Mein-Schiff-4 Vessel Reviews and Specifications

TUI Cruises has come under scrutiny regarding its operations in the Middle East, particularly concerning the deployment of the 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5' during the tense period following the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War on February 28. The situation escalated quickly, leaving both luxury vessels trapped in the contested straits of the Persian Gulf for several weeks. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed minimal sympathy for tourists caught in the conflict, highlighting that travel warnings had been issued weeks in advance. However, TUI CEO Wybcke Meier countered these claims, asserting, "Until the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War, there were definitely no travel warnings for the region. We are certainly not being reckless; I categorically reject that. We are not endangering our passengers, our crew, or our ships." Meier emphasized the company's commitment to safety, citing a delegation visit to the region just two weeks prior to the attacks. She added, "Had there been any indication of a dangerous situation, we could have immediately moved elsewhere." When hostilities broke out, the 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5' housed around 5,000 passengers and crew members. They were finally able to navigate out of the Strait of Hormuz after 50 days during a brief ceasefire in mid-April. Throughout this challenging period, TUI provided psychological support to passengers and crew right from the first day. Moreover, the cruise line took the extraordinary step of arranging evacuation flights at its own expense, including both regular and chartered services. When the time came to leave, both ships set sail with just 60 volunteer crew members each, following meticulous negotiations with the International Maritime Organization and local authorities to secure safe passage under humanitarian conditions. Meier confirmed, "We were neither threatened nor fired upon. There was a designated and inspected waterway for the passage, which we adhered to." Notably, TUI maintained no communication with Iranian authorities, and no customs fees were incurred for the ships' dramatic passage out of the region.

The 'Mein Schiff 5' has successfully completed a considerable 27-day journey, reaching Heraklion, Crete, on May 15, following an extended stay in the Persian Gulf. Captained by Ioannis Anastasiou, the vessel has been meticulously preparing for its operations to resume over the past few weeks. When it departed the Middle East in April, the ship was manned by a skeletal crew of around 50 individuals. Their return was strategically planned, involving a stop in Cape Town for logistics before finalizing their crew at Gibraltar. Normal operations on the 'Mein Schiff 5' are expected to be fully operational soon. Meanwhile, the 'Mein Schiff 4' is set to restart its services on May 17, 2026, aligning with the launch of Adriatic cruises traveling from and to Trieste. The 'Mein Schiff 4' departed Gibraltar on May 12, marking its own return to cruising.

As the summer season approaches, TUI's 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5' are gearing up to welcome travelers back to Europe in early May. Currently, these cruise ships are operating with a minimal crew, with just 59 personnel on board the 'Mein Schiff 4', compared to its usual complement of 900 crew members. This skeleton crew is tasked with handling essential operations while the vessels make their way to the Eastern Mediterranean. Unlike other ships that have opted for a route through the Suez Canal, TUI's vessels are taking a scenic detour around Africa. The 'Mein Schiff 5' is anticipated to dock in Cape Town on April 28, while the 'Mein Schiff 4' is projected to arrive by April 29. Once settled in their ports, both ships will begin offering itineraries that allow guests to explore the beautiful Adriatic Sea and Aegean Sea. The 'Mein Schiff 4' will embark from Italy, while the 'Mein Schiff 5' sets sail from Greece, with stops planned in Malta and Egypt. This marks a hopeful return for TUI as it prepares to kickstart the summer cruising season in beautiful coastal destinations.

