Austria
The moment has arrived: Another new member will join our cruise ship fleet today. The new Mein Schiff 1 will be named at the Hamburg Port Anniversary. The ship represents a new generation of ships operated by the Hamburg-based cruise line TUI Cruises. With 315 metres, she will be around 20 metres longer than the previous newbuilds and feature an additional deck. She can accommodate around 2,900 passengers, offering her guests premium feel-good holidays. The passengers can look forward to a larger selection of cabin options and great culinary diversity. Moreover, the new Mein Schiff 1 is a genuine sports and wellness ship. With a 438-metre jogging track, a covered multiplex sports arena, a 25-metre outdoor pool and a 2,000-sqm fitness area, she offers sufficient space for sports activities.
It is therefore a perfect match that the Olympic beach volleyball champions Kira Walkenhorst and Laura Ludwig will exchange the sand court against ship planks on Friday to christen the new ship of the Hamburg-based cruise line TUI Cruises. “All Germans shared the excitement when Kira and Laura won the Olympic gold medal in Rio two years ago. We are delighted that Germany’s number one in beach volleyball will name our new number one”, said Wybcke Meier, CEO TUI Cruises, commenting on the star cast for the naming ceremony.
On the banks of the Elbe river in Hamburg, overlooking Burchardkai, the HSV beach volleyballers have already warmed up for the special moment. After undergoing surgery last year, Kira Walkenhorst has already resumed training for the forthcoming season: “I train every day to get back in shape and return to competition. The possibility of training on a cruise ship opens up entirely new perspectives. I will propose to my coach to shift our training programme here to train on board”, the athlete laughed. Her team partner Laura Ludwig added: “Being a godmother for a cruise ship is a true debut for me. I hope I will have sufficient time to explore the ship. I am not only interested in her sports facilities but also the restaurants and the Kids Club.”
