Hamburg/Málaga, April 10, 2025 – In a historic moment for TUI Cruises, the new feel-good ship Mein Schiff Relax was christened in a grand ceremony by godmother Giuliana Rizzo, a crew member of the Mein Schiff fleet since 2015, in front of over 12,000 guests in the port of Málaga.
The naming ceremony, which lasted several hours and carried the theme “Relaxing rocks”, featured a spectacular show complete with lasers, video mapping, and LED wristbands. The event was highlighted by an exclusive concert by international superstar and feel-good ambassador of Mein Schiff Relax, Robbie Williams, who wowed the crowd and set the mood for the evening’s main event – the naming of the ship.
The naming ceremony was a unique and unprecedented event as it brought together not just one, but three ships in the fleet – Mein Schiff 5, Mein Schiff 7, and the newly christened Mein Schiff Relax, which marks the beginning of a new era for TUI Cruises.
Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises, expressed her excitement about the launch of the new InTUItion class and the new ship, which will be joined by Mein Schiff Flow in 2026. She also thanked the team for their efforts in creating a one-of-a-kind naming ceremony that truly captured the essence of the new ship.
The central theme of the ceremony was the number eight, symbolizing infinity and tranquility, and the 12,000 guests in attendance were able to become part of the show themselves through the use of radio-controlled LED wristbands. The event culminated in the smashing of a champagne bottle at the bow of the ship and an impressive fireworks display, making for a brilliant launch of the new feel-good ship.
Giuliana Rizzo, SPA & Sport Manager of Mein Schiff Relax, had the honor of being the godmother and triggering the smashing of the champagne bottle with a pyrotechnic effect along a 120-meter-long line of rockets. She was overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of such a special moment for TUI Cruises.
The naming ceremony was attended by over 12,000 guests, including prominent German personalities like Reiner Calmund, Andrea Berg, Elton, and more. The after-show parties on all three ships were buzzing with excitement and featured performances by renowned DJs, making for a truly memorable evening.
Captain Tom Roth, who has been with the development and construction of Mein Schiff Relax for six years, led the ship on its maiden voyage after the ceremony. The ship will be sailing on regular 7- to 10-day trips from/to Palma/Mallorca this summer, with destinations including Italian cities, Spanish mainland, and French and Portuguese ports.
Guests can look forward to a luxurious and relaxing experience on board the newest addition to the fleet, with its state-of-the-art facilities and unique features. Bookings for Mein Schiff Relax can be made through a travel agent, on the TUI Cruises website, or by calling +49 40 60001-5111.
About TUI Cruises:
TUI Cruises GmbH is a joint venture between TUI AG and US cruise company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. The company operates a fleet of eight ships under the Mein Schiff brand, with plans to add another ship, Mein Schiff Flow, in 2026. TUI Cruises offers premium cruise experiences and recently acquired sister brand Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, which operates luxury and expedition ships. With a focus on sustainability and customer satisfaction, TUI Cruises is a leader in the German-speaking cruise market.
For more information, please visit the TUI Cruises website.
Press Contact:
Simone Feier-Leist, presse@tuicruises.com, +49 40 60001-550.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.