Mein Schiff Relax, the first of two InTUItion class new concept cruise ships for TUI Cruises, has been launched at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.

The dual-fuel powered (Liquid Natural Gas – LNG and Marine Gas Oil – MGO) vessel is the result of a design collaboration between TUI and Royal Caribbean Group, which owns a 50% in the cruise line.

The launch of the new vessel, the largest ever built for TUI, took place at the Monfalcone shipyard, with an employee of the shipyard, Elena Sperti, officiating as godmother.

At approximately 160,000 gross tons, Mein Schiff Relax and her sister ship will constitute the backbone of TUI Cruises’ future fleet, maximising energy efficiency with the dual objective of containing operating consumption and minimizing environmental impact.

The ships will be able to use LNG, the cleanest marine fuel currently available at large scale, but will also be future-proof thanks to their ability to also burn low-emission fuels such as bio- or e-LNG, an important step towards climate-neutral cruising, but which is not yet available at scale.

Both ships will also be equipped with catalytic converters (compliant with the Euro 6 standard) and with a generative turbine that uses the residual heat of the diesel generators and an electrical shore-power connection from the ground. 

All this guarantees near emission-free operation while in port (where the ships spend about 40% of their operating time). 

Mein Schiff Relax and her sister ship will also be equipped with an even more efficient innovative waste treatment system capable of transforming organic substances into charcoal through a thermal process.

Mein Schiff Relax is set to offer the first cruises in the Mediterranean starting in March 2025, and will feature a number of new entertainment and social spaces, including a burlesque-style show lounge, hexagonal theater, and an intimate lecture theatre with adjoining bar.

TUI has previously revealed that the vessel will have the largest pool area in the fleet. The ship’s top deck will feature a 25-metre pool, partially covered by a floating rooftop, under which several alfresco cafes and bars will be available to guests.