Mein Schiff Relax: Successful start of test cruises on the Mediterranean

Von lappino - https://www.shipspotting.com, CC BY 4.0, Link
Mein Schiff Relax has now embarked on its first voyage and left the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The ship, an LNG-powered newbuild for TUI Cruises, started its first trial voyage on the Mediterranean. On Tuesday morning at 10 a.m., supported by two tugboats, the ship continued its journey towards Palermo, on the Sicilian island.

This milestone in the construction process is of great significance, as Mein Schiff Relax is now underway under its own power for the first time. During the voyage, numerous maneuvers will be carried out under strict supervision, with experts from the shipping company, the shipyard and the classification society on board.

Captain Thomas Roth, who has been accompanying the construction project in Monfalcone as the start-up captain since August 2024, is also on board. The ship's state-of-the-art bridge, the future workplace of Roth and his nautical crew, was prepared for use in the shipyard a month before the start of this first sea trial.

The first trial voyage is expected to end in Palermo on Friday, October 11, 2024. This is another Fincantieri shipyard site where final work is usually carried out after the sea trials. Final checks on the hull can be carried out in the dry dock in particular.

With the sea trials, which involve significantly more demanding maneuvers than is usual in regular cruise operations, the construction of Mein Schiff Relax is entering its final phase. While testing is taking place at sea, work is certainly continuing inside and on the outer decks. If everything goes according to plan, the ship will set sail on its maiden voyage in spring 2025.

Technical data of Mein Schiff Relax:
Length/width: 333 meters/42.1 meters
Gross tonnage: 158,640
Decks: 18
Cabins: 1,945
Passengers: 3,984
Crew: 1,535
Shipyard: Fincantieri, Monfalcone
Flag: Malta
Propulsion: LNG (liquefied natural gas)
Maximum speed: 21.5 knots