The summer cruise season is ramping up as several ships prepare to set sail from various locations. Starting on May 15, the 'Mein Schiff 5' will debut its summer itinerary from Heraklion, diving into the vibrant Eastern Mediterranean. Crew members will be rejoining both the 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5' in Cape Town and Malta to ensure smooth operations. Following this, the 'Mein Schiff 4' is slated to kick off its journeys in Trieste on May 17, primarily offering scenic Adriatic cruises. Meanwhile, the 'MSC Euribia', under the MSC Cruises banner, is gearing up for a significant journey as it edges closer to its operations in Kiel, expected to launch on May 16 — albeit two weeks behind schedule. This ship is set to carve a path towards the breathtaking Norwegian fjords, with an itinerary that includes round trips from Kiel to Copenhagen. Celestyal Cruises is actively repositioning its vessels from the Middle East to the Mediterranean, although the exact routes remain unclear due to deactivated AIS signals. There are indications that the 'Celestyal Discovery' is heading towards the Suez Canal, while the 'Celestyal Journey' appears to be navigating towards Cape Town. All upcoming voyages remain open for booking, with the 'Celestyal Discovery' anticipated to set sail from Lavrion on May 22, followed by the 'Celestyal Journey' embarking from Piraeus on May 23. Additionally, from the Saudi cruise line Aroya Cruises, the 'Aroya' is expected to reach Jeddah on April 27, before taking a challenging route along the Yemeni coastline. If everything goes as planned, it will welcome new guests in Jeddah starting May 14. Here’s a quick look at the launch dates for these exciting cruise journeys: - May 14, 2026: Aroya (Aroya Cruises) in Jeddah - May 15, 2026: Mein Schiff 5 (TUI Cruises) in Heraklion - May 16, 2026: MSC Euribia (MSC Cruises) in Kiel - May 17, 2026: Mein Schiff 4 (TUI Cruises) in Trieste - May 22, 2026: Celestyal Discovery in Lavrion/Athens - May 23, 2026: Celestyal Journey in Piraeus/Athens

In an exciting turn of events, TUI Cruises is set to reinstate previously cancelled voyages aboard the 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5.' Following their successful departure from the Orient region, the vessels are now en route to Cape Town, with an estimated arrival date of April 28, 2026. This paves the way for both ships to return to their regular itineraries. As a result, TUI Cruises has announced that the trips initially cancelled from Trieste on May 17 and from Heraklion on May 15, 2026, are back on the table. The company expressed its satisfaction as the ships can resume standard operations and the entire fleet can deploy as intended. As part of this transition, crews will fully rejoin the ships in Cape Town and Malta. Concurrently, preparations for regular operations are underway, ensuring that the first guests can embark on these rejuvenated voyages from Trieste and Heraklion as originally scheduled.

TUI Cruises' vessels, the 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5', are charting a southern course around the African continent following their successful passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Scheduled to arrive in Cape Town on April 28, these ships will make a vital stop to refuel and resupply after an extensive journey across the Indian Ocean. Currently, both vessels are operating with a reduced crew for safety reasons. On April 18, TUI Cruises confirmed their secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, expressing gratitude to their captains, crew members, and all support personnel for their professionalism during this critical transit. The company is now focused on expediting their travels toward the Mediterranean, with further travel details to be provided soon. Notably, cruises on the 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5' were unexpectedly canceled for approximately two and a half months due to the onset of hostilities, prompting this strategic route adjustment.

In an ongoing situation in Abu Dhabi, the cruise liner 'Mein Schiff 4' has seen its crew size temporarily reduced to just 59 members. TUI Cruises is currently operating with a minimal team to manage essential shipboard functions since the vessel has been laid up following the departure of its last guests. Captain Jan Fortun and the ship's nautical and technical crew remain on board, poised for departure whenever a safe opportunity to navigate the Strait of Hormuz arises. However, a specific timeline for this remains uncertain. Furthermore, some crew members are likely present to assist with vital maintenance tasks, as certain operational systems need continuous upkeep to prepare for the ship's eventual resumption of service. The future of the 'Mein Schiff 4's' itinerary includes a planned sailing from Mallorca on May 1 for the anticipated "Wildcat Tattoo Cruise". Unfortunately, a previously scheduled voyage from Cape Town to Palma de Mallorca, set for April 11 to May 1, has been scrapped. The evolving security dynamics in the Persian Gulf will significantly influence whether the upcoming sailings of the 'Mein Schiff 4' and other vessels, like the 'Mein Schiff 5' in Doha, Qatar, can proceed as planned. Additionally, four other cruise ships remain affected in the area: the 'Celestyal Discovery' and 'Celestyal Journey' from Celestyal Cruises, the 'MSC Euribia' of MSC Cruises, and the 'Aroya' of Aroya Cruises.

