Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Mein-Schiff-5

TUI Cruises has come forward to defend its operations in the Middle East, particularly concerning its vessels, the 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5', which found themselves stuck for several weeks in the turbulent Strait of Hormuz following the onset of the Iran-Iraq War on February 28. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) expressed skepticism regarding the appropriateness of tourist presence in the area, citing that timely warnings had been issued. In response, TUI CEO Wybcke Meier asserted that prior to the conflict, there were no travel warnings in place. 'We reject the notion that we're acting recklessly. There was no imminent danger to our passengers or crew before the war started. Our assessment did not indicate the potential for escalation,' Meier explained. At the time of the outbreak, both ships carried approximately 5,000 people and remained in the perilous region for a drawn-out 50 days. Remarkably, both vessels managed to navigate out of the strait during a brief ceasefire in mid-April. TUI took extensive measures to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew, providing psychological support from day one and facilitating their eventual evacuation at the company's own expense, which included arranging charter flights in addition to regular air service. Finally, it was noted that the two ships departed the Strait of Hormuz with a minimum crew of 60 volunteers aboard each vessel. The TUI team engaged in negotiations with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and local authorities to secure safe passage for the crew on humanitarian grounds. Upon receiving the necessary clearances, the captains executed their exit, following a designated waterway that ensured no threats or attacks were encountered along the way, with no contact with Iranian authorities or customs dues incurred during the evacuation.

The 'Mein Schiff 5' made a notable arrival in Heraklion, Crete, on May 15, following an extensive 27-day journey after being immobilized in the Persian Gulf. Captain Ioannis Anastasiou has diligently prepared for the ship's operations to resume over the past several weeks. Upon departing the Middle East in April, the vessel was manned by a minimal crew of roughly 50 members. The crew's gradual return was initiated with a logistical stop in Cape Town and concluded with a recent layover in Gibraltar. Normal operations aboard 'Mein Schiff 5' are expected to resume in the coming weeks. Additionally, plans for the 'Mein Schiff 4' will see its restart set for May 17, 2026, aligning with the launch of Adriatic cruises departing from and returning to Trieste.

As part of the phased return to service, TUI's 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5' are making their way back to the shores of Europe, set to resume operations in early May. Currently navigating with a skeleton crew, these luxury vessels have significantly reduced staffing levels. The 'Mein Schiff 4', typically manned by a team of 900, is now operating with just 59 crew members tasked with essential duties. In a strategic move, the TUI ships are circumventing the Suez Canal en route to Europe, opting instead for a route around Africa. The 'Mein Schiff 5' is anticipated to dock in Cape Town on April 28, followed closely by the 'Mein Schiff 4', expected to arrive on April 29. The two ships are poised to welcome guests back for luxurious journeys in the Eastern Mediterranean starting mid-May. The 'Mein Schiff 4' will depart from Italy, offering enchanting itineraries through the Adriatic Sea, while the 'Mein Schiff 5' will chart a course from Greece, exploring the Aegean Sea, Malta, and Egypt. This marks an exciting period for TUI as they gear up for the summer season in one of the world's most sought-after cruising destinations.

In an exciting development for cruise enthusiasts, TUI Cruises' 'Mein Schiff 5' is set to embark on its summer journey in the enchanting Eastern Mediterranean starting May 15, 2026, from Heraklion. Crews are expected to rejoin both the 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5' in their respective locations of Cape Town and Malta. The 'Mein Schiff 4' will kick off its operations in Trieste on May 17, 2026, marking the beginning of its Adriatic cruise offerings. Given the lengthy voyage around Africa, which can exceed three weeks and necessitates logistical stops, the operations of these two TUI Cruises vessels are tightly scheduled. Meanwhile, MSC Cruises' 'MSC Euribia' has its own path, as it prepares for a voyage towards Kiel, with its maiden journey rescheduled to start on May 16, 2026, after a two-week delay. This ship will navigate towards the iconic Norwegian fjords, connecting Kiel and Copenhagen. Celestyal Cruises is currently in the process of repositioning its fleet from the Middle East back to the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, with their AIS turned off, tracking the precise location of their vessels is challenging, casting uncertainty over whether the ships are making their way through the Red Sea and Suez Canal or opting for a longer route around Africa. Notably, the last planning noted the 'Celestyal Discovery' set for the Suez Canal, while 'Celestyal Journey' seems to be oriented towards Cape Town. Both vessels have confirmed operations planned: the 'Celestyal Discovery' commencing from Lavrion on May 22, 2026, and the 'Celestyal Journey' from Piraeus on May 23, 2026. Additionally, the final cruise ship departing from the Persian Gulf will be the 'Aroya,' run by Aroya Cruises, expected to dock in Jeddah on April 27, 2026. Following another arduous passage along Yemen's coastline, the 'Aroya' anticipates welcoming guests in Jeddah on May 14, 2026. Here’s a quick look at the cruise ship launch dates: - 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.

