By
Rebecca Gibson |
TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, has ordered two newbuilds, which are scheduled for delivery in 2016 and 2017.
Following the addition of the two newbuilds and Mein Schiff 4, which is due to enter service in May 2015, TUI Cruises will have a total of six ships and accommodation for 14,000 passengers. The expanded fleet will help the operator to cater to the demands of the growing cruise market in Germany.
“TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff fleet has set a new premium standard in the market and it won new target groups for cruise holidays,” said Friedrich Joussen, CEO of TUI AG. “The ships are booked to capacity and the company is growing, while TUI Cruises and its vessels are a pivotal pillar for our differentiation and growth strategy.”
Designed as sister ships to Mein Schiff 3 and Mein Schiff 4, the two 97,000 gt newbuilds will measure 295 metres in length and feature 15 decks and 1,250 cabins. Around 90% of the cabins will be outside, while 82% will feature balconies.
Both Mein Schiff 5 and Mein Schiff 6 will be constructed at the STX shipyard in Turku, Finland, which is set to be acquired by German shipbuilder Meyer Werft. This acquisition is subject to approval.
“We are pleased that a positive outcome of the negotiations between STX and Meyer Werft has been achieved,” said Richard Vogel, CEO TUI Cruises. “This step ensures that TUI Cruises keeps the valuable know-how of the shipyard. It is the foundation to successfully enlarge the unique cruise products of the Mein Schiff fleet.”
German singer Helene Fischer christened TUI Cruises’ first newbuild Mein Schiff 3 in Hamburg’s HafenCity on 12 June.