Hamburg, 2 May 2023

Freshen-up and sustainability upgrades for Mein Schiff 1 in Hamburg's traditional "Elbe 17" dock

  • Classification and beautification work successfully completed
  • Third ship of Mein Schiff fleet receives final shore power connection
  • Ebbe & Flut – Beer Bar shines in new look

After its winter season in the sun of Central America, Mein Schiff 1 is back in European waters and has been made fit for the summer and beyond. From 21 April to 2 May, Captain Jan Fortun docked the ship for routine maintenance work in Hamburg's traditional dock "Elbe 17". Over the course of eleven days, Mein Schiff 1 underwent numerous modernizations and redesigns during its stay in the shipyard. In its new splendour, Mein Schiff 1 departs today on a nine-day voyage from Bremerhaven to Norway. 

‘’A shipyard period with Lürssen is always something special and for us, as a Hamburg-based business, a home game, so to speak," says Ulrich Voss, Director Shipmanagement & Hotel Refurbishment. "In a great team effort, shipyard workers, technicians and engineers, as well as approximately 1,100 crew members in the dry dock, have prepared Mein Schiff 1 for the guests of the coming months."

Shore power connection for almost emission-free ship operation in port

Following Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 6, Mein Schiff 1 is the third ship in the Mein Schiff fleet to have received shore power connection on board. This means that half of the Mein Schiff fleet can utilise shore-side power in ports where it is available. To install the system, an additional door was cut into the ship through which the six-centimetre-thick shore power cables are fed into the ship in port. "As early as November, Mein Schiff 5 and, in January 2024, Mein Schiff 2 will also be equipped with a shore power connection. In this way, we want to support the further development of using external power supply in port and increase the demand for more environmentally efficient ship operations," says Voss.

A "HELCOM upgrade" also took place – the wastewater aftertreatment system has been improved even further. The plant complies with the strict limits for phosphate and nitrate in wastewater, which were specifically set for the sensitive waters of the Baltic Sea. 

In addition, the outer skin of Mein Schiff 1 has been given a new silicone coating. This reduces resistance during the voyage and therefore achieves significant fuel savings and emission reductions. This is all part of TUI Cruises commitment to climate protection.

Northern German flair meets industrial design

In addition to regular maintenance and technical innovations, the time in dry dock was also used for interior design enhancements. The Ebbe & Flut beer bar shines in new splendour: an industrial design, with numerous wood and copper elements, it invites you to linger. In cooperation with the Hamburg Ratsherrn brewery, the focus in the future will be on regionally brewed beers. In addition to the golden barley juice, Mein Schiff 1 offers its guests a range of dishes in the Ebbe & Flut – Beer Bar, in true North German style from a Hamburg restaurant called "Altes Mädchen".

New Gallery Area on Deck 4: Inspiration for creatives & art lovers

In the new gallery area of Mein Schiff 1, art lovers will in the future be able to choose from fine art prints, unique serigraphs, and even one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Queens Art Galleries specialize in modern and contemporary art, and works closely with established and emerging international artists, including James Francis Gill, Bob Dylan and SAXA. Also, the adjacent area from the travel advisor as well as the Shore Excursions department have both received a make-over.

In its summer season, Mein Schiff 1 sails on various routes from Norway and Warnemünde along the Baltic Sea, before setting off for the Canary Islands in autumn, where it will spend the winter season.

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.

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