Cruise - A new MEIN SCHIFF 1 is comming

The new MEIN SCHIFF 1 is comming 2018 to replace the existing MEIN SCHIFF 1 the former CELEBRITY CRUISES vessel GALAXY, later CELEBRITY GALAXY. After a multimillion € refit by transforming normal outside cabins into balcony cabins, and lengthening the up to 262 meter with a new sponson at the stern (beam 32,2m, draught 8,5m).
The existing and the new MEIN SCHIFF 1 are no luxury cruise vessels, but in the mass market a real premium product. The passenger numbers are near to 3,000 and the crew at 1,000, which will be stress for the crew per se.
I want to give a first glimpse at the interiors of the new MEIN SCHIFF 1. In comparison to the WOW and EFFECT hashing cruisers, a calm designed ship interior.

by Earl of Cruise

The new MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering - courtesy TUI CRUISES

The former GALAXY was the first new ship of the ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES Ltd. and TUI GROUP´s joint venture - TUI CRUISES. GALAXY lost its US American tastes related interiors at BLOHM+VOSS with the consulting of German hotel and interior architects.

MEIN SCHIFF 1 was never really advertised with her total passenger capacity, but only with the number of cabins. In Germany there is a certain "unwillingness" for big numbers on cruise vessels - otherwise, most can do their maths and calculate. TUI CRUISES is playing this card to be recognized as more upmarket than competitor AIDA CRUISES, which lost its suffix "Club Cruises", when CARNIVAL took over parent company PRINCESS CRUISES, subsidiary of P&O CRUISES, to become a further me-too mass market product.

AIDA and TUI CRUISES are registered in European countries with convient flages. TUI CRUISES in Malta, while AIDA is registered under the very convient consitions of the Italian second register - nearly like Panama or Liberia.

The Finnish shipyard MEYER TURKU launched the MEIN SCHIFF 1 on 29 October, the first of a new series of two cruise ships for the German company TUI CCRUISES. Put on hold last February, this vessel is an evolution of the Mein Schiff 3, Mein Schiff 4, Mein Schiff 5 and Mein Schiff 6, four 293 metre units, 99,800 GT and 1267 cabins that came into service between 2014 and 2017.

Christening of MEIN SCHIFF 6 in Hamburg - courtesy TUI CRUISES

Larger and equipped with new equipment, the MEIN SCHIFF 1 measures 315 metres, with a tonnage of 111,500 GT. Some 180 cabins are added, 1447 in all, for a total capacity of 2,894 passengers, served by 1,000 crew members.

A second identical liner, the MEIN SCHIFF 2, is already under construction for completion in 2019.

On the occasion of the launch of the MEIN SCHIFF 1, which will be christened on 11 May 2018 in Hamburg, the public spaces of this new unit were unveiled by the company some days ago.

To me a real surprise. The interiror is without a cheap WOW factor and trash gold. The TUI CRUISES vessels are a more agreeable contrast to fake luxury, trash interiors. For marketing reasons TUI did decides for one name and a number for its ships ... as once RENAISSANCE CRUISE, with their last blow R1 to R8 ... quite "intelligent". Using a prefix or suffix is quite more my taste, despite being too much "marketing cry", but all the same name with a number added ... to me dull ...

Where the "old" MEIN SCHIFF 1 will be in the future within the TUI Group as MARELLA EXPLORER or MARELLA DISCOVERY in the British market.

But the following renderings will give a perspective of what to expect on board the new MEIN SCHIFF 1.

Lounges - Bars - Restaurants

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the Ebbe und Flut Bier Bar - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the TUI Bar - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the Bar Ankelmanns Platz - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, two renderings of the Schau Bar - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the Himmel+Meer Bar and lounge - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the entrance to Große Freiheit Restaurant, Bar and Lounge - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, two renderings of the X Lounge, a look lounge above the bridge - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the Tee Lounge - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the Casino Lounge, only by name a casino! - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the Manufaktur Kreativ Küche, cooking and learning with and from the chef - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the fitness room Sport und Gesundheit - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, three renderings of the Arena, a ball sports court - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the SPA Meer und Ruhe - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, two renderings of the Lesezimmer - Lieblingsgerichte - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the Backstube, Lounge Restaurant - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the Atlantik Klassik Restaurant - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the Atlantik Klassik Mediterranean Restaurant - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the Atlantik Klassik Main Restaurant - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the Fischmarkt Restaurant - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the Diamant Bar and Lounge - courtesy TUI CRUISES
Outdoor areas

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the Lagune - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the Hohe Luft sun deck Bar - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the Außen Alster Grill Terasse Restaurant - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the sun area at the stern - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the sun area looking to the bow - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 6, photo of a much love feature by German cruise guests: Strandkörbe (beach chairs), will be repeated onboard MEIN SCHIFF 1 - courtesy TUI CRUISES
Cabins and Suites

