diversity, but also in the freedom to choose whether you want a formal dinner overlooking the sea, a casual bistro, or simply a drink and something light in one of the ship's many bars.
The Atlantik is the ship's main restaurant, offering à la carte service in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served here, with changing menus that blend international cuisine with contemporary European recipes.
The Harbour Market is the ship's main buffet restaurant and its most casual dining option. It's open practically all day and features live cooking stations where chefs prepare dishes to order. The variety and spaciousness are impressive. The menu includes everything from international cuisine and comfort food to themed stations such as Asian wok, Mediterranean specialties, and regional buffets. The concept aims to replicate the atmosphere of a food market with multiple options for casual breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
Taverna Dionysos introduces Greek cuisine to the ship's dining options. The restaurant features Mediterranean décor in white and blue tones and also has an outdoor terrace. The menu includes Greek classics such as gyros, bifteki, Greek salads, and meze, served at your table. It is one of the restaurants included in the cruise fare and is usually very popular for casual dining.
The Mein Schiff Bar & Bistro is always open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks at any time. Located in the heart of the ship.
Sur Mer Bistrot is inspired by French cuisine. It offers a more intimate, Parisian bistro-style atmosphere, ideal for late breakfasts or leisurely dinners. Regular dishes include freshly baked croissants, quiches, French soups, and traditional recipes like coq au vin, as well as classic desserts. It's French, but not pretentious.
The Osteria offers classic Italian cuisine on board. The menu includes artisanal pizzas, various types of pasta, risottos, and Mediterranean appetizers such as tomato with mozzarella or octopus salad. The restaurant follows the traditional Italian trattoria model, with simple dishes that are easily recognizable to European palates.
But the ship also offers specialty restaurants for an additional fee. Høfde is primarily dedicated to premium meats and select cuts prepared on the grill.
It offers a more exclusive dining experience, with multi-course menus and wine pairings. Open for gourmet breakfasts until late in the morning.
Fugu restaurant brings an Asian dimension to the culinary offerings. The concept revolves around sushi, sashimi, and dishes inspired by Japanese and Southeast Asian cuisine.
It offers a tasting menu accompanied by an audiovisual, sensory experience.
Chalet introduces a concept inspired by Alpine cuisine. The space recreates the ambiance of a mountain cabin with a wooden interior and comforting dishes such as fondue, raclette, and Central European specialties. This restaurant aims to offer a unique themed experience on board.
The Premium All Inclusive concept is a way of organizing life on board with included restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere
But in addition to the main restaurants, the ship includes several quick and casual dining options, such as Pane e Sole Bistro, serving paninis, hot sandwiches, and salads near the pool area; Pool Bistro, offering snacks, burgers, salads, and light meals outdoors; and Mein Schiff Bistro, featuring small international dishes that change daily. At Mein Schiff Relax, dining isn't a scheduled event; it's a natural part of the journey.
The Mein Schiff Relax boasts seventeen bars and lounges, each with its own distinct personality. Some are designed as panoramic spaces where the ocean becomes an integral part of the décor. The Captain's Bar stands out; this panoramic bar, located on one of the upper decks, is probably one of the ship's most iconic spots. Its expansive windows offer sweeping views of the sea, and as evening falls, it transforms into a natural meeting place for those who wish to enjoy a signature cocktail while the sun slowly sets over the Atlantic.
On a ship dedicated to wellness, water had to take center stage, and this ship's main pool is the largest we've ever seen on a cruise ship. It's also heated, so winter won't be a problem.
And with nearly 2,000 square meters dedicated to wellness, the Spa redefines what is traditionally understood as this area on a cruise ship. Among the most striking views are the panoramic saunas that allow you to contemplate the ocean while the ship sails silently by.
The main theater at Mein Schiff Relax offers productions designed specifically for this space, combining live music, choreography, and contemporary set design. However, perhaps the most unique show is Le Cage, a space reminiscent of European cabarets. Here, performances combine music, dance, humor, and contemporary burlesque aesthetics in an atmosphere that evokes the cultural clubs of Berlin or Paris.
The evening program is rounded out with live concerts in various bars on the ship, acoustic performances, DJs on deck, and small shows scattered throughout different areas. In this way, the Mein Schiff Relax's nightlife offers as many possibilities as its cuisine. But even amidst this constant activity, the ship maintains its distinctive character. Perhaps it's because there's always a quiet place to retreat to: a peaceful lounge facing the sea, a terrace open to the horizon, a corner on deck where you can listen to the sound of the water against the hull. And it's in these moments that the Mein Schiff Relax fully reveals its identity.
During the winter season, the Mein Schiff Relax travels one of the most popular routes in the European market, the routes between the Canary Islands and Madeira.
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