Mein Schiff 7

The 2024-built TUI Mein Schiff 7 cruise ship is owned by TUI Cruises and built by Meyer Turku Shipyard (Finland). TUI Schiff 7 has all 6 sisterships (from the same series) but is same-designed as the upgraded version of Schiff 1 (2018) and Schiff 2 (2019).

The shipbuilding order for Schiff 7 was placed in February 2018, the construction started in June 2022, and the boat is currently scheduled for delivery in 2024 June.

The vessel (IMO number 9851189) is currently Malta-flagged (MMSI 256750000) and registered in Valletta.

History - construction and ownership

TUI Cruises is a UK-based joint venture cruise company (50-50) of TUI Group (British-German travel and tourism corporation) and RCG-Royal Caribbean Group (fka RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd/USA-based passenger shipping company).

TUI started cruise shipping operations in 2009, targeting predominantly the German-speaking market with a premium travel vacation product. German and English are the main onboard languages on all TUI Schiffs (ships). TUI's sister-brands are Marella Cruises UK and Hapag-Lloyd-Cruises.

Mein Schiff 7 has 16 decks (14 passenger-accessible, 10 with cabins) and capacity of 2894 passengers. 90% of all cabins are outside and 82% have private balconies. In comparison to Schiff 1 and Schiff 2, Schiff 7 has some improvements in onboard amenities and technology (energy efficiency). The vessel has the most- advanced scrubber (exhaust cleaning system) that reduces SOx emissions by nearly 99% and NOx emissions by 75%.

Decks and Cabins

TUI Schiff 7 staterooms (1447 total) provide max passenger capacity 2534 (2894 lower beds). Over 80% of all cabins are outside. All suites and family cabins have Xbox360 video gaming consoles. The largest cabins are the 2-deck Himmel-Meer Suites with private rooftop terraces. For families are designed the new comfort rooms “Verandah Deluxe at home”. There are also Spa Balcony cabins with exclusive spa facilities access.

All Schiff 7 staterooms offer as standard amenities 2 single beds (1 double bed), bedside cabinets (with drawers and reading lamp), sofabed (or 1-2 Pullman beds), smart HDTV (satellite reception, infotainment system with on-demand movies, Internet, ship info channel), direct dial phone, wardrobe, electronic safe box (in the closet), minibar, Nespresso coffee machine (2 capsules are included per day), water carafe with glasses, mirrored dressing table (writing desk) with chair, en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, single-sink vanity, hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers, bath products - shower gel, shampoo, conditioner), individually controlled air-conditioning, 24-hour room service.

The boat has 16 decks, of which 14 are passenger accessible and 10 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

In November 2022, TUI revealed some details on Schiff 7, including dining venues, the Lido Deck's swimming pool (length 25 m / 82 ft), new staterooms (single cabins). The specialty Asia & Sushi Restaurant (directly connected to the Diamant Bar Lounge) serves traditional Japanese dishes and sushi. The ship also has an expanded Casino served by the Abtanz Bar (smoke-free lounge/dancing club with a large dance floor). Other new/fleet-first venues are named Bella Italia (restaurant), Kaffeehauskultur (patisserie/brand coffee bar), Champagner Treff (champagne bar on Deck 6).

The food in the large “Anckelmannsplatz” buffet restaurant is all included in the fare. Mein Schiff 7 also boasts a bakery offering freshly prepared tarts or paninis for free. The Atlantic restaurant is divided into 3 themed restaurants and guests may choose to eat Asian, Mediterranean food or 5-course meals (all also included). Gosch Sylt offers fish, and another Bistro – smaller snacks. For an additional charge, enjoy the Hanami – exquisite Japanese restaurant, visit the Richards Restaurant or the Surf und Turf Steakhouse.

Follows the complete list of Mein Schiff 7 restaurants and food bars.

• “Atlantic Classic” (530-seat, complimentary main dining room (of all three) for buffet-style Breakfast and waiter-served Lunch and Dinner. Some menu inclusions are at extra charge
• “Atlantik Brasserie” (265-seat main dining room; offers French cuisine specialties, a la carte menu and healthy choices)
• “Atlantik Mediterran” (266-seat Mediterranean themed main dining room. Some items in the menu are marked as “family meals”)
• Hanami (62-seat Japanese restaurant for sushi and traditional specialties at surcharge)
• Tag & Nacht (Day & Night 24-hour 88-seat bistro)
• “Richards” (“Fine Dining” 70-seat dinner restaurant, reservations required, at surcharge PP)
• Surf & Turf (specialty seafood and steakhouse restaurant)
• Backstube / Bakery (120-seat, complimentary)
• Anckelmannsplatz buffet restaurant (745-seat, with partially covered outdoor area for al-fresco dining; complimentary, self-service, with various food stations)
• GOSCH Sylt (133-seat complimentary seafood restaurant, a la carte menu; with outdoor seating area)
• Außenalster Bar & Grill
• Ganz Schön Gesund (Very Healthy) Bistro
• Manufaktur Kreativ Küche (Creative Kitchen).