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of a standard outside stateroom / cabin - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of a standard intside stateroom / cabin - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of a standard outside balcony stateroom / cabin - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, two renderings of a standard outside balcony and window family stateroom / cabin - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of a standard Junior-Suite (stateroom / cabin) - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the Ina Müller Suite, named after the actress and singer from Hamburg - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, two renderings of the Übersee Suite including bathroom - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the Himmel und Meer Duplex Suite - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, three renderings of the Horizont Suite (Living Room, Bed Room, Bathroom - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, four renderings of the Panorama Suite (Living Room- two angles, Bed Room, entrance) - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, cutaway rendering with explanations - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, the new fleet member for TUI CRUISES in Turku Drydock - courtesy TUI CRUISES

MEIN SCHIFF 1, rendering of the stern with the Diamond, a pedigree for all newbuilts of TUI CRUISES - courtesy TUI CRUISES

Sunset on high sea - courtesy TUI CRUISES

Everyone interested in cruises and cruising should try a voyage with TUI CRUISES, and if only for widening the own horizon, and don´t be affraid of the German language, most of us German are able speaking and understanding English.

Have a try

Bon Voayage

Gute Reise

Comments

Ocean Liners in Movies or Films at Sea (updated Nov 2017)

For liners and the shipping companies movies and films had been a top marketing tool Movies or Films and liners at sea, had been intriguing me since I have read about in my youth in LUXUSLINER - BILDER EINER GROSSEN ZEIT by Lee Server ( THE GOLDEN AGE OF OCEAN LINERS ). But earlier, mot only since my first crossing, I was keen watching movies with liners in it, and disapointed, which was an understatement, when I realized the films have been made in a set ashore in some movie "factory". That was after my first crossing. by Earl of Cruise an essay in progress `Sabrina´, Humphrey Bogart in the office, while LIBERTÉ is sailing out of New York harbor - screenshot Ocean liners, especially those of the luxury category, had been the location of dramas, love stories, thrillers, suspense and catastrophies sinde film was born, or nearly. In this list, the most descriptions are taken from Wikipedia, as I guess no one can expect having seen all these films ... otherwise I w...

HISTORY - The CUNARD - WHITE STAR Liner rms QUEEN ELIZABETH (1938-1972)

Over years, in my early youth, the QUEEN ELIZABETH was shaping my mind for the perfect ocean liner, despite having made my first experiences with a liner onboard the HANSEATIC (1), ex EMPRESS OF SCOTLAND, ex EMPRESS OF JAPAN. When leaning at the rail of HANSEATIC entering the port, my eyes where every where and I wished to by a camera, I took all in. And when seeing the QUEEN ELIZABETH with my own eyes, the nice behaving young boy turned into a tomboy, that my grandmére was no longer able to tame ... I did draw quite a lot of looks, back then. I found, while on research, this article and thought it interesting publishing in my blog: written and published by John Sheperd at liverpoolships.org editing and comments by Earl of Cruise I ( John Shepard ) joined the CUNARD LINE in March 1962 as an Assistant Purser and sailed the QUEEN ELIZABETH throughout that year, before transferring to the Liverpool-based CARINTHIA in November, where I remained as Crew Purser for the next five...

HISTORY - ts / ss BREMEN and ts / ss EUROPA

Germany’s two luxury liners, BREMEN and EUROPA , have not only played an important part in their country’s mercantile revival, but have added also an immortal chapter to the history of transatlantic travel. Copy from Shipping Wonders of the World From part 6 , published 17 March 1936 editing by Earl of Cruise ss / ts BREMEN in her early years - Source: Shipping Wonders of the World/Bundespresse Archiv The PRIDE OF A NATION - the NORDDEUTSCHER LLOYD quadruple-screw turbine express liner BREMEN . The keel of this ship was laid in June 1927. Her launch took place in August, 1928. In less than a year later, the Bremen made her first voyage to America, when she crossed the Atlantic from Cherbourg to New York in four days seventeen hours forty-two minutes, thus setting up a new record and gaining the coveted “Blue Riband”. During the passage the Bremen attained an average speed of 27.83 knots. ss / ts BREMEN in her early years - Source: W ikipedia For the pop...

ss NORMANDIE 1935-1942 XIII - Le NORMANDIE the great triumph and tragic end of the greatest ship of France

NORMANDIE at sea - courtsey coloured by Daryl LeBlanc Le NORMANDIE , the greates ship of France, was a great triumph for the French industry, economy the most gracious ambassador of France - a symbol of cultur and Savoir de Vivre. NORMANDIE never surppassed by any liner. But whom the gods love, they beat him to a tragic ending. In case of NORMANDIE the gods let do their dirty job by careless, ignorant and arrogant US Navy officials and their sub contractors. by Earl of Cruise NORMANDIE had 4 years of living and the chance to bring Glitz, Glamour and Luster into a world that was just in front of an abyss since October 1929. Sailing with NORMANDIE , created to cater primarily the First Clas clientele, and enjoying life on board seems to me today, as a Dance on the Volcano, that errupted in 1939. Longitudinal cutaway of PARIS - own collection copy from a CGT broshure ÎLE DE FRANCE , Cie Gle TRANSATLANTIQUE provoking ART DÉCO liner - own collection ...

