TUI Cruises Transforms Indian Ocean Voyage into Adults-Only Cruise – Families Forced to Cancel

TUI Cruises Converts Indian Ocean Voyage into Exclusive Adults-Only Cruise – Families Required to Rebook
TUI Cruises has abruptly reclassified a planned voyage of the Mein Schiff 6 in the Indian Ocean as an adults-only cruise. The journey, scheduled from November 17 to December 10, 2025, will sail from Cape Town to Singapore—now excluding younger passengers. Since the decision was made retroactively, families with children who had already booked were forced to cancel their trips.

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Given that the voyage falls outside school holiday periods, only a limited number of families were likely affected. Nevertheless, the cruise line’s approach has sparked frustration, with some guests considering legal action. The cancellations impact both passengers who booked only the Cape Town-Singapore segment and those planning a longer itinerary. Whether these cancellations are legally justified may ultimately be decided in court.

Themed Cruise as a Marketing Strategy – TUI Cruises Tests Adults-Only Concept

The rebranding of the cruise as a themed voyage primarily serves as an additional selling point in the company’s extensive portfolio. The move suggests TUI Cruises is experimenting with whether exclusive adults-only trips are more marketable during the off-season. However, the media backlash over the sudden exclusion of families may have caught the cruise line off guard.

Ideally, TUI Cruises should have communicated the adults-only policy at the outset to avoid such conflicts. If similar voyages are offered in the future, a more transparent approach would be advisable. That said, since Mein Schiff operates one of Germany’s largest mass-market fleets, a long-term shift toward adults-only cruises seems unlikely—families remain a core customer base.

The Mein Schiff announcement of the first adults-only cruise:

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Enjoy the first adults only cruise with Mein Schiff 6
Pure relaxation in the Indian Ocean

This cruise is all about relaxation and is specially designed to meet the needs of adults. The first “Adults only: Pure relaxation in the Indian Ocean” voyage of the Mein Schiff fleet departs from Cape Town on November 17 and continues to Singapore until December 10. This exclusive 23-night voyage takes guests from the breathtaking coast of South Africa to the tropical paradise of Mauritius, the cultural treasures of Sri Lanka and the modern metropolis of Singapore. The route offers extended days at sea, perfect for relaxation and recreation - in the middle of the vast ocean. During this time, guests are immersed in a journey where they can rediscover freedom on board Mein Schiff 6.

Whether authentic Far Eastern specialties in Hanami - by Tim Raue, Italian delicacies in the Osteria - Pizza e Pasta or one of the daily changing 5-course menus in the stylish ambience of the Atlantik - Klassik - there is something for every connoisseur. Soothing wellness offers and the sports program in the SPA & Meer on Mein Schiff 6 are also perfectly tailored to the wishes and needs of adults. In addition, a variety of shows and surprises ensure relaxed entertainment.

A special highlight of this cruise is the presence of guest expert Eva Wellner. As a mental coach and expert in nutrition and sport, she will offer guests valuable tips and workshops that contribute to a holistic sense of well-being.