TUI Cruises has announced the reinstatement of previously cancelled voyages aboard the 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5' after the ships successfully navigated away from the Orient region to head for Cape Town. The vessels are expected to arrive in Cape Town by April 28 and will promptly resume their scheduled itineraries. This positive development means that the cancelled sailings, including 'Mein Schiff 4' from Trieste on May 17 and 'Mein Schiff 5' from Heraklion on May 15, 2026, will now be available for booking. TUI Cruises expressed satisfaction with the fleet's swift return to operational status, allowing for all ships to be deployed as intended. Crews are set to fully rejoin the vessels in Cape Town and Malta, ensuring they are prepared for regular cruise activities. Guests can look forward to being welcomed back on board in Trieste and Heraklion as originally planned.

TUI Cruises has confirmed that the 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5' are on course for a southern route to Cape Town after successfully navigating the Strait of Hormuz. These TUI ships are scheduled to dock in Cape Town on April 28, 2023, before continuing their journey to the Mediterranean, with the transfer planned for the end of April. After several days at sea in the Indian Ocean, both vessels will take on fuel, supplies, and new crew members upon their arrival in South Africa. For safety precautions, these TUI ships have been operating with only a minimal crew during the voyage. On the evening of April 18, TUI Cruises officially announced their successful passage through the Strait of Hormuz, expressing gratitude to the captains and crews for their professionalism and skill during the challenging journey. With the successful navigation of these waters behind them, TUI Cruises is now focused on expediting the journey to the Mediterranean. Further details regarding the revised schedule for the 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5' will be shared shortly. This announcement comes after the cancellation of cruises lasting approximately two and a half months, which were canceled with little notice due to the escalation of hostilities in the region.

TUI Cruises has announced the cancellation of its much-anticipated 19-day cruise, "A Journey for All Senses," aboard the 'Mein Schiff 5,' originally set to embark on March 29. This decision was communicated to guests on March 17, just weeks before the voyage, which was a key segment of a transatlantic itinerary from the Orient to the Mediterranean. Initially, TUI Cruises had only scrapped the leg from Dubai to Cape Town, but the circumstances surrounding the 'Mein Schiff 5' necessitated a broader cancellation. Currently docked in Doha in a hot lay-up state with a minimal crew, the ship's safety is compromised due to the ongoing conflict in the region, particularly affecting navigational routes through the Strait of Hormuz. With the cancellation coming only 12 days ahead of the scheduled departure, guests are left scrambling to make alternative travel arrangements for their vacations. As it stands, the potential for 'Mein Schiff 5' to resume its passenger operations in Palma de Mallorca by April 17 is uncertain and heavily contingent on the evolving situation in the Middle East. Should conditions improve, both the 'Mein Schiff 5' and its sister vessel, the 'Mein Schiff 4,' could swiftly depart the Persian Gulf bound for their summer cruising destinations. However, as of March 18, this scenario appears unlikely, and prolonged instability could result in further cancellations for TUI Cruises in the weeks and months ahead.

The cruise liners 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5' remain stranded in the Gulf region, with a significant number of crew members having disembarked. Currently, only a skeletal team remains on board as they await the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for navigation. While this situation could potentially lead to cancellations of upcoming voyages, TUI has confirmed that no trips have been officially canceled as of now. Both vessels had plans to embark on a circumnavigation of Africa and make their way back to Europe. Specifically, 'Mein Schiff 4' was set to welcome new passengers in Cape Town come April, before proceeding to Mallorca. In contrast, 'Mein Schiff 5' was planned to launch a cruise to the eastern Mediterranean at the end of April. However, it is noteworthy that the cruise season for the Gulf region has already concluded, with no further voyages scheduled in the immediate future. Despite the current turbulence in oil prices, TUI anticipates that travel costs will not be significantly impacted, thanks to previously secured advantageous arrangements.