In comparison to TUI ships 3 and 4, new features on ships 5, 6 and 7 are:

• Thalia Leselounge (reading lounge) and Nespresso Bar (both on deck 3 / the ship's lobby area was redesigned)
• Hanami (Asian restaurant by Tim Raue, deck 5)
• Schmankerl-Entspannt (Austrian restaurant, deck 5)
• Osteria (pizzeria, deck 5)
• Lagune (outdoor pool, deck 12).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The main language on board TUI Mein Schiff 7 is German. Almost all beverages, food and gratuities are included in the cruise price.

The evening entertainment program in the Theater Lounge includes theatrical performances, opera, musicals, varietes, music shows like Beatles, Sketch Parade, flying acrobatic artists and magicians. The theatrical lounge features dynamic LED screens and a revolving stage.

Follows the complete list of Mein Schiff 7 lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• Theater (1000-seat main show lounge for grand-style show productions; with a revolving stage and eight dynamic LED screens)
• Sturmfrei (Teens Lounge featuring video gaming consoles, dance floor, foosball table, activities like karaoke, cooking classes, teen parties, movies, etc.)
• The Playground area (with Internet corner and Spielplatz/video console games. Internet access is complimentary for all Suite guests. Wi-Fi is available shipwide, prices are per minute, 1 hour or 3 hours)
• Atelier (Workshop/art studio for painters)
• Klanghaus (Sound House - the first-ever chamber music room at sea, 300-seat with concert hall simulating acoustics; hosts events like opera, classical concerts, chamber music, jazz, cabaret performances, theatrical readings, comedies, media presentations)
• The Neuer Wall shopping arcades
• TUI Bar; Coffee Lounge; Diamant Bar (Diamond Bar); Abtanz Bar (100-seat disco nightclub); Rauchersalon (Cigar Room); Schau Bar (249-seat Show Bar); Champagner Treff (Champagnes Match; wine bar); Uberschau Bar (50-seat wellness bar with a “healthy drinks” menu); Unverzicht Bar (poolside bar); Eis Bar (40-seat Ice Bar)
• X-Bar, Hoheluft (High Air) Bar, Ebbe & Flut Bier Bar (Low Tide Beer Bar)
• Casino (20-seat; open only during sea days)
• Grosse Freiheit (one of the most special places onboard, located at the aft of the ship and including various restaurants; features an 1800 ft2/167 m2 glass wall / diamond-shaped facade which spans on 2 decks)
• SPA Sauna area (with a Finnish Sauna room, Herbal Sauna, Salt Sauna, Tea Lounge)
• Himmel & Meer Lounge (Suite Guests only); X-Lounge (Suite-guests only lounge)
• SPA & Meer (SPA & Sea complex with a Rasul Room/mud bath, Treatment Rooms, Zen Garden, saunas; Beauty Salon)
• Sport & Gesunheit (Sport & Health Fitness Centre; Fitness classes/personal trainers provided at surcharge)
• Aussenpool (outdoor pool area with a 25 m long swimming pool, extensive sunbathing area, Aussenalster Bar & Grill)
• Innenpool (indoor, 2-level pool area with 1 swimming pool and 1 whirlpool)
• Outdoor large-size LED Movie Screen
• Insel der Seerauber (Pirates’ Island Kids Club complimentary lounge)
• Nest (baby room; offers babysitting services at surcharge)
• Arena (open-air combined sports court); Sport & Gesundheit Kursraum (spinning room for sports classes); Power Walking / Jogging Track
• Blauer Balkon (Blue Balcony) the “walk on water” spot features 11 m2 (140 ft2) glass-floor platforms positioned 37 m (120 ft) above sea level.

For Schiff 7's retail shopping venues, TUI contracted Starboard Cruise (largest cruise ship retail management company). The onboard shopping complex is on 2 floors and is sized 523 m2 (5630 ft2). The Neuer Wall Shops offer a diverse range of categories including fashion and accessories, beauty products, fine jewelry, brand watches, cruise itinerary/destination-inspired products. The shops present high-quality merchandise from renowned German brands (Lamy Writing Instruments, Junghans watches) and popular international brands. The Mein Stil Boutique sells an extensive collection of women’s apparel and accessories from Karl Lagerfeld. The Pandora Boutique sells hand-finished jewelry pieces. On Schiff 7, TUI introduced SkInsight, an AI/artificial intelligence-driven augmented reality skin analysis tool to assist in beauty product offerings.

As a renowned shopping curator, Starboard Cruise implements eco-friendly practices (like no plastic bags) and promotes brands prioritizing sustainability. The retail selections feature lab-grown diamonds (from Engrace Diamonds), Certified Pre-Owned Rolex watches, vintage luxury items curated by What Goes Around Comes Around, body products from Rituals Cosmetics. The Destination Shop offers a curated assortment of regional merchandise - locally produced and artisanal products.

TUI schiff einkaufsbummel (onboard shopping)

TUI schiff SPA und Sport

TUI schiff sonnenbereiche und poolbereiche (sundeck and pool deck areas)

Itineraries

TUI Mein Schiff 7 itinerary program started with the Maiden Voyage on June 12, 2024. The 2-night "Vorfreudefahrt"/"Anticipation Travel" itinerary (roundtrip from Kiel Germany) visited only Copenhagen Denmark.