The 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5' remain immobilized in the Gulf region, complicating travel plans for cruise enthusiasts. While many passengers have disembarked, a small crew is still present aboard each vessel, waiting for the Strait of Hormuz to clear up for navigation. Although the potential for canceled voyages looms, TUI has not yet announced any specific cancellations. The 'Mein Schiff 4' was set to begin its journey by collecting passengers in Cape Town this April before heading for Mallorca, while the 'Mein Schiff 5' planned to embark on an eastern Mediterranean cruise at the end of April. However, the current cruise season in the Gulf region has concluded, with no immediate voyages scheduled for the coming weeks. Despite the rising oil prices, TUI anticipates that travel costs will remain stable, having secured beneficial terms in advance.

The repatriation efforts for guests aboard the 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5' have been making significant progress. In the case of the 'Mein Schiff 4', the return journey for German passengers has successfully concluded. A total of 13 flights facilitated the safe return of both passengers and crew to Europe and other home countries. Notably, ten aircraft departed from Dubai, corresponding to destinations such as Munich, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt/Main, and Hamburg. Additionally, a plane specifically transported crew members to Manila while two other flights were organized from Muscat to Frankfurt. Meanwhile, the repatriation of those onboard the 'Mein Schiff 5' is also advancing well, with approximately 600 guests returning to Germany on a Saudia charter flight from Riyadh. Furthermore, travelers benefited from extra seating on Qatar Airways flights from Doha. Notably, the return journeys continued on March 10 and 11, with two Saudia charter flights and additional transports from Sundair and LEAV Aviation bringing over 1,200 guests from the 'Mein Schiff 5' back to Germany. By the evening of March 10 alone, five flights had successfully returned guests, including four special flights from Riyadh to Munich, Frankfurt, and Cologne, along with a connection flight via Qatar Airways from Doha to Frankfurt. On March 11, two more charter flights from Riyadh were confirmed, enabling approximately 450 additional guests to return to Germany. TUI Cruises is actively seeking further travel options for returning guests and crew through all accessible airports in the region and maintain close communications with airlines to optimize accommodation on available flights.

TUI Cruises is navigating a significant crisis as approximately 5,000 passengers aboard the 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5' remain stranded. In response, the cruise line has organized a dedicated crisis team to facilitate the return of guests, focusing on collaboration with airline partners for potential flights as early as March 6. The situation has prompted TUI Cruises to explore alternative travel routes, including diversion to regional airports outside the affected areas. To assist worried family members, a special hotline has been launched, operational daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., reachable at +49 40 60001 5403. The cruise line has also announced the cancellation of several sailings, affecting departures on the 'Mein Schiff 4' scheduled for March 1, 2, 8, and 9, as well as trips on the 'Mein Schiff 5' on February 28 and March 5. Reports indicate that about 30,000 tourists booked through German tour operators are currently in the crisis zone or have flights connected through regional hubs. Aboard the 'Mein Schiff 4', guests were allowed to disembark for the first time since hostilities began on March 3, with some movement allowed in Abu Dhabi, although they must stay alert via smartphone notifications during their time ashore. While some sections of the outer decks on the ship, like Deck 12, have reopened for guest access, Deck 14 remains off-limits for safety. On March 3, at 3:50 p.m. local time, the first special Emirates flight took off from Dubai to Munich, carrying 218 passengers from the 'Mein Schiff 4'. An organized transfer had successfully transported these vacationers from the ship's berth in Abu Dhabi to Dubai that morning. Further complicating the situation, all Middle East cruises scheduled on the 'Mein Schiff 4' until March 9 and on the 'Mein Schiff 5' until March 12 have been officially canceled. Additionally, the repositioning cruise for the 'Mein Schiff 5', departing from Dubai to Cape Town on March 12, has also been impacted by these developments.

On March 1, 2023, passengers aboard the 'Mein Schiff 4', which was moored at Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi, received a critical emergency notification on their smartphones at approximately 4:30 p.m. They were directed to assemble promptly in the ship’s theater. Crew members advised everyone to stay indoors, avoid windows, and remain composed while a drone alarm sounded. The incident was triggered by two Iranian missile-equipped drones crashing into a warehouse at the nearby Al Salam naval base, resulting in a substantial explosion that prompted the onboard emergency protocols. Many passengers reported hearing a deafening noise and witnessing large plumes of black smoke rising in the air. The crew adeptly adhered to established safety procedures while TUI Cruises collaborated to ensure the well-being of their passengers and organize their safe return. With around 3,500 passengers and crew on board, the ship remained docked in Abu Dhabi throughout the unfolding situation. In response to the incident, TUI Cruises has suspended future departures and is actively coordinating with airlines to arrange dependable travel home for affected passengers. Additionally, a Family Hotline has been made available for relatives wishing to inquire about those on board, underscoring the cruise line's commitment to passenger safety.

