Mein Schiff 1

Karl WP Beyer

Modern, spacious, and stylish: TUI Cruises' Mein Schiff 1 sets standards in comfort, cuisine, and wellness at sea. Discover the cruise ship, launched in 2018, with its innovative design, first-class restaurants, a massive spa, and surprising details – from an incline jogging track to an arena for sports and entertainment.

With the new Mein Schiff 1, TUI Cruises set new standards compared to its predecessors, Mein Schiff 3 to Mein Schiff 6. Not to mention the Mein Schiff 1 OLD.

Mein Schiff 1 represents a new generation of ships. The Hamburg-based company's cruise ship is 20 meters longer than its previous newbuilds, while maintaining the same beam. Bed capacity has increased by 360 lower beds, bringing the total to 2.894 guest beds. However, the generous passenger-to-space ratio familiar from TUI Cruises' cruise ships remains unchanged.

Mein Schiff 1 - side view

The cruise ship was assembled from 20 steel blocks over the course of 86 months. It was built in the dry dock of the Finnish MEYER TURKU shipyard. The new ship was christened in Hamburg on May 11, 2018. The godparents were Olympic beach volleyball champions Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst. The "old" and significantly smaller Mein Schiff 1 was passed on within the TUI Group to the British cruise company Marella Cruises.

Mein Schiff 1 - bridge

Before the commissioning of Mein Schiff 1 NEW, TUI Cruises deployed four new ships from a largely identical series, alongside two aging pre-owned Celebrity Cruises ships (Mein Schiff 1 OLD and Mein Schiff ♥). To the delight of regular customers, each fleet member featured a few changes. Mein Schiff 1 is no different.

But this time the changes are more serious, because Mein Schiff 1 ...

• is noticeably larger
  
  
• has more cabins and suites
  
  
• brings new gastronomic experiences
  
  
• offers more space for sport and wellness
  
  
• presents new entertainment formats
  
  
• sets standards in environmental protection.
  
  

Mein Schiff 1 current routes and offers

My Ship 1 - Central America and Caribbean 2025 / 2026 / 2027

Overview of Central America and Caribbean cruises with Mein Schiff 1 in the 2025 / 2026 / 2027 season

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Mein Schiff 1 has grown in size

The ship's 20-meter increase in length compared to the Blue Motion class creates space for an additional deck and 180 cabins and suites. The ship's 316-meter length also allows for more flexible use of the rooms. New features include the enclosed "Arena" on deck 14. The jogging track, at 438 meters long and featuring a built-in incline, is far less boring than its short predecessors. The diamond at the stern of the cruise ship, so typical of the previous ships, has also been redesigned. In terms of amenities, the new Mein Schiff 1 meets TUI Cruises' premium standards even more closely than previous ships. A tour of the new Mein Schiff 1 highlights the differences from the previous newbuilds.

More cabins and suites

The new Mein Schiff 1 has 1.447 cabins and suites. The one previously put into service Mein Schiff 6 has 180 fewer cabins and suites. The cabins are now divided into 13 categories. The standard cabins include 158 inside cabins, 127 outside cabins, 1.056 balcony cabins, and two premium veranda cabins. Balcony cabins again account for approximately 2 percent of the total. As with the previous ships, the standard cabins are all 80 square meters in size. The family outside cabins, designed for 17 to 4 people, also offer 6 to 29 square meters of living space.

Mein Schiff 1 - balcony cabin 9256

For the "upscale" guest segment, there are 64 junior suites and 38 suites. With 26 square meters of living space and a 7 square meter balcony, the junior suites are somewhat smaller than those on the previous ships. However, no one has to compromise on their comfort.

Compared to Mein Schiff 6, the number of suites has more than doubled from the original 16. Demand is evident. New suite categories have been created, and the size of the luxury cabins varies between 38 and 77 square meters.

Suite and junior suite guests use separate lounge areas in the bow area. These are the X-Sundeck with the X-Bar on Deck 15 and the X-Lounge below, on Deck 14. This is significantly larger than those on the previous ships. A staircase connects the two private decks. However, passengers without suite status complain that the new layout makes it impossible for them to get a view of the front.

My Ship 1 - X-Lounge

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My Ship 1 - X-Lounge 

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Another refuge reserved exclusively for suite residents is located aft on the X panorama deck (6th deck). Suites were also set up there. With the X-Panoramadeck, the shipping company would like to save passengers living aft from having to go to the separate X-Lounge. Well ...

