By
Rebecca Gibson |
Meyer Turku laid the keel for TUI Cruises’ new Mein Schiff 1 and cut the first piece of steel for her sister Mein Schiff 2 at its yard in Turku, Finland on 13 February.
Invited guests and Meyer Turku employees watched as TUI Cruises’ CEO Wybcke Meier started the plasma cutter to cut the steel for Mein Schiff 2, and as the traditional lucky coins were placed on top of Mein Schiff 1’s first keel block. The coins will later be removed and placed onboard the ship to bring good luck.
“Today is an important day as we are now starting to assemble the hull of Mein Schiff 1 – and our ideas and designs are taking physical shape,” said Jan Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku. “The fact that both new Mein Schiffs are in production is also a sign that we are increasing our production output according to our ramp-up plan.”
The 111,500gt newbuilds will be 315 metres long – 20 metres longer than the original Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2. This has allowed TUI Cruises and Meyer Turku to redesign their interior layout and introduce several new features and public spaces. Both vessels will accommodate 2,894 guests.
“On the new Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2, the ratio of space per passenger will stay the same as the previous ships at a generous 40 square metres,” said Wybcke Meier, CEO at TUI Cruises. “When the new Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2 go into service, we will be operating one of the most modern fleets in the world. Both ships are characterised by innovative and environmentally friendly construction methods, as well as state-of-the-art technology standards.”
Mein Schiff 1 will be delivered in spring 2018 and Mein Schiff 2 will be completed in 2019. Meyer Turku is also currently outfitting Mein Schiff 6.