Successful seatrials of Mein Schiff Relax: State-of-the-art technology and new maneuvering capabilities at TUI Cruises

Von lappino - https://www.shipspotting.com, CC BY 4.0, Link
The Hamburg-based cruise company TUI Cruises recently released a video documenting the completed seatrials of the “Mein Schiff Relax”. The first trial voyage of the new cruise ship took place from October 8 to 11, starting at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and leading to Palermo in Sicily, where the ship was brought into dry dock for a week. The “Mein Schiff Relax” then continued its return journey to the shipyard in Monfalcone to undergo final tests.

The technical and nautical experts from TUI Cruises were impressed by the results of the seatrials. According to the start-up captain Thomas Roth, who is accompanying the commissioning of the new ship for the shipping company, the “Mein Schiff Relax” has achieved above-average results in various maneuvering situations in the Mediterranean. The published video gives a detailed insight into the seatrial maneuvers carried out.

In technical terms, the “Mein Schiff Relax” differs significantly from the previous models in the Mein Schiff fleet. Instead of conventional rudder propellers, the newbuild is equipped with so-called azipods - rotating propeller nacelles that enable a full 360-degree rotation and thus ensure increased maneuverability. In addition, the ship is the first in the fleet to be able to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), which significantly increases its environmental friendliness.

TUI Cruises press release:
The “Mein Schiff Relax”, a prototype of the newly launched InTUItion class, has successfully completed the seatrials in the Mediterranean. These tests are particularly important for a technically innovative prototype with numerous new features and an ultra-modern bridge.

During these open sea trials, the focus was not only on the ship's performance, but also on its maneuverability. Many of the on-board systems can only be fully tested during operation at sea. During maneuvers such as the Williamson turn, a zigzag course and a 360-degree turning circle, the “Mein Schiff Relax” was able to demonstrate its extraordinary maneuverability even at top speeds. The successful completion of the seatrials confirms that the first Azipod-powered ship in the Mein Schiff fleet navigates safely and stably. Further test voyages in the coming weeks will test the new LNG propulsion system separately.

The first deployment of the “Mein Schiff Relax” is planned for March 16, 2025 from Palma, and the ceremonial christening of the new fleet member will take place in Málaga on April 9, 2025.