STX Finland shipyards delivers upscale German cruise ship

MAY 22, 2014—STX Finland Oy’s Turku Shipyard recently delivered the 99,500 gt cruise ship Mein Schiff 3 TUI Cruises for operation in the German premium-class cruise market. Mein Schiff 3 will begin operating in the premium German cruise market on June 13, with the maiden voyage starting from Hamburg and heading for Palma de Mallorca.

Her sister ship, Mein Schiff 4, will be launched in September 2014 and delivered to TUI Cruises in spring 2015.
 
Accommodations & amentities
The ship has 1,253 passenger cabins—fabricated by STX Finaldn Cabins Oy—of which some 90 percent are outside cabins and 82 percent balcony cabins. Ten 10 Himmel und Meer Suiten (sky  and sea suites) have two levels and a private 29 m² roof terrace.

A distinctive element of the ship is a 167m² diamond-shaped glass facade on its, which stern extends over two decks on the outside. The diamond houses the Große Freiheit (“Great Freedom”), where passengers can dine at specialty restaurants, such as Richards – Feines Essen and the Steakhouse Surf & Turf, as well have a café ole at a modern coffee house or enjoy a drink at an exclusive bar.

Passengers can also pamper themselves in a large Spa & Sports area, with a 25-meter-long pool on Deck 12, and an outdoor arena on Deck 14 with a large LED screen, providing plenty of space for sporting activities and outdoor cinema events. There’s also a theatre that extends over three decks, equipped with the very latest light, sound and image technology, and the Klanghaus—the first concert hall at sea.

“It is a great pleasure to see how our ideas have turned into reality,” says Richard J. Vogel, CEO of TUI Cruises. “Thanks to the great collaboration of the yard, the newbuilding team, all companies involved, and, last but not least, our own people, we are now the owner of a brand-new cruise ship which sets standards within our industry.”

The 294m x 36m Mein Schiff 3 is also energy efficient, consuming about 30 percent less energy compared to cruise ships of similar sizes, says STX Finland.

The Mein Schiff 3 has a combined exhaust gas treatment system specifically aimed at reducing emissions. A desulfurization plant reduces sulfur emissions by up to 99 percent, and particulate material emissions by 60 percent.

Adds Vogel, “Within the context of our planned fleet expansion, we would highly appreciate the ongoing discussion by the Government about the future of STX Finland to come to a positive outcome in the near future securing the yard’s ongoing operation.”