Italian Shipbuilder Fincantieri Floats Second LNG-Fueled Cruise Ship for TUI Cruises
Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri continues to demonstrate the strength of its cruise ship orderbook with the floating of the second LNG-fueled cruise ship, Mein Schiff Flow, for Germany’s TUI Cruises at the Monfalcone shipyard. This milestone follows the delivery of its sister ship, Mein Ship Relax, in February, and a recent order from another TUI Group company Marella Cruises for two new ships.
The relationship between Fincantieri and TUI Group dates back to 2018 when the two cruise ships of the InTUItion class were ordered for Mein Schiff, a collaboration between TUI and Royal Caribbean Group catering to the German-speaking market. These ships, approximately 157,650 gross tons each, represent a first-in-class project developed by Fincantieri to enhance the modernity and sustainability features promoted by TUI Cruises.
Key Features of the New Ships
The new ships, measuring 1,070 feet (326 meters) in length, boast 1,945 passenger cabins and accommodations for 3,984 passengers and 1,535 crew members. In addition to being the largest ships in the fleet, they offer innovations for relaxation, 14 restaurants including a new Asian restaurant, and revamped spa and wellness areas. Notably, the ships introduce the cruise line’s first two-deck “freedom suites” and accommodations for solo travelers.
Designed to operate on either LNG or Marine Gas Oil (MGO), these ships are the first LNG-fueled vessels in the Mein Schiff fleet. TUI has emphasized their future-proof design, with the capacity to transition to low-emission fuels like bio- or e-LNG once commercially viable. TUI also recently introduced a methanol-ready cruise ship built by Meyer Turku.
Sustainability Features
The two Fincantieri-built ships feature catalytic converters meeting Euro 6 standards, a steam turbine utilizing residual heat from diesel generators, and an electrical shore-power connection. They are also equipped with an innovative waste treatment system capable of converting organic materials into recyclable components through thermal processing.
Upcoming Launch and Celebrations
After a christening ceremony in Monfalcone, Mein Schiff Flow was floated for the first time on May 30, requiring around 130 million liters of water for the successful launch. The ship will now undergo outfitting and is scheduled to enter service in the summer of 2026.
Her sister ship, Mein Schiff Relax, was recently celebrated with a grand naming ceremony in Malaga, Spain, attended by over 12,000 people. The brand continues to expand rapidly, with eight new build ships already in operation and the ninth ship, Mein Schiff Flow, set to join the fleet soon.
Future Projects and Expansion
Fincantieri’s recent order for two new ships for Marella Cruises, as well as orders from Carnival Corporation for AIDA Cruises, mark a significant expansion in the cruise ship market. The shipbuilder also has confirmed orders for its first cruise ships over 200,000 gross tons for Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, with deliveries scheduled into the 2030s.