The future Mein Schiff Relax from TUI Cruises has successfully completed its first round of sea trials, performing exceptionally well for maneuverability in the Adriatic Sea.

The 161,000 gross tonne ship, the largest ever built for TUI Cruises and the first of the new and highly innovative inTUItion class ships, completed various maneuvers during her first round of sea trials.

Designed to ensure that the ship can pivot, turn and correct course properly, these maneuvers include a zig-zag run, a 360-degree circle turn on a tight radius, a standoff distance test ” accident stop’ and a Williamson turn, a particular type of 180-degree reciprocal turn used in overboard situations.

“It’s a very special situation” said Moritz Schaefer, Chief Deck Officer. “I hope this will be the last man overboard maneuver this ship ever has to sail.”

Mein Schiff Relax he completed all these maneuvers well at full speed, thoroughly demonstrating his skill and responsiveness – something that was not necessarily guaranteed. New ship designs often have difficulties and challenges that are not revealed until these types of sea trials.

“This is not a given for a prototype with many technical innovations and an extremely modern and innovative bridge.” said TUI Cruises. “The successful sea trial shows that the first ship in the Mein Schiff fleet to be equipped with two Azipodes is steering confidently and safely.”

“It is very important that we do these tests as early as possible so that we have some time before delivery,” said Georgios Vagiannis, Newbuild Director for TUI Cruises. “To make sure everything works well.”

It should be noted that that of the ship liquefied natural gas (LNG) operation. it was not tested during this first round of sea trials, but will undergo its own rigorous operational tests during another round in a few weeks.

It is normal for new cruise ships to go through several rounds of sea trials, each focusing on different systems and actions. Safety, navigation, propulsion, manoeuvrability, emergency responses and other features are all thoroughly tested in various scenarios to ensure the vessel’s full functionality.

While many tests and safety checks are carried out during the construction of the ship, sea trials are necessary because some systems cannot be fully tested unless the ship is at sea.

“The ship’s behavior is being fine-tuned on a test drive, you might say.” explained the ship’s starting captain, Tom Roth. “It is also extremely exciting for us. We are really learning how our ship behaves. How it handles. Everything is tested down to the smallest detail.”

Other systems tested in this first round include the group system for lowering lifeboats, emergency horn signals and other related functions.

“The maneuverability of our new Mein Schiff Relax, what it has proven, what it can do, far exceeded our expectations.” Roth said.

All of the ship’s officers, cruise line executives and shipyard authorities on board for the sea trials are remarking on how exciting and exciting the results are as the ship moves into the next phase of construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

“We usually compare the sea trial to a school test: if you’ve studied, you can aim for a good result.” said Massimo Canesin, vice president of production for Fincantieri. “I can say that I studied, because I finished the test at sea with a good result. The behavior of the ship is unbelievable.”

Mein Schiff Relax Debut

While the new ship passed the first sea trials, a much work remains to be done before Mein Schiff Relax is ready for delivery and welcomes guests.

The interior of the ship, although framed and recognized in various spaces, has not yet been fitted out and all interior design work has not yet been completed. Carpeting, artwork, seating and other finishing touches are still missing, but the ship remains on schedule at this time.

It is normal to carry out early sea trials, while outfitting work will be done once the ship’s critical systems are confirmed fully operational and properly certified.

Vessel launched in November 2023and further detailed work will now be completed as well as further sea trials.

Mein Schiff Relax is scheduled for her maiden voyage to depart on March 16, 2025 from Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The 7-night sailing will include port visits in Italy and Spain.

The vessel’s official christening is planned to be in Malaga, Spain on April 9, 2025. Further details of what is sure to be a memorable event have yet to be released.

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The ship will remain homeport from Palma de Mallorca until October 2025, offering a diverse range of 7- to 10-night itineraries visiting top destinations such as Las Spezia, Marseille, Barcelona, ​​Valencia, Cadiz, Lisbon, Rome, Naples, Palermo and much more.

Up to 3,984 passengers will be able to enjoy Mein Schiff Relax on every sailing, with around 1,100 international crew members on board to ensure everyone has the most relaxing cruise holiday possible.