TUI Cruises is reportedly in negotiations with Fincantieri to construct 2 additional vessels from the InTUItion class.
According to Italian media, the Hamburg-based TUI is planning to add 2 sisterships to Mein Schiff Relax and Mein Schiff Flow, which would expand the class to 4 ships and ultimately bring the Mein Schiff fleet to 11 modern vessels.
While these reports remain speculative, a further order for a 3rd and 4th InTUItion-class build appears to be a logical progression. When the Mein Schiff newbuilds were constructed at Meyer Turku, additional vessels were ordered, ultimately resulting in a fleet of 7 ships built in Finland. Two more newbuilds from Italy would not only increase Mein Schiff’s capacity but would likely enhance its market share within the German-speaking cruise sector.
However, it may be several years before a 3rd and 4th vessel of the InTUItion class enter the market. The construction of these cruise ships takes ~2 and a half years, and Fincantieri’s shipyards in Monfalcone and Marghera - both well-suited to build vessels of this size - are currently operating at near capacity.
Meanwhile, Mein Schiff Relax is set to embark on her inaugural voyage with guests in the coming weeks, with preparations for her service well underway. This deployment will allow Mein Schiff to gather valuable operational experience, informing future decisions on expanding the InTUItion class. Notably, this class introduces several innovations, including the use of LNG propulsion for the first time and a range of guest experience enhancements.