Introducing Mein Schiff Relax: TUI Cruises’ New LNG-Powered Cruise Ship
TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises, has recently welcomed the delivery of Mein Schiff Relax, the first of two liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel cruise ships being built by Fincantieri, the renowned Italian shipbuilding company.
The red carpet was rolled out for the inaugural InTUItion-class vessel on February 7, 2025, at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The ship is set to be named on April 9, 2025, in Málaga, Spain, with its sister vessel expected to join the fleet in mid-2026.
Mein Schiff Relax, measuring 333 meters in length, with a beam of 42.1 meters and a gross tonnage of 160,000 tons, is equipped with a dual-fuel propulsion system capable of running on LNG and marine gas oil (MGO). Additionally, the ship has the flexibility to use low-emission fuels such as bio- or e-LNG, making it future-proof.
With sustainability at the forefront, Mein Schiff Relax is designed to minimize environmental impact and comply with global regulations. The vessel features a shore power connection system, catalytic converters meeting Euro 6 standards, a waste heat recovery turbine, and a waste treatment system that converts organic substances into recyclable components through a thermal process.
During port stays, the ship will emit zero emissions, accounting for approximately 40% of its operational time, showcasing TUI Cruises’ commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.
Sea trials in the Mediterranean Sea were successfully conducted in late 2024 to test the operational capabilities of the new vessel. Mein Schiff Relax, together with its sister ship, is poised to become a cornerstone of TUI Cruises’ future fleet, setting a new standard for energy efficiency and sustainability in the cruise industry.
In late 2023, Mein Schiff Relax touched the water for the first time, and shortly thereafter, Fincantieri secured a green loan of €415 million for the construction of this environmentally friendly cruise ship.