By
Rebecca Gibson |
Mein Schiff 3 was delivered to TUI Cruises by STX Finland at its Turku shipyard on 22 May.
Providing around 5,500 human-years of labour to STX and other partners, the construction project began in November 2012 and the 294 m Mein Schiff 3 was floated out of drydock in November 2013.
The 99,500 gt vessel was built using a high block outfitting ratio and modularisation technique and features advanced technology to ensure it consumes around 30% less energy compared to cruise ships of similar sizes
STX Finland and TUI installed advanced emission-reducing technology on Mein Schiff 3, such as a combined exhaust gas treatment system and a desulphurisation plant. This is expected to reduce toxic sulphur emissions by up to 99% and particulate emissions by 60%.
“The building period of this cruise ship was record-breaking tight,” said Jari Anttila, deputy CEO of STX Finland. “With good cooperation, high motivation and a lot of hard work performed by thousands of people representing numerous different companies we were able to execute this project successfully. We are very satisfied as we are handing over this magnificent ship to TUI Cruises and we are confident that this ship will be a great success on the German cruise market.”
Designed for the German premium-class market, the newbuild has a variety of innovative features and onboard venues. Spanning two decks at the stern of the ship, is a 167 sqm glass facade shaped as a diamond, which houses a range of speciality restaurants in the internal Große Freiheit area. These include Richards - Feines Essen and the Steakhouse Surf & Turf, as well as a modern coffee house and an exclusive bar.
Other highlights include various bars and lounges; a nightclub; a large Spa & Sports area, which features the first 25-metre pool on a cruise ship; an outdoor arena with a large LED screen; a three-deck theatre; and the Klanghaus, the first concert hall at sea.
Offering a wide range of cabin categories, Mein Schiff 3 has 1,253 passenger cabins, 82% of which have a private balcony. The ship also has ten Himmel- und Meer Suiten (Sky and Sea) suites, which span two levels and offer guests a 29 sqm, private roof terrace.
“It is a great pleasure to see how our ideas have turned into reality,” said Richard Vogel, CEO of TUI. “Thanks to the great collaboration of the yard, the newbuilding team, all companies involved and, last but not least, our own people, we are now the owner of a brand-new cruise ship which sets standards within our industry.”
Mein Schiff 3 will be christened on 12 June at Hamburg Cruise Center in Germany by singer Helene Fischer. To celebrate, TUI will host an hour-long, open-air live concert with music from Fischer and other artists, as well as a fireworks display at the St Pauli fish market. The ship will also sail a short sight-seeing tour from Hamburg's HafenCity to Teufelsbrück.
On 13 June, Mein Schiff 3 will sail a maiden voyage from Hamburg, Germany to Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
Her sister ship Mein Schiff 4 will be launched in September 2014 and delivered to TUI in spring 2015.