TUI Cruises marks launch of Mein Schiff Flow ahead of debut Middle East season

TUI Cruises has celebrated the launch of Mein Schiff Flow, the second vessel in its new InTUItion class, at a ceremony held at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. 

Originally scheduled to enter service in mid-August 2026, the 161,000-ton vessel will now begin operations in early July, with a newly added series of Mediterranean cruises before she sails a full Arabian Gulf season out of Dubai.

The delivery ceremony was attended by senior executives from Fincantieri and TUI Cruises, including Daniele Fanara, Senior Vice President of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, and Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises, who reaffirmed the brand’s focus on innovation and environmental responsibility in future ship design.

Built by Fincantieri, Mein Schiff Flow is a sister ship to Mein Schiff Relax, delivered in February 2025. At approximately 160,000 gross tons and designed to carry up to 4,000 guests, the ship represents the latest evolution of TUI’s commitment to sustainable cruising.

The vessel features dual-fuel engines capable of operating on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Marine Gas Oil (MGO), and future readiness for low-emission fuels such as bio-LNG or e-LNG.

The ship also features a shore power connection and advanced catalytic converters, allowing for significantly reduced emissions while in port. According to TUI Cruises, the vessel’s energy-efficient design and alternative fuel capabilities support the company’s long-term goal of climate-neutral cruising.

Before repositioning to the Middle East, Mein Schiff Flow will sail an extended maiden season in the Mediterranean. The early entry into service enables four additional ten-night cruises between July 9th and August 6th 2026, sailing roundtrip from Palma de Mallorca and calling in ports across Spain, France, and Italy — including Barcelona, Marseille, and La Spezia. 

These departures join a wider programme of nine- to 11-night cruises that also include destinations in Portugal and Morocco.

From November 2026 to March 2027, the ship will operate its inaugural Middle East season, offering a series of seven-night itineraries interporting between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. 

These deployments mark TUI Cruises’ return to the region and signal growing interest in the Arabian Gulf as a winter cruise destination with the recent entry to the market of Celestyal Cruises, Resorts World Cruises, and Saudi-based AROYA Cruises, joining MSC, Costa, and AIDA.

Onboard Mein Schiff Flow, guests will have access to a range of new features, including a suites-only sun deck and lounge, part of a broader effort to elevate the premium cruise experience across the fleet’s largest ships.