TUI Cruises' newbuild visited Kiel to start her series of inaugural cruises after delivery from Meyer Turku
By
Rebecca Gibson |
TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 6 made her maiden call in Kiel on 11 May, marking the first time she has visited a German port since she was officially delivered by Meyer Turku in Finland.
Officially welcoming the ship to Kiel during an onboard reception on 12 May, Kiel’s Lord Mayor UIf Kämpfer and head of the port Dirk Claus presented a commemorative plaque to TUI Cruises’ CEO Wybcke Meier and Mein Schiff 6 captain Kjell Holm.
“Kiel is proud to be the first German port to welcome this splendid TUI Cruises newbuild,” said Kämpfer. “We are delighted that Kiel has been selected as the base port for the north European cruises being undertaken by Mein Schiff 6 this summer.”
Initially, Mein Schiff 6 will undertake several short trips and preview cruises and then depart for her official inaugural voyage on 3 June, sailing roundtrip from Kiel to the North Cape. The ship will embark on a further eight voyages from Kiel’s Ostseekai Terminal this season, taking guests to the Norwegian fiords and major cities in the Baltic region. The ship will also participate in the annual Kieler Woche sailing regatta, berthing at the port on 18 June.
“The fact that the maiden voyage of Mein Schiff 6 also begins in Kiel is a reflection of the many years of loyal partnership enjoyed by the ship’s owners and the port,” said Claus.