Mein Schiff 8

The 2024-built TUI Mein Schiff 8 cruise ship (currently under construction) has as sistership Schiff 9 (2026). Both liners are from the new "TUI XL-Schiff" series. TUI's Schiff 8 is currently scheduled for delivery in 2024-Q4 (October-November-December).

The vessel (IMO number 9862657) will be Malta-flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Valletta.

Due to the global impact of the COVID crisis, TUI Schiff 8's construction start was postponed as well as the ship's delivery - from 2024-Q3 (July-September) to 2024-Q4 (October-December).

TUI's two newbuilds (Schiff 8 and Schiff 9) were ordered in July 2018 and their construction started in June 2022. Unlike TUI's sisterships built by Meyer Turku Finland, both new units are Fincantieri-built (at Monfalcone Shipyard near Trieste, Italy). These are TUI's first LNG-powered vessels and also the fleet's largest by design (160000 GT-tons/volume) and passenger capacity (~4100 passengers plus ~1100 crew/staff).

History - construction and ownership

TUI Cruises is a UK-based joint venture cruise company (50-50) of TUI Group (British-German travel and tourism corporation) and RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (USA-based passenger shipping company). TUI started cruise shipping operations in 2009, targeting predominantly the German-speaking market with a premium travel vacation product. German and English are the main onboard languages on all TUI Schiffs (ships). TUI's sister-brands are Marella Cruises UK and Hapag-Lloyd-Cruises.

Mein Schiff 8 has 18 decks and max passenger capacity ~4000. Around 90% of all passenger staterooms are outside and around 80% of the cabins are with step-out balconies.

In comparison to Schiff 1, Schiff 8 has some improvements in onboard amenities and technology (energy efficiency). The vessel has the most- advanced scrubber/exhaust cleaning system that reduces SOx emissions by nearly 99% and NOx emissions by 75%. The ship also has an Aqua Park (with waterslides) and an Activity Deck (with Rope Course).

Decks and Cabins

Over 80% of TUI Schiff 8 staterooms (2050 total) are outside. All suites and family cabins have Xbox 360 video gaming consoles. The largest cabins are the 2-deck Himmel-Meer Suites with rooftop terraces. For families are the comfort category Verandah Deluxe. Spa Balcony cabin passengers enjoy exclusive spa facilities access.

All staterooms offer as standard amenities 2 single beds (1 double bed), bedside cabinets (with drawers and reading lamp), sofabed (or 1-2 Pullman beds), smart HDTV (satellite reception, infotainment system with on-demand movies, Internet, ship info channel), direct dial phone, wardrobe, electronic safe box (in the closet), minibar, Nespresso coffee machine (2 capsules are included per day), water carafe with glasses, mirrored dressing table (writing desk) with chair, en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, single-sink vanity, hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers, bath products - shower gel, shampoo, conditioner), individually controlled air-conditioning, 24-hour room service.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Unlike the previous TUI ships, Mein Schiff 8 has more outdoor space thanks to redesigned interconnected outer decks and an iconic roof - a large open-air structure positioned midship on the top deck. The roof was designed by 3deluxe (Wiesbaden Germany-based architecture and transdisciplinary design firm).

Integrated into the redesigned outdoor space are the main swimming pool (length 25 m / 80 ft), the spacious sundeck (with plenty of sunbathing zones and shaded seating for relaxation) and the Jogging Track. At the stern is the aft-facing Infinity Pool (glass-walled) surrounded by a terraced sundeck.

Note: The following information is based on Schiff 1 design (changes pending).

The food in the large Anckelmannsplatz buffet restaurant is all included in the fare. Schiff 8 also has a bakery for freshly prepared complimentary tarts and paninis. Atlantic Restaurant is divided into 3 themed restaurants and offers Asian, Mediterranean or 5-course meals (all complimentary). Gosch Sylt is a seafood restaurant. Bistro offers light snacks. At extra charge are Hanami (Japanese restaurant), Richards Restaurant and Surf and Turf (steakhouse restaurant).

Follows the complete list of Mein Schiff 8 restaurants and food bars.