Gastronomic experiences

“Gastronomy for connoisseurs: 15 bars and 12 restaurants & bistros” (original sound from TUI Cruises) is what the new Mein Schiff 1 offers its guests. Some bars and restaurants are new.

New and proven in the restaurant offer

The Mein Schiff fleet represents the premium all-inclusive concept. All restaurants included in the price offer the high quality you've come to expect from TUI Cruises. In principle, there's no need for an additional charge for dining options. And yet they exist: After all, you only live once, perhaps there's something to celebrate, or the guest simply feels the need for culinary highlights.

Mein Schiff 1 - the two Atlantic restaurants

The passengers are familiar with the two “classic” and “Mediterranean” versions of the Atlantic, the buffet restaurant Anckelmannsplatz with the adjoining bakery, the surcharges for Surf & Turf, the day & night bistro and the ice bar by Bruno Gelati.

Mein Schiff 1 - buffet restaurant Anckelmannsplatz

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Mein Schiff 1 - buffet restaurant Anckelmannsplatz 

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The "Ganz Schön Gesund – Bistro" is new. It replaces the "Osteria." The bistro is located amidships on Deck 5 and offers indoor and outdoor seating. The name says it all. This airy restaurant focuses on light, healthy fare. Some dishes and drinks carry an additional charge. Opposite, on the starboard side, is the established Day & Night Bistro.

Mein Schiff 1 - Very Healthy - Bistro

Aft on deck 5, the "Große Freiheit" has been completely redesigned. The glass surface of the "Diamant" again extends over two decks. The previous open areas were dispensed with. As with the previous new buildings, specialty restaurants and the Diamant Bar were established across all rooms in the Große Freiheit. An eye catcher is the humanoid robot "DJ Rob", who is responsible for the musical entertainment.

My Ship 1 - DJ Rob

Also new is the "Manufaktur" on the port side. It replaces the previous "Schmankerl" restaurant. Dedicated to creative cuisine, this restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes continuously from 12:00 noon. It is also a space for workshops, tastings, and dinner evenings with exquisite 5-course menus. Opposite the Manufaktur on the starboard side is the renowned Surf & Turf Steakhouse.

Mein Schiff 1 - Manufactory

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Mein Schiff 1 - Manufactory 

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Opposite the manufactory is the proven Surf & Turf steakhouse on starboard.

One deck below was the “dining room” set up. The last time there was “Hanami By Tim Raue” at Mein Schiff 6. The ambience should be reminiscent of private dining rooms. Selected favorite dishes of the guests such as Hamburg fish soup, beef roulades, chicken fricassee or Königsberger Klopse are served. So that there is no boredom while eating, crime dinners are organized or travesty formats are presented. Access is via deck 5. Only one word about the price level of the restaurants mentioned: ambitious!  

Mein Schiff 1 - Dining Room

Things are less sophisticated on Deck 12 at the simply styled Bosporus Snack Bar next to the "lagoon." It helps to quell a little hunger between meals. The snack bar's specialties include doner kebabs, Arabic-inspired vegetarian falafel, and Belgian potatoes and waffles. A fun "Small Snack Between Meals" is offered at a sort of mobile stand.

Mein Schiff 1 - Bosphorus Snack Bar

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Mein Schiff 1 - the little snack in between 

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 Notable bars & lounges in the new Mein Schiff 1

New to the lineup of bars and lounges is the well-designed "Hoheluft Bar," located aft on Deck 15. It replaces the previous Champagne Bar. However, TUI Cruises regulars complain about the "horrible" chill music, which likely contributes to the bar's poor patronage. Below, on Deck 14, is the popular Außenalster Bar.

On Deck 5, opposite the Neuer Wall shopping arcade, is the dimly lit "Ebbe & Flut Beer Bar." In cooperation with the Hamburg-based Ratsherrn brewery, five draft beers and a selection of 25 craft beers are served in addition to the "regular" onboard beer selection. These services require a moderate surcharge. Rustic snacks are also available upon request.

Mein Schiff 1 - Onboard shop

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Mein Schiff 1 - Ebb & Flow Beer Bar 

The tried-and-true TUI Bar is located amidships on Deck 4. It is the heart of the ship. Its location and amenities are exceptional.

Mein Schiff 1 - TUI Bar

One deck below, right next to the reception, is the new "Juice Yard." Designed in cooperation with the Austrian fruit juice brand Rauch, this juice bar serves freshly squeezed juices and smoothies for a fee.

