TUI Cruises Names Jan Rautawaara Captain of Mein Schiff Flow

TUI Cruises has appointed Finnish Captain Jan Rautawaara to take command of Mein Schiff Flow, the second ship in the line’s InTUItion-class newbuild series. The company said Rautawaara will lead the vessel’s inaugural voyages beginning in summer 2026, with sailings planned for the Western Mediterranean.

In comments released by TUI Cruises, Rautawaara tied the appointment to the ship’s debut. “It is an honor to lead the Mein Schiff Flow on its first voyages,” he said, adding that the bridge brings together modern systems with what he described as “the special spirit of seafaring.”

How Mein Schiff Flow will be deployed in its first seasons

TUI Cruises has positioned Mein Schiff Flow for Western Mediterranean operations during its early years in service. For the ship’s debut in summer 2026, the line plans eight- to 10-day itineraries departing from Palma de Mallorca.

The company’s planning for summer 2027 keeps the ship in the same region for its second summer season, with itineraries also scheduled to operate from/to Palma. TUI Cruises said bookings for its summer 2027 program are expected to open shortly.

Rautawaara’s background, from fleet leadership to newbuild operations

TUI Cruises highlighted a career path that blends operational leadership with new ship introduction work. The company said Rautawaara developed an early interest in maritime life along Finland’s coastline, attended navigation school, and later moved into international service before taking on senior roles within the Mein Schiff fleet.

• After completing navigation studies, he gained early sea-going experience and later served on international ships, according to TUI Cruises.
• He went on to serve as staff captain on the first Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2, roles the company cited as key steps in his progression within the brand.
• TUI Cruises said he later commanded Mein Schiff 6 and built additional experience in new construction and test operations, including navigation in what the company described as demanding conditions.
• In 2025, he took command of Mein Schiff Relax, the first InTUItion-class ship, ahead of his assignment to lead Mein Schiff Flow into service.

Summer 2027: a fleet-wide schedule built around Northern Europe and the Mediterranean

Alongside the captaincy announcement, TUI Cruises outlined itineraries for its Mein Schiff fleet for summer 2027, spanning Baltic and Nordic routes as well as Adriatic and wider Mediterranean sailings. The program includes a mix of five- to 12-day voyages, plus longer regional rotations depending on ship and homeport.

• Mein Schiff 1 will sail from Kiel on five- to 12-day itineraries calling at destinations such as Tallinn, Helsinki and Stockholm, as well as Norwegian ports including Geiranger and Tromsø.
• Mein Schiff 2 and Mein Schiff 3 are scheduled to depart from Bremerhaven, with Mein Schiff 3 set to feature maiden calls to the Lofoten and Vesterålen islands.
• Mein Schiff 4 is slated to cruise from Trieste to Adriatic ports including Dubrovnik, Kotor and Split, while Mein Schiff 5 will explore the Aegean and Ionian Seas with calls in Greece including Crete, Mykonos and Thessaloniki.
• Mein Schiff 6 is set to sail from Porto with itineraries to Spain, France and Morocco, before returning to Baltic and Norwegian routes in the autumn.
• Mein Schiff 7 will operate in the Baltic region and later transition to other itineraries from Kiel as the season progresses.

TUI Cruises also flagged Volos, alongside Thessaloniki and the Lofoten and Vesterålen islands, among additions highlighted for the 2027 program.

Onboard programming: family sailings and adults-only options

For summer 2027, TUI Cruises said it is planning family-friendly cruises with kids’ activities including creative workshops, family bingo and captain-led Q&A sessions. The program also includes four adults-exclusive sailings.

Design continuity from Mein Schiff Relax to Mein Schiff Flow

As the InTUItion-class rollout continues, TUI Cruises is also carrying design elements from Mein Schiff Relax to Mein Schiff Flow. JOI Design, the interior architecture studio behind key spaces onboard Mein Schiff Relax, has been selected to design areas on Mein Schiff Flow including the atrium, the Captain’s Bar and the French Bistro.

Wiethoff of JOI Design described the overall InTUItion project as tightly managed. “Everything was very clearly defined,” he said, pointing to a strict schedule and a clear meeting process.

Describing the approach on Mein Schiff Relax, Wiethoff said the studio worked with a calm palette referencing beach and sea and emphasized large windows in public areas. “Here, we connected inside and outside with an elegant but relaxed atmosphere,” he said, adding that the design team introduced a berry-toned accent in a lounge area on Deck 7 to create contrast.

For Mein Schiff Flow, JOI Design’s assignment is intended to align closely with the established direction rather than introduce a full redesign. “We changed some furniture and then we changed some surfaces,” Wiethoff said. TUI Cruises and the design team have said the aim is to keep continuity with Mein Schiff Relax while refining key public areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will Mein Schiff Flow begin operations?

TUI Cruises plans for Mein Schiff Flow to debut in summer 2026, offering eight- to 10-day Western Mediterranean itineraries departing from Palma de Mallorca.

Who will be the captain of Mein Schiff Flow?

Finnish Captain Jan Rautawaara has been appointed to command Mein Schiff Flow for its inaugural season.

What is the relationship between Mein Schiff Relax and Mein Schiff Flow?

Mein Schiff Relax is the first ship in TUI Cruises’ InTUItion class, and Mein Schiff Flow is the second vessel in the same class.

What are the highlights of TUI Cruises’ summer 2027 program?

The summer 2027 schedule includes Baltic and Nordic voyages, Adriatic itineraries from Trieste, and Aegean and Ionian sailings to destinations such as Crete, Mykonos and Thessaloniki. The company also highlighted additions including Volos and maiden calls to the Lofoten and Vesterålen islands.

Which onboard areas is JOI Design working on for Mein Schiff Flow?

JOI Design is working on key public spaces including the atrium, the Captain’s Bar and the French Bistro, with the goal of maintaining consistency with the design direction established on Mein Schiff Relax.