Mein Schiff Relax is the largest cruise ship scheduled to call at the Port of Gdynia during this season. The vessel berthed on the morning of 2 June at the quay adjacent to the Emigration Museum and will remain in port until 7 p.m. Those who do not manage to see the ship during this visit will have further opportunities to do so, as Mein Schiff Relax is scheduled to call at Gdynia five more times this season.

Mein Schiff Relax was built at the Italian shipyard Fincantieri in Monfalcone to an entirely new design developed by the shipbuilder and was delivered to operator TUI Cruises in 2025. TUI Cruises is a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.. According to a statement issued by the Italian shipbuilding group, the operator’s fleet is regarded as one of the most environmentally friendly in the world.

Mein Schiff Relax is approximately 333 metres long and 42.1 metres wide, with a gross tonnage of around 160,000. The vessel can reach speeds of up to 22 knots and accommodates 3,984 passengers, served by a crew of approximately 1,100. Guests have access to 19 passenger decks and nearly 2,000 cabins of various categories. For the first time in the history of the TUI Cruises fleet, these include inside cabins, outside cabins and cabins designed specifically for solo travellers.

The primary objective behind the vessel’s design was to reduce energy consumption during operation and minimise its environmental footprint while complying with the latest regulatory requirements. Mein Schiff Relax is equipped with dual-fuel engines capable of operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and, in the future, alternative fuels such as bio-LNG. The ship has also been fitted with advanced exhaust gas cleaning systems and shore power connectivity, enabling it to draw electricity from the local grid while in port. This allows for near-zero-emission operation during port stays, which account for approximately 40 per cent of the vessel’s operating time.

Mein Schiff Relax also stands out for its onboard dining offering. One of the key innovations is an Asian restaurant whose menu was created by renowned German chef Tim Raue.

Interestingly, world-famous British artist Robbie Williams was involved in the ship’s promotional campaign and performed his greatest hits during the vessel’s naming ceremony, which took place in April 2025 in Málaga. The event brought together more than 12,000 guests aboard Mein Schiff Relax, Mein Schiff 5 and Mein Schiff 7, as well as at a specially prepared port-side venue.

It is also worth noting that the previous size record in Gdynia was held by the cruise ship MSC Fantasia, which called at the port in May 2023.

Photo courtesy of Dariusz Adamski/Port of Gdynia