TUI Cruises started its activity in 2009. Its fleet is represented by seven cruise ships today. The company cruises in Europe, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean region, the Persian Gulf, and South-Eastern Asia. Itineraries of many of the company’s cruises include rarely visited ports of call. 

TUI Cruises is mostly focused on German-speaking customers so, the daily program and restaurant menu are printed out only in German but the crew onboard speaks English. The food on the TUI Cruises ships is provided according to the all-inclusive system, moreover, the cruise cost also includes a variety of alcohol and soft drinks. Gratuities are included in the cruise cost as well. The prices of the TUI cruises are high enough. Children accompanied by two adults have discounts.  

Accommodation

• interior cabin
• oceanview cabin
• balcony cabin
• cabin with terrace
• suite

Interior cabin on Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 4 cruise ships

The square of the standard oceanview cabin amounts to 17 sq. meters. Oceanview cabin attributed to the C category may have a limited view or illuminator. The main sleeping accommodations are the same as those at the interior cabin, i.e. two beds that can be joined and be turned into one big bed and additional accommodations including upper folding beds or a sofa that can be transformed into one full-fledged bed.

Oceanview cabin on Mein Schiff 2 and Mein Schiff 3 cruise ships

The size of a standard balcony cabin is 17 square meters as well, whereas the balcony size is equal to 5-7 square meters. The main sleeping berths are: two beds, joined or separated. Additional sleeping accommodations are represented by a convertible sofa. The balcony is usually equipped with a pair of deck chairs and a small table.  

Balcony cabin on Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 5 cruise ships.

The square footage of the cabin having a terrace is 17 sq. meters whereas the terrace area is equal to 30 square meters. The terrace cabin is completely identical to the balcony cabin. Its main advantage is the better view and larger area. There are a couple of deck chairs, a table, a sun lounger, and a hammock on the terrace. 

The area of suites varies and is 26-77 square meters whereas the balcony size amounts to 7-47 square meters. Passengers of all the suites are provided with access to the so-called X-Lounge (a territory for the guests staying in suites where free beverages and appetizers are served, and in addition, the Internet, magazines, and newspapers are available). Here you can find a concierge desk where you can order SPA treatment, make a table reservation at the restaurants, ask for a party or a holiday arrangement, and order a transfer. In addition to all this, passengers traveling at suites can have drinks and appetizers from the mini bar for free, besides, every suite is equipped with a game console. 

Himmel&Meer Suite on Mein Schiff 3 and Junior Suite on Mein Schiff 5

In addition to all the above-mentioned types of cabins, there are family cabins at TUI Cruises ships having a window, balcony, and terrace. Such cabins are comparatively large and are equipped with game consoles. Some of them have a bunk bed.  

Family cabin with a terrace and the family cabin with the window on Mein Schiff 3

Each cabin is equipped with interactive TV (you can connect your flash drive through the USB port and be informed about your account, menu of the restaurants, etc), a telephone, a safe, hair dryer, air conditioning system, sewing kit, fingernail file, mineral water (two one-liter bottles are provided for free), coffee machine (two capsules, sugar, and cream are available daily for free), cups for tea and coffee, wine glasses and a carafe. All the cabins have a lot of storage space represented by various wardrobes, closets, and shelves.

Wardrobe in the cabin on TUI cruise ship

There is no mini bar at all the cabins of the TUI Cruises ships, except for suites. All the cabins are comparatively spacious. Bathrobes and sleepers are available. There is a sufficient number of sockets in each cabin. 

There is a shower cabin installed in the bathroom. Towels, a cosmetic magnifying mirror, liquid soap for washing hands, shampoo and shower gel contained in one dispenser, and a hair conditioner are available. 

Meals on Board of TUI Cruises ships

The cruise cost includes all-inclusive, alcohol and soft drinks served at the bars and the restaurants onboard. The level of food is rather high. You can have beer and wine during lunch and dinner at the buffet restaurants. Drinks and coffee machines allowing you to prepare various types of coffee are available. A supply of tea is very good as well: varieties of black, green, and fruit tea. 

