TUI Group accelerates expansion of its cruise fleet in Germany and UK

TUI Cruises’ current Mein Schiff 2, which was set to transfer to TUI’s British subsidiary Marella Cruises, will now remain within TUI Cruises. Including the new Mein Schiff 2, scheduled for delivery in 2019, TUI Cruises’ fleet will grow to seven ships. At the same time, Marella Cruises will also continue to modernise its fleet.

TUI UK & Ireland will acquire SkySea Golden Era from Royal Carribean Cruises for the Group’s British cruise subsidiary. The purchase price was not disclosed.

The investment equates to the initial plans for the acquisition of Mein Schiff 2. Following extensive renovation, the ship will launch as the adults-only Marella Explorer 2 in 2019.

TUI has identified the cruise business as one of the key pillars of its growth roadmap worldwide. Sebastian Ebel, member of TUI Group’s executive board in charge of cruises, remarked: ‘We will continue to invest in our cruise portfolio and expand, modernise and rejuvenate our fleet. With these decisions we increase the offer at TUI Cruises and accelerate the expansion of this growth segment.’

TUI’s cruise fleet will grow to 18 vessels by 2023.

The change within TUI Cruises’ fleet planned for summer 2018 will be implemented as scheduled: The new Mein Schiff 1 will launch in May. The previous Mein Schiff 1 will transfer to Marella Cruises as Marella Explorer.

In 2019, the new Mein Schiff 2 will join the Mein Schiff fleet.

Also in 2019, the Hamburg-based TUI subsidiary Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will introduce the luxury expedition newbuilds Hanseatic Nature and Hanseatic Inspiration.

For 2023, TUI Group has announced a further newbuild: Mein Schiff 7, for TUI Cruises. This addition will increase the size of the fleet operated by TUI Group around the world to a total of 18 cruise ships.

TUI Group’s fleet currently comprises 15 cruise ships operated by its subsidiaries TUI Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and Marella Cruises.

Add Seatrade Cruise News to your Google News feed.