Efforts to repatriate guests and crew from TUI's 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5' are making significant headway. The operation for the 'Mein Schiff 4' has been deemed a success, with 13 flights facilitating the return of both passengers and crew back to Europe and their respective home countries. Out of these, ten flights departed from Dubai, heading to major airports in Munich, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt/Main, and Hamburg, ensuring a smooth journey for those on board. Additionally, crew members were provided a special service with a dedicated flight to Manila, while two other flights were arranged from Muscat to Frankfurt. Meanwhile, the repatriation for the 'Mein Schiff 5' is also advancing, with approximately 600 guests returning to Germany on Saudia charter flights from Riyadh, coupled with extra seating on Qatar Airways routes from Doha. On March 10 and 11, further return efforts were put in place, including two Saudia charter flights and additional services from Sundair and LEAV Aviation, bringing over 1,200 guests from 'Mein Schiff 5' back home. Notably, on the evening of March 10, five flights had already safely transported guests from Riyadh to Munich, Frankfurt, and Cologne, along with one Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Frankfurt. As of March 11, two more charter flights are scheduled from Riyadh, aimed at returning an additional 450 guests to Germany. TUI Cruises remains proactive in assessing further repatriation options through all operational airports in the area and is maintaining close coordination with airlines to maximize assistance for guests and crew members. The captain announced that by March 12 at the latest, all passengers would have completed their journey home, followed by the crew's return.

TUI Cruises has mobilized a dedicated crisis management team to address the ongoing challenges faced by passengers aboard the 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5'. As the situation unfolds, the company is actively collaborating with its airline partners to explore viable solutions for repatriating its guests. This includes assessing alternative flight paths, regional airports, and other potential transportation options to ensure a safe return. To provide support for families and friends of passengers, TUI Cruises has launched a special hotline available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, reachable at +49 40 60001 5403. The company has confirmed that several upcoming sailings have been cancelled; this includes departures on the 'Mein Schiff 4' on March 1, 2, 8, and 9, as well as voyages on the 'Mein Schiff 5' scheduled for February 28 and March 5. Currently, about 30,000 travelers affiliated with German tour operators are in the crisis region, with 5,000 guests onboard the two TUI vessels. Thankfully, recent updates indicate that the situation aboard 'Mein Schiff 5' has stabilized, allowing normal operations to resume for many onboard activities. Certain areas, including Deck 12 under the side roofs, are once again open, although some sections, like Deck 14, remain restricted. Passengers can disembark to the port terminal, adhering to the necessary regulations while keeping in touch with loved ones through a complimentary data voucher providing 350 MB of free internet access available at the reception. Onboard amenities remain operational, with restaurants, bars, and a vibrant entertainment schedule including theater performances, games, and wellness activities accessible to all guests. The crew is committed to supporting passengers by sourcing essential items such as medications, hygiene products, diapers, and baby food when possible. They have organized individual purchases through the local port agency. As a precaution, passengers are advised to remember their designated assembly points and to refrain from using open decks temporarily. As hundreds of bags have been returned to the ships, TUI Cruises aims for an orderly departure on March 6, as airline partners start to gradually resume services. Ongoing communication with authorities, embassies, and airlines is crucial for coordinating these efforts. However, it should be noted that Doha's airspace is expected to remain closed for the next 12 hours. Although the situation is calm onboard, distant noises of potential drone or missile activity have been reported at night. To ensure safety during this time, all Middle East cruises on the 'Mein Schiff 4' through March 9 and the 'Mein Schiff 5' through March 12, including the repositioning cruise from Dubai to Cape Town on March 12, have been officially cancelled.

The plight of passengers aboard the TUI vessels "Mein Schiff 4" and "Mein Schiff 5," alongside the "MSC Euribia," remained uncertain as of March 1. Fortunately, all passengers were safely returned to their ships. The trio of cruise liners, along with three additional vessels, are currently docked in the ports of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar, leaving many wondering about their next steps. Stressful military operations flared once again in the Persian Gulf, with reports suggesting that Iranian navy forces are now facing strikes. The crucial Strait of Hormuz has been shut down to shipping traffic, creating a lock-in scenario for vessels in the Gulf. Only ships affiliated with China or Russia were reported to have traversed the strait overnight. The "Mein Schiff 4," which was set to embark for Germany with around 2,000 passengers on March 1, had expected to welcome about 2,000 new travelers arriving by flight from Germany. It was scheduled to set sail on March 2 at 10:30 p.m. for a seven-day "Magic of the Orient" cruise to Oman; however, this itinerary has been halted indefinitely. Similarly, the "Mein Schiff 5" found itself stranded in Qatar, where passengers have been stuck in Doha since February 28 after concluding their voyage. Some travelers were already on their way to the airport when their flights were abruptly canceled, leading to a chaotic situation at Doha airport. After a grueling ten-hour wait, passengers were finally returned to the "Mein Schiff 5" for safety. Worrisome alerts about incoming missiles from Qatar's Civil Defense have regularly buzzed on the passengers' phones. The captain assured them that the ship maintained constant communication with both the German embassy and TUI's on-land representatives. More updates are anticipated later in the day, even though it had been over 12 hours since the cruise line had sent information. Confusion prevailed at the Doha airport, leading to a recommendation for passengers to remain aboard the ship. Those who were evacuated to the ship left their luggage behind, and those who needed basic toiletries and clothing found themselves struggling, as essentials like underwear ran out swiftly. The "MSC Euribia" had been docked at Port Rashid, Dubai, with plans to sail on the same date, March 1, for a Gulf cruise that has now been called off by MSC Cruises due to the escalating conflict. Other cruise ships, including the Saudi line "Aroya" and the Greek "Celestyal Discovery," found themselves at a standstill in Dubai, while another Celestyal vessel, the "Celestyal Journey," is docked in Qatar alongside the "Mein Schiff 5." Repatriation efforts by air will hinge on the reopening of airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar. TUI Cruises stated that they are in close coordination with the German Federal Foreign Office, which has updated travel advisories for the entire region, prompting these drastic changes to cruise itineraries. Passengers have been advised to refrain from seeking information regarding upcoming departures, as no answers can currently be provided. In the meantime, precautionary measures have been enforced, restricting access to open outdoor areas and directing passengers to steer clear of windows due to ongoing drone and missile threats. The cruise ships are expected to remain in port indefinitely, but fortunately, no damage has been reported onboard linked to recent attacks. Plans for the world tours expected to leave the Persian Gulf at the end of March and early April remain intact, with the "MSC Euribia" scheduled for its last Dubai voyage on April 4, set to dock in Kiel by May 2. The "Mein Schiff 4" and "Mein Schiff 5" have prearranged routes into the Mediterranean for summer cruises, slated to depart at the end of March.