The ship's inaugural cruise season 2024 (announced in December 2022) included voyages in Northern Europe/Baltic and the UK leaving from three German homeports (Kiel, Warnemunde-Rostock, Hamburg), in the Mediterranean (out of Palma de Mallorca) and the Canary Islands (roundtrips from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria).

During the maiden season, TUI Schiff 7 has also scheduled 7-day and 14-day/B2B voyages in Southern Europe - the Mediterranean (out of Palma de Mallorca) and Spain's Canary Islands with Portugal's Madeira (out of Gran Canaria).

Like the previous shipbuilding orders, TUI's Schiff 7 project was financed with around 80% debt-financing and 20% covered by TUI's own funds.

Schiff 7 is approx 20 m (66 ft) longer compared to the previous "Mein Schiff" series (ships 5 and 6). The added length allows larger passenger capacity, substantial changes to indoor spaces and adding new attractions. All the new TUI cruise vessels were built with energy-efficient solutions and environmentally friendly power plants that reduce emissions by 30% in comparison to other ships of similar size. Designers of the new liners are Wilson Butler Architects, together with CM Design and Tillberg Design. Fun fact is, that each ship in this new series brings nearly 5000 person-years labor to the Turku shipyard. Each ship's construction engages 800 out of all 1400 workers at the shipbuilding yard. The percentage of German travelers on TUI ships is around 80%.

In early November 2021, TUI announced that the order/ship's launch would be postponed by a year - from 2023-Q2 to 2024-Q2.

The physical construction/assembly of the vessel (Meyer Turku yard number/hull 1404) started on June 14, 2022, with the steel-cutting ceremony held at Meyer Werft in Turku Finland. During the ceremony was announced that Schiff 7's design was slightly altered to allow storage space for methanol. The vessel's physical construction/assembly started on March 21, 2023, with the keel-laying/coin ceremony held at Meyer Turku. Both events were attended by Wybcke Meier (TUI Cruises' CEO) and Tim Meyer (Meyer Turku's CEO).

Mein Schiff 7 was launched/floated out from drydock on December 1, 2023, and moved to the yard's outfitting dock. The special event was attended by Tim Meyer and Wybcke Meier.

The 5-day Baltic Sea trials (May 19-24, 2024) were conducted in the southern part of the Gulf of Bothnia/Aland Islands). During sea trials, the vessel's crew joined a team of experts from TUI Cruises GmbH (future shipowner), DNV (classification society) and Meyer Turku Oy (shipbuilder), including specialists in ship design, naval architecture, engineering, and navigation. On Schiff 7 was also present its future Master - Captain Omar Caruana.

Meyer Turku officially delivered Mein Schiff 7 to TUI on June 10th (2024). The ship naming ceremony was on June 22nd, in the Kiel Fjord/Bay of Kiel. The special event was held during the Christening Voyage (June 21-23) and led by godmother Fenia Kalachani (TUI's Environmental Officer since 2022).  The themed voyage features a new grand show, live performances by famous German artists, and various surprises soon to be revealed. Schiff 7's first voyage was also attended by Wybcke Meier (TUI’s CEO). The ceremony was on the Pool Deck, featured an ensemble performance (led by Christopher Woschitz/German dancer and choreographer) and ended with a drone show (400 drones), laser projections and fireworks.

Schiff 7's engines run on LSMDO (low-sulfur marine diesel oil). The liner is also fitted with shore-power connectivity, which allows emissions-free operations while berthed in ports (or ~40% of the working time). Schiff 7 is also equipped with a modern waste treatment system that reduces the organic waste quantity and prepares it for further on-land use.

The onboard powerplant is based on four Wartsila marine diesel engines (total output 48 MW), while the propulsion system is based on azimuth thrusters (total power output 28 MW).

The next TUI video shows some of Schiff 7's construction progress milestones.

Inaugural itineraries 2024

Curiously, Schiff 7's ever-first cruise is scheduled to depart on June 21st (2024). The 2-night/3-day "Christening Voyage" is a cruise to nowhere (roundtrip from Kiel itinerary without any call ports) featuring scenic cruising through the Danish Straits and Sydhavsoerne (South Sea and Wadden Sea Islands).

The next table shows the Maiden Voyage (2-night/3-day "Vorfreudefahrt" itinerary) in 2024.

Following the Northern European deployment (based on homeporting in Kiel and Warnemunde), Schiff 7 repositions to Southern Europe to start voyages in the Mediterranean (roundtrips from Balearic Spain's Palma de Mallorca) and the Canary Islands and Madeira (departures out of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria).

(inaugural Mediterranean voyage) 7-day "Mediterrane Herbstsonne" itinerary

Next table shows the 14-day B2B/back-to-back cruise ("Kanaren, Madeira Und Marokkanisches Flair" itinerary) that combines two 7-day itineraries - "Kanaren Mit Madeira" and "Kanaren Mit Marokko".

Godspeed!