By
Alex Smith |
Mein Schiff Relax represents a new leap for the TUI Cruises’ fleet, offering a range of new features with a selection of returning attractions to create what the brand describes as a ‘feel-good ship’.
The cruise line has aimed to live up to the Mein Schiff Relax’s name by providing a wider choice of spaces for guests to unwind than on its existing ships. Outdoors, the Greek-inspired Agora on deck 16 is a multilevel venue with an infinity pool and a whirlpool surrounded by numerous sun loungers and an integrated bar. Meanwhile, a cocoon-like roof covering over the pool deck shields guests from the sunlight, allowing them to sit on cushions overlooking the main pool area. A 220-metre running track also extends along the outside of the ship, including a section which hangs directly over the pool. Another new addition is the Mistral Deck, which has a bar and an area with soft flooring to enable guests to carry out gymnastics, stretching or yoga exercises.
Indoors, guests can choose from 14 restaurants and 17 bars and lounges, which range from rustic to contemporary venues. The Harbour Market buffet restaurant is designed to evoke a pleasant marketplace atmosphere, with different stations offering international dishes. The main restaurant, Atlantik, has been relocated to the stern of decks four and five and now has deck-to-ceiling windows looking over the ship’s wake. For the first time, the restaurant features the Atlantik Bar, a contemporary-style bar with stool seating that is open both during the day and in the evening.
Speciality restaurants include the new Captain’s Bar, which offers a selection of high-end drinks and features expansive window fronts that extend over two decks. Høfde steak house has been designed with Scandinavian-style decor and serves fish and meat dishes for lunch and dinner. Fugu with Tim Raue combines Japanese cuisine with technology and visual entertainment, with guests being taken on a journey through Japan during their meal via themes such as the Sea of Japan, geisha and cherry blossom. Next to Fugu is the new Street Art Bar, which is furnished in an industrial style and decorated with graffiti. The Chalet, meanwhile, is an Alpine-themed restaurant, which has been designed to recreate the feel of a mountain chalet with a fireplace and wooden furnishings throughout the space.
The Captain’s Bar features expansive windows extending over two decks
Another new space onboard Mein Schiff Relax is X-View, a restaurant connected to the X-Sundeck on deck 7 that is exclusively for guests staying in suite accommodation. X-View is designed in a yacht-club style and features a wide window front, allowing guests to look across the sea while dining on Mediterranean-style dishes.
Cabins have been updated for Mein Schiff Relax and now feature more open spaces and storage. The proportion of balcony cabins has also been increased to 85 per cent for the InTUItion class, and the ship is the first to offer this type of stateroom for solo travellers. Suites, meanwhile, have been moved to the stern of the ship. They include new Grand View Suites and two Loft Suites, both of which extend over two decks and feature two large terraces.
Guests can also relax in the Spa & Beauty area, which has been moved to deck 15 on Mein Schiff Relax. The area has been expanded to incorporate a relaxation area with a view across the sea, a new Barrel Sauna with a sideways view out to the ocean and a cold chamber for cryotherapy treatments.
Entertainment options have also been expanded, thanks to a new hexagonal design for the ship’s theatre. Stall areas can be reconfigured to open up opportunities for multifunctional programme options such as sports sessions, events or club evenings. A catwalk in the pre-stage area also allows artists to come closer to guests while performing. Blaue Flora Stage & Bar offers another option for entertainment, with a small stage hosting plays, readings, audio plays and lectures. La Cage, on the other hand, is a burlesque venue designed to evoke Germany’s Golden Twenties era, with burlesque performances, pole dancing and live music taking place on stage.
Mein Schiff Relax began sailing in April 2025 and is spending its maiden season sailing a variety of itineraries in the Western Mediterranean.
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