TUI Cruises' Mein Schiff Flow Completes First Mediterranean Sea Trials

TUI Cruises’ next newbuild, Mein Schiff Flow, has completed its first round of technical and nautical sea trials in the Mediterranean, a key step toward the ship’s scheduled 2026 debut. The company said the February program assessed core performance metrics and major onboard systems under real operating conditions, with additional LNG-focused testing planned in the coming weeks.

Sea trials tested performance, safety systems, and emergency maneuvering

According to TUI Cruises, the trials evaluated engine performance, propulsion behavior, maneuverability, and a range of technical systems. The program also included checks of stabilizers, anchoring systems, and safety-related equipment.

Georgios Vagiannis, director of newbuild at TUI Cruises, said the ship met expectations during the tests. “The Mein Schiff Flow fully convinced us during the sea trials — it is technically state-of-the-art, extremely maneuverable, and safe,” he said.

TUI Cruises highlighted a series of handling demonstrations carried out during the trial period, including 360-degree turns, zigzag courses, and emergency procedures such as the Williamson turn performed at top speed.

Construction in Monfalcone and a dual-fuel propulsion setup

Mein Schiff Flow is under construction at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. It will be the second ship in TUI Cruises’ InTUItion class, following Mein Schiff Relax, which began its maiden season in the spring of 2025.

The vessel is equipped with a dual-fuel propulsion system designed to operate on marine diesel or natural gas, including Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). While the February trials were described as extensive, TUI Cruises said a separate sea trial focused specifically on LNG propulsion is slated to take place in the coming weeks.

Looking further ahead, the company has also said it plans to incorporate green e-/bio-LNG as part of efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, but it has not provided a timeline for when e-/bio-LNG would be introduced into regular operations.

Christening in Trieste and first sailings in summer 2026

TUI Cruises has scheduled Mein Schiff Flow’s christening for June 20, 2026, in the port of Trieste. The event is tied to an eight-day cruise sold in two date options, June 17 to 25, 2026, and June 18 to 26, 2026, with bookings set to open on February 26, 2026.

TUI Cruises has described the itinerary as running from Trieste to Palma (Mallorca). In its published sequence, Trieste and Palma appear on multiple lines, reflecting multiple in-port days alongside transit days and calls.

• Trieste and Koper are listed early in the sailing, with the itinerary showing a call to Koper followed by a return to Trieste and additional Trieste in-port days.
• The program then includes a day at sea before a call at Palermo, followed by another day at sea.
• The itinerary ends in Palma (Mallorca), with Palma shown on multiple lines in the published sequence, indicating more than one in-port day at the end of the cruise.

TUI Cruises released indicative starting prices for the christening-linked sailings. For June 17 to 25, prices start at €2,049 per person for a balcony cabin and €4,949 per person for a Junior Suite. For June 18 to 26, the listed starting prices are €2,019 per person for a balcony cabin and €4,899 per person for a Junior Suite.

After the June christening voyage, the first official cruises for Mein Schiff Flow are scheduled to depart from Palma on July 9, 2026.

A first-of-its-kind godmother search open to past guests

In a separate announcement tied to the christening, TUI Cruises said it is breaking with tradition by seeking the ship’s godmother from among former Mein Schiff guests. Applicants must have traveled with the fleet at least once and be of legal age, with submissions made through TUI’s website.

Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises, framed the campaign as a milestone for the brand’s community. “With the Mein Schiff Flow, we are writing a new chapter: For the first time, a Mein Schiff fan will have the opportunity to take on this unique role,” Meier said.

To apply, guests are asked to submit three photos, a personal text or story, and a video describing their connection to the Mein Schiff brand. TUI Cruises also said that if the selected winner indicates she learned about the application process through a travel agent, the agent will receive an invitation to attend the christening, a step the company described as a way to strengthen ties between travel partners and customers.

With further technical milestones still ahead, including the upcoming LNG-focused sea trial, the next major dates on the calendar are the June 2026 christening in Trieste and the start of scheduled service from Palma in July 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of propulsion system will Mein Schiff Flow use?

Mein Schiff Flow is equipped with a dual-fuel propulsion system designed to operate on marine diesel and natural gas, including LNG. TUI Cruises has also said it plans to incorporate green e-/bio-LNG in the future as part of efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, though no timeline has been provided.

When and where will Mein Schiff Flow be christened?

The ship is scheduled to be christened on June 20, 2026, in the port of Trieste, as part of an eight-day cruise itinerary.

Who can apply to be the godmother of Mein Schiff Flow?

TUI Cruises says applicants must be of legal age and have sailed with the Mein Schiff fleet at least once. Applications are submitted via the company’s website and include three photos, a personal text or story, and a video.

When do bookings open for the christening-related cruises?

TUI Cruises has set February 26, 2026, as the booking opening date for the two eight-day sailings tied to the christening, running June 17 to 25 and June 18 to 26, 2026.