The TUI Cruises fleet finds itself in a precarious situation as the 'Mein Schiff 4' and 'Mein Schiff 5' remain docked near military installations in Qatar and the UAE that have been targeted in recent Iranian attacks. Both vessels are stationed close to US bases in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, having reportedly avoided any damage during the initial onslaught. In light of the heightened security risks, guests aboard both ships have been restricted from disembarking. The 'Mein Schiff 4', currently at port in Abu Dhabi, has had to cancel its scheduled passenger embarkation for March 1, while the 'Mein Schiff 5' was due for a passenger exchange in Qatar on February 28. Passengers are expressing dissatisfaction, questioning TUI Cruises' lack of a robust contingency plan for emergencies, particularly as the company chose to continue operations along the Orient route, unlike some of their competitors. 'Aida,' a disgruntled traveler, shared her frustration as many of the 2,000 vacationers faced turmoil; some had already boarded flights to Germany only for their planes to return to Doha after takeoff due to the closure of airspace.

On the evening of June 15, a medical situation arose on board the 'Mein Schiff 5' while it was navigating the eastern Mediterranean. The cruise ship, having set sail from Limassol just two hours prior, swiftly altered its course and reduced speed to facilitate an urgent medevac operation. A helicopter was dispatched to the scene, successfully airlifting the affected passenger for immediate medical attention on land. The air transport headed directly to Cyprus, ensuring the patient received critical care promptly. Fortunately, the necessary adjustments for the medevac did not disrupt the overall schedule of the 'Mein Schiff 5', which was scheduled for a serene sea day on June 16.

On December 3, 2024, the cruise ship 'Mein Schiff 5' initiated a medical evacuation at the busy port of Arrecife. Responding promptly, the CCS Las Palmas of Salvamento Marítimo dispatched the search and rescue vessel 'Salvamar Al Nair' to assist. This action came as a result of an assessment by the ship's medical team, whose recommendation for evacuation was swiftly acted upon. The passenger was successfully transferred to Puerto Naos-Arrecife, where an ambulance was on standby, prepared to transport the individual to a hospital equipped for advanced medical care.

In response to growing safety concerns in the Red Sea region, TUI Cruises has announced the cancellation of the Mein Schiff 5 voyage scheduled to traverse from Dubai through the Suez Canal. Instead, the vessel will divert on a lengthy route around Africa, causing a significant alteration in its itinerary with Heraklion not anticipated until June 21, 2024. Consequently, several upcoming sailings have also been scrapped, including those on May 23, June 7, and June 14, 2024. Passengers impacted by these changes will receive fee-free cancellations over the next few days, along with a travel credit offering a 10% discount on the cruise fare for future bookings. This credit can be applied without a deadline, providing flexibility for those wishing to book another trip. The affected sailings include: 15 nights from Dubai to Heraklion (May 23 – June 7, 2024), a 7-night Eastern Mediterranean journey with a stop in Piraeus (June 7 – June 14, 2024), and a 14-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise featuring Cyprus (June 7 – June 21, 2024), among others. For travelers looking to explore the Eastern Mediterranean, these updates mark an important shift in planning their future travels with TUI Cruises.