Mein Schiff 1 - Saftwerft Juice Bar

Sport and wellness

"Well-being" is written in capital letters on the bow of the cruise ship. For many passengers, the spa and fitness offerings are among the feel-good moments of a cruise. A total of 2.400 square meters of space are reserved for the spa and sports decks and the outdoor sports areas.

 We've long since stopped being surprised by the exemplary 25-meter outdoor pool on TUI Cruises' new ships. The jogging track has been expanded from its original 280 meters to 438 meters. The built-in 6,7 percent incline is a real thrill.

Mein Schiff 1 - Jogging track

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Mein Schiff 1 - ascending jogging track 

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While the running track is open twice a day for two hours, the newly designed arena is available to active holidaymakers all day long. It primarily serves as a sports hall for ball sports. Guests also have access to indoor cycling, a small climbing wall, and full-body workouts using the TRX harness system.

My Ship 1 - Arena

Fitnessbereich

In front of the arena, the actual sports area is located on the 15th deck, centered around the chimney. The 490 square meters offer sports enthusiasts the best sports equipment. For an additional charge, personal training with nutrition coaching, as well as various workshops and health checkups, can be booked. A new addition is the ICAROS Virtual Flight Simulator. Wearing virtual reality headsets, users glide through deep waters or fly at breathtaking heights over mountain peaks. Steering is achieved by shifting their weight. This spectacular 15-minute "flight experience" costs €15.

SPA and sea

The 1.800-square-meter SPA & Sea area includes saunas, experience showers, and sixteen cabins for various beauty treatments. On Deck 14, eight relaxation lounges with various additional services can be booked for a fee.

Mein Schiff 1 - SPA & Sea

Entertainment

On all TUI Cruises ships, passengers enjoy a sophisticated entertainment program with shows, musical productions, concerts, and variety shows. The central venue on the new Mein Schiff 1 is the three-story theater located in the bow area, equipped with state-of-the-art stage technology.

Mein Schiff 1 - Acrobat in the Theater

The 150-seat Schaubühne (stage) has been added. While previous new ships boasted the "Sound House" and "Studio," the small theater enriches the evening entertainment with boulevard theater, stand-up comedy, and magic. The technical equipment includes fine-pixel LED screens and a sound system that creates the illusion of a concert hall.

My Ship 1 - Schaubühne

The previously described arena serves more than just sporting purposes. The space is also incorporated into the in-flight entertainment system. The LED screen, which extends from the ceiling, is suitable for broadcasts of Bundesliga matches, sporting events, or films, for example.

Classics on TUI Cruises ships include the Thalia Reading Lounge (Deck 3), the LUMAS Gallery and Bar (Deck 4), and the small casino on Deck 5 with its adjoining lounge and indoor smoking area. The dance bar is also still there. It has a different design and occasionally hosts escape room games. 

TUI Cruises cruise ships are also family ships, especially during holiday periods. It goes without saying that children and teenagers will find suitable and age-appropriate lounges on board as well as events appropriate to their age.

Mein Schiff 1 - Storm Free

Standards in environmental protection and energy efficiency

Cruise ships are generally classified as polluting by environmentalists. That fits especially on the ships of the older generations. In order to prevent such negative criticism, TUI Cruises relied on constructive measures with regard to environmental protection and energy efficiency in the newbuildings from the start.

The new Mein Schiff 1 has a combined exhaust aftertreatment system. It consists of a permanently running exhaust gas washer (scrubber) and catalysts for the main and auxiliary machines. This technology helps to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, especially in coastal and port areas.

Mein Schiff 1 - Cleaned Emissions

The shipping company emphasizes that the new Mein Schiff 1 consumes more than a third less energy than comparable ships. Other effective measures to save energy are: an effective energy management system, an innovative light control system, highly efficient air conditioning, the hydrodynamic shape of the hull of the ship and an environmentally friendly underwater paint. Energy is not wasted: the waste heat from the engines is used, for example, to heat the pools and to generate steam in the laundry.

However, TUI Cruises is only using the more environmentally friendly and low-emission liquid natural gas fuel for the two newbuilds announced for 2024 and 2026.

Information about the cruise ship

Rating Mein Schiff 1

The description of the ship and the photos are based on a tour of the ship in July 2018 and on additional information from TUI Cruises regular guests.

With its fifth consecutive new build, TUI Cruises presents, in our opinion, the most successful cruise ship to date in its eight-ship fleet. The new Mein Schiff 1 is a cruise ship for discerning and quality-conscious German-speaking cruisers. Passengers choosing this ship can rightly have high expectations for the company's new flagship.

Mein Schiff 1 - There is Motion in the Ocean - Art Installation

Updated Aug 2025