The GT 111.5k-big and 315 m-long cruise ship (some 20 m longer than the previous Mein Schiff 2) has been handed over, ahead of schedule, to her owners from TUI Cruises.

Once commissioned, the ship, able to take up to 3,132 guests on-board, sailed for Kiel for the delivery ceremonies (as the final silicon painting of the underwater part of her hull wasn't designed to withstand the ice conditions that persist in the Turku archipelago in the winter time).

Afterwards, the new Mein Schiff 2 left the German seaport for inaugural sailings with travel agency partners and first guests. Under the motto "Charting a discovery course," she will then set sail from Bremerhaven on 3 February for a 12-day christening itinerary. Following port calls in La Coruña and Leixões, the new Mein Schiff 2 will call to Lisbon for three days for the naming ceremony before continuing her itinerary to Las Palmas and Arrecife via Cádiz.

According to TUI Cruises, thanks to installing an energy management system (incl. a light control system and LED lightening, efficient air conditioning), hydrodynamically optimised hull shape, and underwater silicone painting the new Mein Schiff 2 consumes up to 40% less fuel than ships of comparable size. In addition, the cruiser's main and auxiliary engines are equipped with a catalyst in order to reduce the emission of nitrogen oxides.

"The commissioning of our new Mein Schiff 2 marks the successful end of our first expansion phase. Our sixth newbuild by Meyer Turku not only impresses with its design, its inner values are equally convincing: With the use of modern technologies we are setting standards for environmental protection," Wybcke Meier, CEO, TUI Cruises, commented.

Photo: Meyer Turku