155 accelerated after the pandemic, when Mein Schiff successfully attracted new segments with 30-day-plus voyages from Germany to the Caribbean or Canary Islands cruises lasting over 20 days. At the same time, we launched 14-day winter cruises to Norway reaching the North Cape – opening an entirely new category of winter experiences for German-speaking guests. There is also growing demand for cruises starting and ending in Germany, as well as for itineraries that extend traditional seasons. Our new seven-day Christmas Market cruises in the Baltic are a prime example, adding guest appeal well into December and establishing Northern Europe as a near year-round destination. In fact, fewer Germans go to the Mediterranean than Germany’s overall market size would suggest. This is because Germany’s main homeports are in the north of the country and Germans like their cars. We follow a similar approach at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Winter expeditions in Northern Europe, including sailings through the frozen Gulf of Bothnia, demonstrate how even familiar regions can offer extraordinary experiences when curated differently. Beyond Europe, Asia is emerging as a key growth market. In spring 2026, Mein Schiff will operate two itineraries between Hong Kong and Tokyo in Japan, focusing strongly on Japanese ports. This reflects both growing market demand and our ambition to expand into new geographies with differentiated products. How are you evolving your shore excursion programmes? Tauschke: We are moving towards offering more in-depth guest experiences. Longer port calls and overnight stays – for example in Shanghai, China – allow for genuine cultural immersion, while evening calls open opportunities to explore nightlife and the chance to experience destinations in a different way than daytime visits allow. What steps should ports take to ensure they can cater for these new itineraries? Puttich: In most cases, ports only need to adapt in practical, operational ways. For example, ports hosting winter sailings from Germany to Northern Europe must have heated terminals and clear their access routes – these adjustments are relatively easy to implement. More crucial, however, is that destinations as a whole adapt to these evolving products. Understanding guest demographics and working closely with cruise lines ensures they can deliver a seamless and high-quality onshore experience. For example, tour uptake for German nationals is high (60 to 80 per cent) but many do not speak English, so the availability of German-speaking guides and bus capacity are key factors for our brands. Shore excursion offerings TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff brand is seeing increasing demand for itineraries to destinations such as Oslofjord in Northern Europe “ We are moving towards offering more in-depth guest experiences” Maria Tauschke Photo: TUI Cruises
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