Marella Cruises Plans First Newbuilds: Two Ships Ordered from Fincantieri

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Marella Cruises Enters a New Era with First-Ever Newbuilds
British cruise brand Marella Cruises, part of the TUI Group, is preparing for a major milestone: For the first time, the company plans to expand its fleet with custom-built new ships rather than refurbished secondhand vessels. Currently operating five ships originally constructed for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, the line aims to introduce newbuilds in the early 2030s.

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During recent discussions with financial analysts, TUI executives revealed advanced negotiations with a European shipyard. Unlike the "InTUItion Class" ships designed for its German sister brand TUI Cruises, Marella will pursue a unique concept. While TUI Cruises operates as a joint venture with Royal Caribbean, Marella is wholly owned by the TUI Group.

Update – March 31, 2025: Agreement Signed with Fincantieri

Today, Marella Cruises announced a decisive step forward: The company signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for two new cruise ships. Each vessel will measure approximately 120,000 GT, with expected deliveries in 2030 and 2032. The preliminary contract, which must still be finalized into a firm order, is valued at around €2 billion—subject to standard financing and contractual conditions.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership: "We are proud to welcome Marella Cruises as a client and support their entry into the newbuild market. This collaboration highlights our expertise in innovative ship design and sustainability while reinforcing our long-term industry position."

This move marks a strategic shift for Marella Cruises, which has historically relied on refurbished vessels—including the former "Mein Schiff Herz," renamed "Marella Voyager" upon joining the fleet in 2023. The new ships will be tailored specifically to British cruise passengers. Fincantieri is already constructing TUI Cruises’ "InTUItion" class, with the lead ship "Mein Schiff Relax" delivered in February 2025 and its sister vessel "Mein Schiff Flow" scheduled for 2026.

By investing in newbuilds, Marella Cruises is positioning itself for greater sustainability and competitiveness in the dynamic cruise market.