Wacken on Waves: The Big ZDF Check of Full Metal Cruise XII

Bild: TUI Cruises / ZDF
It is arguably the loudest phenomenon on the seven seas: When the Mein Schiff 3 hoists the black flag and hard riffs echo across the ocean instead of pop songs, it’s time for the Full Metal Cruise (FMC). At the end of December 2025, the German broadcaster ZDF dedicated extensive coverage to this event. We took a closer look at the report "Heavy Metal Kreuzfahrt" (Heavy Metal Cruise) and the accompanying streaming series to summarize the most exciting facts for you. One thing is certain: This is about much more than just loud music.

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Logistics at the Limit: A Ship in a State of Emergency Anyone who thinks a metal cruise is just a normal trip with different music is sorely mistaken. The ZDF research impressively shows what is achieved behind the scenes. In September 2025, the Mein Schiff 3 was transformed into a massive floating stage. Tons of technical equipment were hoisted on board to bring the sound up to festival standards. Captain Sven Kassel aptly described it as a "storm of sound" that could be felt from port to starboard and right into the furthest cabin.

A special challenge for the crew was the supply chain: The bunkers were filled to the brim with beer. Consumption on an FMC exceeds that of a standard cruise many times over – storage capacities had to be creatively expanded here to quench the thirst of around 2,500 fans.

Safety Before Party The fact that different rules apply at sea than in a field at Wacken was demonstrated by an incident covered by ZDF: broken glass in the pool. For General Manager Doreen Jana Kümpel, this was an absolute red alert. Since shards are invisible in water, the pool had to be completely drained, cleaned, and refilled – a time-consuming process that briefly dampened the mood but underscores TUI Cruises' high safety standards.

People Instead of Clichés The coverage is made particularly worth watching by its focus on the people. There are, for instance, Birte and Vanessa, two fans who saved up for two years for this trip. Their story dispels the prejudice that cruises are only for wealthy retirees. For them, the FMC is "family" and an inclusive place where you can be yourself.

There were also musical insights: The folk metal band "Kupfergold" was accompanied during their first performance at sea – from seasickness to technical failure shortly before the gig. Their successful mosh pit in the (empty) pool marked the emotional finale of the journey. Even Captain Kassel, perhaps skeptical at first, let himself be infected by the positive energy of the "Metal Family."

Conclusion and Outlook The ZDF reports confirm: The Full Metal Cruise is a logistical masterpiece and an example of the peaceful coexistence of different worlds. The concept is so successful that the next round has long been planned. FMC XIII will head to the Western Mediterranean in 2026 – good news for everyone who froze in the Baltic Sea, as the weather in September 2025 was indeed a challenge. Those who want to be there have to be quick – or hope for waiting lists, as the cabins are as good as sold out.