Breakfast

Breakfast is served at the buffet restaurant and the à la carte restaurant. There is a wide variety of main courses and cold appetizers served for breakfast as well as sausage, meat, cheese plate, and fish as an appetizer. You can also always find several kinds of yogurt (both, packaged and to be poured), hot milk, cocoa, smoothie, fruit (melon, watermelon, nectarine, grapes, papaya, pineapple, grapefruit, prunes, apples, oranges, tangerines, passion fruit, and others), cold milk, waffles, pancakes, jam, honey, chocolate spread, and many other. 

TUI Lunch and Dinner Peculiarities 

The main peculiarity of TUI Cruises is various themed breakfasts and dinners. For instance, you can have breakfast dedicated to salmon, or dinner where they serve oysters, various kinds of gourmet fish, and caviar, or an evening can be devoted to various kinds of cheese. 

Seafood is served daily for lunch and dinner; shrimps, fish, bouillabaisse fish soup, mussels, squids, octopuses, etc. You can also find a stand for cooking your own dish where you can select all the ingredients required. The variety of salads is wide. There is also a special corner for kids where special food is served. The variety of desserts is impressive including ice cream. There are 18 kinds of ice cream for lunch and dinner. The number of hot dishes served is significant as well. 

All the restaurants can be visited for dinner at any time convenient for you as there are no definite dinner sittings. The menu is different in each restaurant and is changed daily. You can find it on the screen located on every floor as well as on the TV screen in your cabin. The menu consists of three parts: healthy food, gastronomic food, and food for kids. Vegetarian dishes are marked with carrot signs. The menu also includes an intermediate dish called Zwischengerichte which can be represented by a hot appetizer. 

Drinks on Board

The cruise cost includes a wide range of alcohol and soft drinks (more than a hundred items) represented by various alcoholic and alcohol-free cocktails, beer (including non-alcoholic), wines (red, white, rose), champagne, strong alcoholic beverages (vodka, gin, whiskey, cognac, rum, tequila, liquor), coffee, carbonated drinks, and mineral water. A more comprehensive list can be found on the site of the TUI cruise line. Premium class alcohol has to be extra paid. Water coolers are installed on each floor.  

Entertainment on Board of TUI Cruises Ships

TUI Cruises offers its customers not only high-quality accommodation, meals, and drinks suiting any demanding taste but also takes care of the guests’ leisure time. Nobody will get bored when cruising. 

Swimming Pools

All the TUI cruise ships are equipped with at least several swimming pools and jacuzzis. There is no covered swimming pool on Mein Schiff 5 and Mein Schiff 6 cruise ships unlike others because both of them cruise only in warm waters. Water is heated in some of the pools allowing passengers to swim no matter what the weather is. In the evening, a beautiful water backlight is switched on in the swimming pools.

Covered swimming pool on Mein Schiff 3 and outdoor pool on Mein Schiff 5 

Sport and Wellness

All the cruise ships are equipped with fitness centers, athletic tracks, and sports areas, whereas mini-golf is available on some of the cruise ships. There are no water slides on the TUI cruise ships. You can practice yoga and pilates at the fitness center, rent sports equipment, and sign up for a fitness course. The gym is spacious enough on all the TUI Cruises ships. Open decks at some of the TUI cruise ships are equipped with exercise machines that are located near the sports area.  

Sports area on Mein Schiff 3 and athletic track on Mein Schiff 5

The SPA area is located next door to the fitness center. Nearby, there are recreation areas for the passengers having rest after taking treatments or waiting for their turn. Saunas are separated and are represented by several types (steam and aromatized), they are free of charge. Heated stone sofas and recreation areas to be used after visiting saunas are also available.

Sauna and the heated stone sofa on Mein Schiff 5

Gambling on Board

There is a casino on each TUI cruise ship. Those located on the new ships are very small, having just several tables and a dozen slot machines. Cigar lounges can also be found here. 

Casino located on Mein Schiff 5 cruise ship

Cultural Activities 

All the cruise ships have theaters. The performances take place once a day and start at 21:30. Unfortunately, there are not enough seats for everyone. The shows are different every day, for instance, comedy, parody, music, acrobatic shows, and others. At the entrance, passengers are offered drinks.