• Atlantic Classic (530-seat, complimentary main dining room (of all three) for buffet-style Breakfast and waiter-served Lunch and Dinner. Some menu inclusions are at extra charge
• Atlantik Brasserie (265-seat main dining room/MDR; offers French cuisine specialties, a la carte menu, and healthy choices)
• Atlantik Mediterran (266-seat, Mediterranean-themed main dining room. Some items in the menu are marked as "family meals")
• Hanami (62-seat specialty Japanese restaurant for sushi and traditional specialties at surcharge)
• Tag und Nacht (Day and Night 24-hour 88-seat bistro)
• Richard's ("Fine Dining" 70-seat dinner restaurant, reservations required, at surcharge PP)
• Surf und Turf (specialty seafood and steakhouse restaurant)
• Backstube / Bakery (120-seat, complimentary)
• Anckelmannsplatz buffet restaurant (745-seat, with partially covered outdoor area for al-fresco dining; complimentary, self-service, with various food stations)
• GOSCH Sylt (133-seat complimentary seafood restaurant, a la carte menu; with outdoor seating area)
• Aussenalster Bar and Grill
• Ganz Schon Gesund (Very Healthy) Bistro
• Manufaktur Kreativ Kuche (Creative Kitchen)
• Nespresso Bar (Atrium Lobby bar)
• Schmankerl-Entspannt (Austrian restaurant)
• Osteria (pizzeria)

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Note: The following information is based on Schiff 1 design (changes pending).

The main language on board TUI Schiff 8 is German. Almost all beverages, food and gratuities are included in the cruise price. The evening entertainment program in the theatre includes theatrical performances, opera, musicals, varietez, music shows like Beatles, Sketch Parade, flying acrobatic artists and magicians. The theatre features dynamic LED screens and a revolving stage.

Follows the complete list of Mein Schiff 8 lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Theatre (1000-seat main show lounge for grand-style show productions; with a revolving stage and eight dynamic LED screens)
• Sturmfrei (Teens Lounge featuring video gaming consoles, dance floor, foosball table, activities like karaoke, cooking classes, teen parties, movies, etc.)
• The Playground area (with Internet corner and Spielplatz/video console games. Internet access is complimentary for all Suite guests. Wi-Fi is available shipwide, prices are per minute, 1 hour or 3 hours)
• Atelier (Workshop/art studio for painters)
• Klanghaus (Sound House - the first-ever chamber music room at sea, 300-seat with concert hall simulating acoustics; hosts events like opera, classical concerts, chamber music, jazz, cabaret performances, theatrical readings, comedies, media presentations)
• The Neuer Wall shopping arcades
• TUI Bar; Coffee Lounge; Diamant Bar (Diamond Bar); Abtanz Bar (100-seat disco nightclub); Rauchersalon (Cigar Room); Schau Bar (249-seat Show Bar); Champagner Treff (Champagnes Match; wine bar); Uberschau Bar (50-seat wellness bar with a "healthy drinks" menu); Unverzicht Bar (poolside bar); Eis Bar (40-seat Ice Bar)
• X-Bar, Hoheluft (High Air) Bar, Ebbe und Flut Bier Bar (Low Tide Beer Bar)
• Casino (20-seat; open only during sea days)
• Grosse Freiheit (one of the most special places onboard, located at the aft of the ship and including various restaurants; features a huge diamond-shaped facade spanning on 2 decks)
• SPA Sauna area (with a Finnish Sauna room, Herbal Sauna, Salt Sauna, Tea Lounge)
• Himmel und Meer Lounge (Suite Guests only); X-Lounge (Suite-guests only)
• SPA und Meer (SPA and Sea complex with a Rasul Room/mud bath, Treatment Rooms, Zen Garden, saunas; Beauty Salon)
• Sport und Gesunheit (Sport and Health Fitness Centre, gym classes/personal trainers provided at surcharge)
• Aussenpool (Deck 12, outdoor pool area with a 25 m long Lagune swimming pool, sunbathing area, Aussenalster Grill Bar)
• Innenpool (indoor, 2-level pool area with 1 swimming pool and 1 whirlpool)
• Outdoor large-size LED Movie Screen
• Insel der Seerauber (Pirates' Island Kids Club complimentary lounge)
• Nest (baby room; offers babysitting services at surcharge)
• Arena (open-air combined sports court); Sport und Gesundheit Kursraum (spinning room for sports classes); Power Walking / Jogging Track
• Blauer Balkon (Blue Balcony) the "walk on water" spot features 11 m2 (140 ft2) glass-floor platforms positioned 37 m (120 ft) above sea level
• Thalia Leselounge (reading lounge)

TUI schiff einkaufsbummel (onboard shopping)

TUI schiff SPA und Sport

TUI schiff sonnenbereiche und poolbereiche (sundeck and pool deck areas)

Itineraries

TUI Mein Schiff 8 itinerary program will be announced sometime in 2023-H2.