What's next for Crescent Seas? A newbuilding to set sail in 2032

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 11 April 2025 11 April 2025

On Tuesday, April 8, at this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global, Russell Galbut, CEO and Founder of Crescent Seas, exclusively revealed the company’s next groundbreaking venture: the development of a new build to join its portfolio. The Ocean will join Crescent Seas in 2032, further bolstering the iconic fleet that is redefining luxury living at sea.

The first rendering of The Ocean was unveiled during Galbut’s panel discussion at Seatrade, titled, Disruptive Innovation with Russell Galbut, where he shared how Crescent Seas is revolutionizing the future of luxury cruising. Drawing on his 23-year tenure on the board of Norwegian Cruise Line, this panel offered rare insight into Galbut’s real estate career coupled with his profound understanding of commercial cruising inspired him to reimagine the seagoing paradigm.

Blending well-appointed accommodations with extended stays in global destinations and exceptional service, Crescent Seas reinvents life at sea for discerning travelers. Crescent Seas debuted in March 2025 as the latest venture from GFO Investments. The Ocean will join Crescent Seas’ Navigator and Insignia, launching in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

TUI Cruises christens its newest fleet member Mein Schiff Relax

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 10 April 2025 10 April 2025

A new chapter begins: Mein Schiff Relax, the first ship of the new InTUItion class, was christened yesterday by godmother Giuliana Rizzo, who has been a crew member of the Mein Schiff fleet since 2015, in front of over 12,000 guests in the port of Málaga. Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises, opened the official naming ceremony together with presenter Judith Rakers, who hosted the evening. The naming event, which lasted several hours and lived up to the motto “Relaxing rocks”, featured many musical highlights, including local artists, Mitchy & André Katawazi, MOKABY, an appearance by Giovanni Zarrella and, last but not least, Robbie Williams. The international superstar and feel-good ambassador of Mein Schiff Relax thrilled the guests of Mein Schiff 5, Mein Schiff 7, Mein Schiff Relax and other visitors with his exclusive concert and got them in the mood for the highlight of the evening: the naming of Mein Schiff Relax, the eighth new ship from TUI Cruises.

Robbie Williams, global icon and feel-good ambassador of Mein Schiff Relax: “Mein Schiff Relax embodies the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, it really is an incredible ship. I loved performing at its christening ceremony in this stunning setting in the old city of Malaga. The atmosphere was electric - an unforgettable
experience. Relaxing truly rocks!"

The central and recurring element of the perfectly staged naming ceremony, which included video mapping, fireworks, LED wristbands, a choir and other elements, was the number eight as a symbol of infinity and tranquility. The 12,000 guests, who were welcomed in a specially erected event area, were able to become part of the launch show themselves thanks to the radio-controlled LED wristbands they wore on their wrists. They didn't just attend the event – they felt, saw and experienced it.

The event, which culminated in a pyrotechnic effect along a 120-meter-long rocket line to the bow of the ship and the smashing of a champagne bottle, as well as an impressive fireworks display, crowned the new feel-good ship against the backdrop of the Andalusian city of Málaga.

A brilliant launch for a unique feel-good ship

With the ship, Mein Schiff Relax, TUI Cruises is starting a new chapter in the premium cruise sector. Mein Schiff Relax is the first ship in the new InTUItion class, which will be joined by Mein Schiff Flow in 2026. Both new builds set new standards, as will be demonstrated not least at the unique naming event in Málaga. “The naming of Mein Schiff Relax marks the beginning of a new era for TUI Cruises and another milestone in our success story. Mein Schiff Relax offers numerous innovations that make her unique. That's why it was important to us to welcome this new feel-good ship to the fleet in a special way, which we succeeded in doing with a fleet meeting in the port of Málaga, an energetic Robbie Williams concert and a brilliant naming ceremony,” said Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises.