As of March 1, uncertainty looms over thousands of passengers aboard the TUI cruise ships 'Mein Schiff 4', 'Mein Schiff 5', and the 'MSC Euribia' which remain docked in the UAE’s ports. Initially slated to embark on their journeys, the passenger ships are now caught in a complex situation due to heightened military operations in the region and the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz. This closure effectively traps vessels within the Persian Gulf. Approximately 2,000 travelers aboard 'Mein Schiff 4' were expected to return to Germany on March 1 but now face an indefinite delay. They had been prepared to welcome approximately 2,000 new guests arriving from Germany for a planned departure on March 2 at 10:30 p.m., set to explore Oman on a seven-day 'Magic of the Orient' cruise. However, that itinerary is now suspended. Meanwhile, the 'Mein Schiff 5' passengers have been stranded in Doha since February 28, following the conclusion of their cruise. Some travelers were already en route to the airport when their flights were prematurely turned back. After enduring an uncomfortable ten-hour wait at the airport with no updates, passengers were eventually returned to their ship. Passengers have started receiving alerts regarding incoming missiles from Qatar's Civil Defense, heightening anxieties on board. The captain has assured passengers that communication with the German embassy and TUI is ongoing, however, updates have not been forthcoming. Many have expressed concerns regarding the chaotic scenes experienced at Doha airport, where they were instructed to leave their luggage behind. While a departure for 'Mein Schiff 5' was intended for March 1 at 10 p.m., circumstances have forced a halt to all cruise operations in the region, with both TUI and MSC Cruises prioritizing passenger safety. The 'MSC Euribia’ was also scheduled to depart for cruises to Oman and has remained anchored at Port Rashid in Dubai. In addition to 'Mein Schiff 4', 'Mein Schiff 5', and 'MSC Euribia', the 'Aroya' by Aroya Cruises and the 'Celestyal Discovery' from Celestyal Cruises are also docked in Dubai. A second vessel from Celestyal Cruises, the 'Celestyal Journey’, is in Doha alongside the 'Mein Schiff 5'. Repatriation flights cannot commence until airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar reopen. TUI Cruises has advised passengers to refrain from seeking information regarding future departures, citing coordination with the German Federal Foreign Office which recently issued travel warnings for the region. As tensions persist, all ships are monitoring the situation closely. Passengers have been advised to avoid outdoor areas and windows due to potential risks from drone and missile strikes. Despite the concerning circumstances, no damage has been reported on board as a result of the attacks thus far. Current plans indicate that 'Mein Schiff 4', 'Mein Schiff 5', and 'MSC Euribia' aim to resume their original itineraries from late March to early April, with the 'MSC Euribia' destined for Kiel by May 2 and TUI ships set to embark on Mediterranean summer cruises soon after.

On July 23, 2023, a significant medevac operation took place involving a crew member from the cruise ship 'Mein Schiff 4'. The vessel was navigating its route from Alesund to Bremerhaven, as part of an eleven-day North Cape itinerary. A helicopter, dispatched from Stavanger, performed the critical emergency disembarkation in the North Sea. The patient was successfully hoisted at approximately 11:30 a.m., after which the aircraft returned directly to Norway. Following the incident, 'Mein Schiff 4' continued its journey and arrived back in Bremerhaven later that morning.

On the morning of October 14, 2023, a critical situation unfolded on the cruise ship 'Mein Schiff 4' while it was navigating the Alboran Sea, headed from Palma de Mallorca to Gibraltar. The vessel urgently requested assistance for a passenger experiencing severe heart issues. In response, the Spanish maritime rescue service, Salvamento Marítimo, swiftly dispatched the SAR helicopter Helimer 220. The helicopter managed to hoist the patient from the ship and subsequently transported them to Son Espases Hospital for immediate medical attention. This rapid response underscores the importance of maritime emergency services in ensuring passenger safety at sea.