HISTORY - EUGENIO C. a masterpiece of Italian design and engineering

EUGENIO C., later EUGENIO COSTA, was a masterpiece of Italian design and is an example of beautifully integrated ship design. Her naval architect, Nicolò Costanzi, and her interior designer, Nino Zoncada, worked side by side, or hand in hand, to create a perfect balance and continuity between the vessel's interiors and the exterior profile. EUGENIO C. became a masterpiece of the 60s design and elegance. by Earl of Cruise Some readers had been asking for interior photographies ... here they are. Eugenio C. Tourist Class A pool, looking aft into the wake line - own collection, copy from my LINEA „ C ‟ broshure EUGENIO C. entered service a little more than 50 years ago in 1966. EUGENIO C. was a child of the swinging 60s, when we had the first jet setters, and still style and elegance. And travelling by jet in those days was still an expensive way to travel for few. I am not the only one wishing the same intent and sensibility would be a guide line for present sh...

Luxury Expedition - PONANT has reached 30 years

PONANT , France's number 2 cruise company and world leader in polar expeditions celebrates 30 years of existence. It was on 1 April 1988 that the adventure began in Nantes, where 14 young Merchant Navy officers aged 23 to 29, including Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée, still active as CEO, and Philippe Videau, decided to create the company, which first took the name COMPAGNIE des ÎLES du PONANT (it became COMPAGNIE du PONANT in 2009 and simply PONANT in 2014). PONANT is the only cruise company in France flying the Tricolore. by Earl of Cruise based on an article by Vincent Groizeleau at Mer et Marine LE PONANT in the port of Bonifacio, Corsica - Sourece: Wikipedia ( original seize ) The first ship, built in Villeneuve-la-Garenne, was born in 1991. It is the sailboat and cruise vessel LE PONANT , a modern three-masted ship of 85.5 meters long with 32 cabins, still in service. LE PONANT´s sails became the logo of PONANT. LE LEVANT - Source: Wikipedia ( original seize ) ...

Thank You 500,000 readers

HISTORY - FRENCH LINE - COMPAGNIE GÉNÉRALE TRANSATLANTIQUE, a review - Part II Belle Epoque

The COMPAGNIE GÉNÉRALE TRANSATLANTIQUE, known since the Belle Epoque as FRENCH LINE in the English speaking world (or TRANSAT or CGT), had its origins in 1861. by Earl of Cruise E mperor Napoléon III. wanted strengthening the French primacy on the oceans and an adequate mail line for the French mail. The 1855 established COMPAGNIE GÉNÉRALE MARITIME of the Péreire brothers was the core for the new company. This company´s headquarter was, as any major business in France, situated in Paris, while the homeport of the vessels had been Le Havre for the North Atlantic and Marseille for the route to the Orient and Africa. Houseflag of COMPAGNIE GÉNÉRALE TRANSATLANTIQUE S.A. - soure: ebay "On limited space, we put our country on display", a crewmember declared once. And no other line put in more of its national personality into its product than COMPAGNIE GÉNÉRALE TRANSATLANTIQUE . After the French - Prussian/German war of 1870/71 France had to sig...

HISTORY - OCEANIC, a matter of design

OCEANIC of once HOME LINES was a matter of design and became an icon similar to EUGENIO C. her near sister for LINEA C. OCEANIC is reflecting a time when good design was a neccessaty for the reputation of a passenger shipping company. by Earl of Cruise ss OCEANIC, promotional postcard of HOME LINES - own collection "Give an Italian a piece of steel and he is forming art of it!" I wrote in my article about EUGENIO C. , it is with OCEANIC the same ... OCEANIC is often called the near sister to the LINEA C. liner for the La Plata trade. OCEANIC, another Italian beauty, instead was constructed for the Transatlantic run in summer seasons from Cuxhaven via Southampton and Le Havre to Canada, and in winter OCEANIC was intended to do cruises. Unfortunately OCEANIC never entered the Transatlantic trade and was used from the beginning of her long career as a cruise vessel. ss EUGENIO C., promotional postcard of LINEA C - own collection OCEANIC was the first new...

HISTORY - rms MAJESTIC - Hand in Hand with rms TITANIC

TITANIC and MAJESTIC (1890), both Royal Mail Ships, hand in hand? How so? The review of João Martins will show. by João Martins , editing by Earl of Cruise And WHITE STAR LINE was more than only a shipping line which employed rms TITANIC. WHITE STAR was company with a great heritage and introduced many innovations which became standards. Founded by Thomas Henry Ismay , originally from Maryport, and shareholders amoung whom had been HARLAND&WOLFF . Later the Irish shipbuilder, located in Belfast, built all ships for WHITE STAR. rms MAJESTIC as built by HARLAND&WOLFF - Sour ce: Wikipedia ( original seize ) T he rms MAJESTIC was a 9,965 GRT British ocean liner built by HARLAND & WOLFF for WHITE STAR LINE and completed in 1890. Her career was profoundly intertwined with rms TITANIC. In the late 1880s competition for the Blue Riband, the award for the fastest Atlantic crossing, was fierce amongst the major shipping lines. At the time the prize belonged to CUNA RD...

Search This Blog

Thank You 500,000 readers