Captain Thomas Roth Departs TUI Cruises Following Successful Commissioning of Mein Schiff Relax

Captain Thomas Roth, who often referred to himself publicly as "Captain Tom," played a pivotal role during significant parts of the Mein Schiff Relax's construction phase. He closely supervised the build at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. His responsibilities encompassed conducting sea trials on the Adriatic Sea, the official handover of the vessel to TUI Cruises, the initial operational phase in the Western Mediterranean, and the celebratory christening ceremony in Malaga, Spain, where he was on board. Shortly after this milestone, he handed over command to his colleague, Captain Todd Burgman. It is now official that Captain Roth will not be returning to the Mein Schiff fleet.

With Thomas Roth's departure, TUI Cruises loses a mariner with extensive experience who was also highly popular among guests. The Swiss captain's decision to leave the company was made for personal reasons as he embarks on a new career path. Specific details about his future plans are not currently known. It remains to be seen whether he will continue his maritime career with another cruise line or if he will pursue a shore-based position, thereby concluding his seafaring career.

This event marks the second loss of a commissioning and christening captain for TUI Cruises within a year. Captain Omar Caruna had already left the "Wohlfühlflotte" (Feel-Good Fleet) following the introduction of Mein Schiff 7 in the previous year. Consequently, the supervision of the construction and subsequent commissioning of the ninth new build, Mein Schiff Flow, will now be undertaken by a different captain. The cruise line has not yet announced which mariner will be assigned this important task.