Hamburg, 29 September 2020

Two further COVID-19 tests provide negative results for 12 crew members

Possible false alarm on board Mein Schiff 6 of TUI Cruises

12 unclear positive COVID-19 tests on crew of Mein Schiff 6, reported yesterday in routine tests, have now been identified as negative by two further tests (PCR tests, performed by TUI Cruises, and antigen rapid test of the Greek authorities). A further PCR test, carried out by the Greek authorities, should confirm this again. The results are expected later today. TUI Cruises fully cooperates with the Greek authorities in accordance with the pre-agreed processes within the hygiene and health concept of TUI Cruises.

The entire crew has not become conspicuous in the last 14 days. None of the 12 crew members has any symptoms. As a pure precautionary measure and in accordance with the strict procedures for the resumption of cruise operations, which have been coordinated with the authorities in Greece, the 12 crew members in question as well as 24 crew members of contact group 1 were immediately isolated on board on Monday. (also the 24 crew members of contact group 1 were tested by Greek authorites with an antigen test, all results negative). Until the final results are available, they will remain isolated and will be cared for.

Thanks to the extensive hygiene measures and clearance rules on board, there is no reason for guests and crew to worry. Since no guests are affected or belong to contact group 1, no tests on guests are necessary. As soon as the Greek authorities give their approval, the cruise will continue as planned. It is also planned to reschedule the shore excursions of guests in Piraeus to tomorrow, Wednesday, which were scheduled for today.

Mein Schiff 6 is currently cruising in Greece with 922 guests and 666 crew members. The cruise started on Sunday, September 27, in Heraklion/Crete.

About the hygiene- and health concept of TUI Cruises

For the resumption of cruise operations in times of Corona, TUI Cruises has developed a health and hygiene concept together with medical experts and adapted all processes before and during the cruise (including mandatory health questionnaire, mandatory PCR test before the cruise, daily temperature checks for guests and crew), at check-in (including mandatory digital check-in, staggered check-in times) and in the guest and crew areas to comply with hygiene and distance regulations. In order to comply with the distance regulations on land, the passenger capacity on board is limited to a maximum of 60 percent; only balcony cabins and suites will be occupied. Already existing and very high hygiene standards were supplemented by additional cleaning and disinfection measures. TUI Cruises is also prepared for emergencies.

Existing structures and already very strict measures to prevent the spread of viral diseases have been further tightened and adapted to the current situation. Each ship has always had its own on-board hospital with trained personnel. All precautionary measures are based on the medical standards of renowned institutions such as the German Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the World Health Organization (WHO) and comply with the guidelines of the Greek authorities for resuming cruise operations.

About TUI Cruises

TUI Cruises GmbH is one of the leading cruise operators in German-speaking countries. The joint venture between TUI AG and the US cruise company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. employs around 750 people in Hamburg and Berlin. A fleet of seven ships sails for the Mein Schiff brand. Since the end of 2020, the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises brand has also been part of TUI Cruises GmbH with a fleet of currently five ships. The Mein Schiff fleet offers contemporary holidays at sea in the premium segment (Mein Schiff 1 to Mein Schiff 6 and Mein Schiff Herz / bed capacity: 17,800). Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is one of the leading cruise brands in the German-speaking world in the luxury and expedition segment with a 130-year history. TUI Cruises operates one of the most modern and environmentally and climate-friendly fleets in the world. In the course of sustainable growth, three more new ships are planned until 2026.