Successful transfer of „Mein Schiff“ („My Ship“) in Puerto Rico. Arrival in Bremerhaven on March 27.
Perfect transfer: With the acquisition of the MS Galaxy, formerly sailing for the American sea carrier Celebrity Cruises, in Puerto Rico, TUI Cruises is now officially proprietor of their first ship. The MS Galaxy, which was still sailing the Caribbean for Celebrity Cruises a few days ago, left the port of San Juan under the new flag on Wednesday, and remodeling will be begun even on the passage to Bremerhaven. After the arrival of the MS Galaxy on March 27, the remodeling into „Mein Schiff“ will be completed within only 38 days. Both parties agreed to keep the buying price confidential.
It hasn’t been eleven months from the foundation of TUI Cruises to the acquisition of their first ship. „This is a historic day for us“, says Richard J. Vogel, CEO of TUI Cruises. The MS Galaxy, to officially sail the seas under the name of „Mein Schiff“ starting from May 15, was assembled in 1996 in the Meyer wharf and comprises large, open spaces that fit well with the new concept of TUI Cruises. The remodeling will be comprehensive and allow „Mein Schiff“ to welcome German guests with a tailored, renewed splendor. Additional balcony cabins, new restaurants and a modern spa area of 1,700 square meters are among the most challenging modifications on board.
On May 15, TUI Cruises will celebrate the christening of „Mein Schiff“ at the Hamburg fish market. 200,000 people are expected to attend the event and join TUI Cruises in the celebration of the introduction of „Mein Schiff“ before its departure to a short trip and its return in the following morning.
TUI Cruises is a joint venture of TUI AG and the US-American sea carrier Royal Caribbean Cruise Ltd. The newly founded company, based in Hamburg, will be offering premium cruises for the German-speaking market starting from May 2009. The concept is aimed especially towards couples and families who look for space, abundance, quality and service in a cruise. „Mein Schiff“, the first vessel in the fleet, is a four-star plus ship. During the first season, TUI Cruises will offer Nordic and Baltic Sea cruises from May to September. From September to early November, „Mein Schiff“ will then head for the western Mediterranean Sea. Cruises through the Caribbean will be available from November 2009 to March 2010.
Our picture shows the new TUI uniforms: casually and light-heartedly into the summer.
