The Mein Schiff Relax is ready to welcome its first passengers as it sets sail for the start of cruising's new era. On March 2, 2025, the ship embarks on its inaugural voyage from Palma de Mallorca, marking the beginning of TUI Cruises' ambitious push to redefine cruising experiences with its innovative offerings.
This ship, part of the new inTUItion class, has generated significant excitement within the travel community. The cruise industry continues to bounce back with vigour, and TUI Cruises is responding to rising demand by adding capacity. According to Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises, the company was confident about investing in new ships, stating, "We were sure it was the right decision to order more ships.” With the addition of the Mein Schiff Relax, TUI Cruises enhances its fleet and opens more opportunities for travelers.
Mein Schiff Relax caters to nearly 4,000 passengers, making it the largest vessel currently within the fleet, surpassing its predecessors by accommodating around 1,000 additional guests. Notably, it also champions sustainability, employing dual-fuel technology, enabling it to run on liquid gas as well as renewable options like bio-LNG. This forward-looking approach is integral to the company’s strategy, highlighting their commitment to environmental responsibility.
The ship’s design embodies TUI Cruises’ philosophy of providing spacious, comfortable cruising experiences without overwhelming passengers with cluttered, amusement park-like environments. Meier explained, "Mein Schiff Relax was deliberately conceived not to be a floating amusement park,” investing instead in creating ample outdoor spaces and ensuring high levels of natural light within the ship.
Guests will find their taste buds delighting at diverse culinary offerings aboard. With venues like the Taverna Dionysos serving authentic Greek dishes and the Harbour Market—a buffet restaurant combining various flavors—the gastronomic experience promises to be one of the ship’s standout features.
Entertainment options are also plentiful, with settings for leisure and amusement integrated throughout. Passengers can enjoy tranquil moments at the expansive spa and wellness facilities, or unwind at the X-Bar with beautiful ocean views. Each of these spaces has been crafted to cater to guests’ varied needs, allowing for both relaxation and social interaction. Meier pointed out, "Our guests want to feel the wind on their faces," emphasizing the importance of open areas on deck.
More than just providing space for relaxation, Mein Schiff Relax will engage passengers through diverse activities and concerts, including the actual naming ceremony set for April 9, 2025, where pop icon Robbie Williams will perform live. This event, taking place at the port of Málaga, is expected to draw considerable attention across Europe, showcasing the ship's debut and TUI Cruises’ readiness for global expansion.
Looking forward, TUI Cruises plans to embrace the international market, evident from the ship's dual-language signage and accessible menus, aiming to attract guests from across Europe, including neighboring countries like the Benelux nations and Denmark. Meier envisions welcoming one out of every ten passengers from outside the German-speaking region. “We believe in the market, so we exclude nothing,” she noted, indicating potential for greater international reach.
The Mein Schiff Relax not only meets the current demands of the cruise market but also sets the stage for TUI Cruises’ future growth, as demonstrated through the upcoming addition of its sister ship, Mein Schiff Flow, scheduled to enter service by summer 2026. This expansion will augment the fleet’s capacity by 40% within two years, demonstrating TUI’s commitment to meeting rising passenger expectations.
On its initial cruise, the ship will take guests to locations such as Corsica, Marseille, and Barcelona, enjoying the picturesque Mediterranean before returning to Palma de Mallorca. The future looks bright for TUI Cruises with the inaugural voyage of the Mein Schiff Relax serving as both a benchmark for quality cruising experiences and a springboard for forthcoming innovations within the industry.
With its official guest operations commencing today, the Mein Schiff Relax promises unforgettable moments and adventures on the sea, heralding the next chapter of TUI Cruises’ legacy.