Captain Rautawaara Takes Helm of TUI Cruises' New Ship Flow

The decision to choose the same experienced navigator who oversaw the commissioning of the sister ship, the Mein Schiff Relax, is a strategic measure for operational risk mitigation. The Mein Schiff Flow is an XL ship with approximately 160,000 gross tonnage (GT) and a complex dual-fuel propulsion system (LNG). The expertise gained from the first prototype is thus directly transferred to the second vessel, which is expected to guarantee a smooth launch. Captain Rautawaara will manage the ship's handover from the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and establish the nautical and technical standards for this new, forward-looking generation of TUI Cruises' vessels.

TUI Cruises has made a clear statement with the choice of captain for the Mein Schiff Flow: they are relying on proven expertise. The experienced Finnish navigator Jan Gustaf Rautawaara is taking command of the second newbuild of the technically complex InTUItion class.

As the ninth member of the fleet, the Mein Schiff Flow will massively expand the premium segment offering in the German-speaking market. With a gross tonnage of approximately 160,000 GT and a length of 333 meters, the ship is one of the largest units TUI Cruises has ever operated. The strategic significance of this personnel decision lies in the ship's complexity. Like its sister ship Mein Schiff Relax, the Mein Schiff Flow is equipped with an advanced dual-fuel propulsion system designed to run primarily on the more environmentally friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Such technological prototypes require specialized knowledge during the initial phase.

Captain Rautawaara has already acquired this knowledge as the commander of the Mein Schiff Relax. TUI Cruises is deliberately utilizing this experience to eliminate the learning curve for the second, almost identical ship. The goal is a seamless transition from the shipyard to commercial operation. The captain not only guarantees nautical safety but also manages the acceptance at the Italian Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone as the Ship Delivery Captain and leads the mandatory sea trials.

His professional career with TUI Cruises is extensive: he previously served as Staff Captain on the initial fleet members (Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2 in their original form) and as Commander on the Mein Schiff 6. Therefore, he is deeply familiar with the company’s "Wohlfühlkonzept" (Feel-Good Concept). The Mein Schiff Flow is not only large but also designed with a forward-looking technological perspective. The LNG propulsion system significantly reduces emissions such as sulfur oxide and particulate matter. Furthermore, the ship is prepared to use Bio- or E-LNG (synthetic, nearly CO2-neutral gas) in the future. With a maximum passenger capacity of 3,984 guests and 18 or 19 decks, the ship offers plenty of space.

The amenities are designed to elevate the "Wohlfühlkonzept" to an XL level. The gastronomic offering will be highly diverse, with 14 restaurants and bistros, as well as 17 bars and lounges. Highlights include the Greek restaurant Taverna Dionysos and the specialty restaurant Fugu by Tim Raue. The expanded suite offering is particularly luxurious, featuring the Große Freiheit Suite (Great Freedom Suite). This suite spans two decks, offers approximately 88 square meters of living space, an additional 53 square meter veranda, an infrared sauna, and accommodates up to six people. With such exclusive accommodations, TUI Cruises is targeting the upper luxury segment.

The maiden voyage will begin in August 2026 from Palma de Mallorca. The initial itineraries will focus on the Western and Central Mediterranean, calling at established destinations such as Rome (Civitavecchia), La Spezia, Marseille, and Barcelona. This choice of logistically proven ports further ensures a smooth start for the new fleet giant. The nautical command will direct the vessel from the bridge, navigating to starboard (right) or port (left).