The ship was officially welcomed with a Plaque & Key Ceremony attended among others by Kiel's mayor, Dr Ulf Kämpfer, as well as TUI Cruises' ceo, Wybcke Meier.
Mein Schiff 4 is now due to operate a number of intro and famm cruises ahead of her formal christening at Kiel on June 5.
Her godmother will be 1978-born Franziska van Almsick, a German swimmer who won numerous titles including her first Olympic medal back in 1992 at the age of 14.
Numerous spectators observed Mein Schiff 4 yesterday as she entered Kiel Fjord in the early morning hours to dock at the Ostseekai Cruise Terminal.
The ship arrived bound from JadeWeserPort (Wilhelmshaven) where technical tests had been conducted.
TUI Cruises has been calling Kiel since 2009. Including Mein Schiff 4, the line has made 77 visits so far. ‘The christening of Mein Schiff 4 will be a wonderful present to Kiel and the highlight of this year's cruise season,’ Dr Claus said, describing the event ‘as an expression of the long-term trustful partnership between operator and port.’
Mein Schiff 4 remains berthed at Kiel until Friday night, taking on stores and provisions.
Following the official naming the vessel is due to embark on her official maiden voyage to the Baltic Sea cities. For the rest of the 2015 summer season, 11 North Europe/Baltic cruises from Kiel are scheduled.Â