Theater on Mein Schiff 5 and Mein Schiff 6 cruise ships

Shopping on Board of TUI Cruises Ships

The Duty-Free shops which are open after the departure can offer you goods by such famous brands as Tommy Hilfiger, Coccinelle, Michael Kors, Dior, Chanel, and others, as well as jewelry, watches, cosmetics, sunglasses, perfume, bags, etc. During the cruise, sales and various presentations are often held. 

Cruise ships Mein Schiff 3 and the newer are equipped with the so-called Blue balcony (Blauer Balkon), the area located above the open sea and has a transparent glass floor.

Travelling with Children

The TUI cruise ships have kids clubs for children of different ages:

- from 3 up to 5 years old;

- from 6 up to 8 years old;

- from 9 up to 11 years old;

The kids club is open from 9 in the morning up to 9 in the evening. You can leave your child there while you are ashore when in port. 

The teenage club is divided into two age categories:

- from 12 up to 13 years old;

- from 14 up to 17 years old. 

Children are offered to play board games, take part in various master classes, events, sports competitions, parties for teenagers, etc. You can sign up for paid painting classes with your children. The cost of them varies from 29 up to 39 euros per person, or for an adult + child, it will be 49 euros, whereas for an adult + 2 children the price will amount to 59 euros.  

Extra Services

There is a medical office on each TUI cruise ship. You can purchase medicine on board if required, and yet, we recommend that you should take them with you from home as the price of them on board is very high. In case of emergency medical assistance, passengers will be delivered to the nearest hospital ashore. 

You can even enter into marriage officially on the board of all the TUI Cruises ships. The wedding ceremony is conducted according to the Maltese marriage act. The cost of a marriage ceremony arranged in Europe or the Canary Islands amounts to 1449 euros whereas in Asia, the UAE, Caribbeans, and North America it is equal to 1549 euros. For more information please consult the TUI Cruises official website. 

Laundry and ironing services are available at all the TUI cruise ships and have to be extra paid. You can find the price list and the bag for the clothing to be washed and ironed in your cabin; all you have to do is to put your clothes into the bag and leave it for the steward to take when cleaning the cabin. The special form has to be preliminarily filled out, you have to specify the items to be washed as well as their quantity. There are no self-service laundries on board.  

Shore excursions are not included in the cruise cost. You can book them in advance or (in case free places are available) buy them on board. Please, pay attention that excursions are conducted in German. 

Internet

You can connect to the Wi-Fi on board both in your cabin and in the communal areas and on the open decks. The new tariff “Social” is available and implies access to such social networks as Facebook (except for video), Facebook Messenger, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Tumblr, Twitter, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Xing, and Skype (except for video). 

Tips (Gratuities)

Gratuities are included in the cost of all the tariffs. You do not need to pay anything additionally.

Smoking on Board of TUI Cruises Ships

Smoking on board is allowed only in specially designated areas.

Smoking areas on Mein Schiff 1 are:

- deck no. 6: bow part of the promenade deck;

- deck no. 7: Aussicht Bar, Casino & Lounge, the tail section of the promenade deck, and terrace of Schau Bar;

- deck no. 11: Unverzicht Bar, and the terrace of Außenalster Bar;

- deck no. 12: nearby the swimming pool.

Smoking areas on Mein Schiff 2:

- deck no. 6: bow part of the promenade deck;

- deck no. 7: tail section of the promenade deck, and the terrace of Schau Bar;

- deck no. 8: Unschlag Bar;

- deck no. 11: Unverzicht Bar and the terrace of Außenalster Bar;

-  deck no. 12: Überschau Bar.

Smoking areas on Mein Schiff 3:

- deck no. 5: Cigar lounge, bow part of the promenade deck, terrace of Schau Bar, and Champagner Treff;

- deck no. 14: Bar & Grill, Überschau Bar (on the left side of the ship).

Smoking areas on Mein Schiff 4-6:

- deck no. 5: Casino & Lounge, bow part of the promenade deck, terrace of Schau Bar, and Champagner Treff;

- deck no. 14: Bar & Grill, Überschau Bar (on the left part of the ship).

In addition, smoking is allowed on the balconies and terraces of the cabins. In all the other areas of the ship, smoking is strictly forbidden for safety reasons.