The first ship of TUI Cruises docked at the Lloyd Wharf in Bremerhaven on Thursday, 03/26/09, after a successful journey from the Caribbean. This marks the beginning of a 38-day long wharf stay for the future “Mein Schiff”, during which it will be comprehensively remodeled to fit the new concept. The remodeling investment amounts to 50 million euros.

Richard J. Vogel, CEO of TUI Cruises, is happy to see the ship safely inside the docks: “This is the beginning of the last phase of our exciting founding history for the time being – the commissioning of the first ship of TUI Cruises.” The cruise company was founded less than twelve months ago. The team and the suppliers of the wharf are all set. Director Werner Lüken explains: “Everything is well prepared, and our side is ready for the countdown to start.”

After the completion of the wharf works, the ship will comprise a total of 964 cabins, half of which featuring a veranda or a balcony. A so-called duck tail will be attached to the ship’s body in a technically challenging process in order to balance out the additional weight from the newly installed balconies. The modern spa will boast 1,700 square meters, double its current area, and a completely new design. The restaurants will also be remodeled. Some, such as the “Blaue Welt Bar-Sushi” and the steak house will be completely rebuilt.

The cabins will be remodeled to match the contemporary standards of the guests by means of new decorating elements and state-of-the-art equipment, such as flat screens, for example.

For security reasons, public viewing of the ship will not be allowed during the stay at the wharf.

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. The „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.