15 of entertainment,” says Meier. “We designed a hexagonal theatre with a multifunctional space in front of the stage that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate everything from large productions to concerts, fashion shows, dinner theatre, lectures and yoga classes. This gives us much more flexibility.” Other onboard highlights include a 220-metre-long jogging track, a gym, a dedicated space for fitness classes, a partially shaded 25-metre outdoor lap pool, and a covered sports arena with facilities for indoor cycling, basketball, volleyball and football. The ship also features a spa, which offers TUI Cruises’ first onboard cryotherapy chamber and a new Finnish sauna, as well as a steam bath, separate herbal and salt saunas, a lounge, and a relaxation area with expansive windows and an outdoor terrace. “Sports and wellness are very important to our guests, so we’ve given them more choice of activities and amenities on Mein Schiff Relax,” says Meier. “As our guests really love being outside and taking in the sea views while they exercise or relax, we’ve moved many of these facilities to the open decks. The spa, for example, is now one deck higher than on other Mein Schiff vessels.” TUI Cruises has repurposed the uppermost deck to provide guests with another outdoor space for fitness activities, socialising and relaxing. “On our other vessels, this deck is a technical space but now it has been renamed the Mistral Deck and features comfortable seating, a bar, an area for fitness activities, and a barrel sauna,” says Meier. “We’ve also introduced a new Greek island-inspired outdoor space on deck 16 called Agora, which has an infinity pool, a whirlpool, sun loungers and a bar.” Maximising sea views and outdoor space was also a key priority when designing the ship’s accommodation. “Building a larger ship has enabled us to meet high guest demand for additional balcony cabins – they now account for 85 per cent of the cabins on Mein Schiff Relax,” says Meier. “We’ve dedicated some of these cabins to solo travellers for the first time too, giving them more accommodation choices.” In addition, Mein Schiff Relax offers five suite categories, including the new Loft and Grand View suites. The two 88-square-metre Loft Suites span two decks, accommodate up to six people and feature two private verandas (one per deck), a living room, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. Meanwhile, the 45-squaremetre Grand View Suites are designed for four people and have a living area, bedroom and a bathroom. The Junior Suites have been redesigned for Mein Schiff Relax, and suites in all other categories have been decorated with a refreshed colour palette. For the first time, all suites are located at the stern of the ship, alongside an exclusive lounge, bar, two new restaurants and a sun deck with daybeds and a whirlpool. “These indoor and outdoor spaces are only open to suite guests, allowing them to relax and unwind in a comfortable, luxurious setting,” says Meier. “Moving the suite area to the stern has allowed us to maximise the panoramic sea views and introduce a new two-deck Captain’s Bar with expansive forwardfacing windows above the ship’s bridge.” Together, these onboard amenities make the newbuild an “exciting destination in its own right”, according to Meier. “Mein Schiff Relax offers all the amenities and experiences guests would find at a premium contemporary holiday destination on land,” she explains. “Importantly, we have a good balance of large communal areas where guests can have fun together, and smaller, quieter spaces where they can relax by themselves. This ensures every guest has the cruise experience that best suits their individual needs.” Mein Schiff has multiple outdoor decks with sports and fitness facilities, including a 25-metre lap pool KEYNOTE Photo: Christian Wyrwa/TUI Cruises
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