The first major cruise ship is back in service when TUI’s Mein Schiff 2 set out on its first “Blue Cruise” from Hamburg with 1,200 guests on board.
The TUI Cruises ship will not visit any ports, but will sail near Norway for a three-night scenic cruise before returning to Germany.
Capacity on the ship has been aggressively reduced, with the ship capable of accommodating some 2,900 guests, it will now operate with only 1,200 on board following numerous new health and safety protocols.
TUI Cruises CEO Wybcke Meier was on hand for the departure and Sebastian Ebel, responsible member of the TUI Group Executive Board, was also in Hamburg on Friday.
TUI will add a second ship, the Mein Schiff 1, in service in August. The brand is a joint venture between TUI Group and Royal Caribbean.
AIDA, the German brand of Carnival Corporation, will follow with a planned launch in August with a trio of ships sailing from various German ports.
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