Godmother Giuliana Rizzo attracted all the attention

For ten years, she has been ensuring that guests on board the Mein Schiff fleet experience special moments of relaxation – yesterday, she was the godmother of the eighth new TUI Cruises ship: Giuliana Rizzo, SPA & Sport Manager of Mein Schiff Relax. While the guests of the Mein Schiff fleet are always the focus of the German-Italian's, who comes from the Hanover region, in her everyday life, all eyes were on her when she arrived in the port of Malaga yesterday evening at 22:11. In an haute couture dress by fashion designer Dawid Tomaszewski, who creates exclusive cruise collections for sister brand Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and the established “fashion2sea” format, the godmother walked through a gigantic digitally projected portal, accompanied by the protective singing of a 36-strong Andalusian choir. A few minutes later, the godmother triggered the obligatory dropping of the champagne bottle at the bow of the ship by means of a pyrotechnic effect along a 120-meter-long line of rockets. “I hereby christen you Mein Schiff Relax,” said the godmother Giuliana Rizzo. “It was a special moment that I can hardly put into words, as I am simply overwhelmed emotionally: by the honor that has been bestowed upon me, but also by the breathtaking and emotional staging of this evening – and all of this to mark my tenth anniversary on board the Mein Schiff fleet. There have been many special moments in these ten years, but this one will remain in my heart forever,” said Giuliana Rizzo.
Celebrities and guests from three ships welcomed Mein Schiff Relax to the fleet

Three ships and a naming ceremony have never been seen before in the history of TUI Cruises. Over 12,000 guests, including many new ones, but also long-standing loyal fans of the TUI Cruises fleet, had booked the exclusive naming voyages, which are held under the motto “Endless Moments”, or just the naming event in the Andalusian port city. Among the guests were prominent German personalities such as Reiner Calmund, Andrea Berg, Elton, Andrea Kathrin Loewig, Maximilian Arland, Aleksandra Bechtel, Ella Endlich, Natascha Ochsenknecht, as well as other invited guests from the worlds of politics and business.

The Mein Schiff Relax was celebrated at the after-show parties of all three ships after the naming event: On board the Mein Schiff 5, the dance floor was rocked with DJ MOUSSE T., DJ MOKABY got the pool deck of the Mein Schiff 7 moving, and DJ 2elements and DJ SCHILLER really heated up the guests of the Mein Schiff Relax.

Captain, maiden voyage and first season of Mein Schiff Relax

On Tuesday, Mein Schiff Relax set sail for her naming voyage. At the helm: Captain Tom Roth, who has accompanied the development and construction of Mein Schiff Relax for six years in the development and since August last year also in the Italian Fincantieri shipyard. Yesterday, he was the last to enter the port of Málaga with the Mein Schiff Relax, where Mein Schiff 5 and Mein Schiff 7 were already waiting for the new feel-good ships.

On the day of the naming ceremony the guests of the three naming cruises had the opportunity to toast the Mein Schiff Relax and the upcoming naming event with the naming cocktail “50 Shades of Grape”. Tonight, the naming dinner will follow, which will also be served on board Mein Schiff 5 and Mein Schiff 7, so that the guests of the other ships can also enjoy the culinary innovations of Mein Schiff Relax.

This summer, regular guests and new cruise fans can look forward to 7- to 10-day trips from/to Palma/Mallorca. In addition to Italian cities such as Rome, La Spezia and Naples, guests can discover the Spanish mainland with the coastal cities of Valencia, Barcelona, Málaga and Cádiz. The newest ship in the fleet also sails to Marseille or Ajaccio in France, the Portuguese port city of Lisbon, Sardinia or Sicily in Italy. Guests can also look forward to the Moroccan port city of Tangier and an overnight stay in the port of Palma on selected routes, allowing them to explore the capital of the Balearic island of Mallorca at length. In the winter of 2025/26, Mein Schiff Relax will cruise around the Canary Islands. The new feel-good ship offers a 7-day itinerary with transfer days in Las Palmas/Gran Canaria or Santa Cruz/Tenerife.

NYK Cruises takes delivery of Asuka III

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 10 April 2025 10 April 2025

NYK Cruises took delivery of the Asuka III, the new cruise ship, from Meyer Werft today. On board the ship, Hiroyuki Endo, President of NYK Cruises celebrated the official handover of the ship with Bernd Eikens, CEO of the Meyer Werft Group, executives of Meyer Werft and NYK Cruises employees as well as the ship's captain Hisashai Kogue. The traditional flag change also took place during the delivery ceremony.

The Asuka III stands for a new and Japanese kind of luxury at sea. The 740-guest ship, which sails alongside the Asuka III, will offer cruises from various ports in Japan.

The ship is characterized by a special design that combines open spaces with traditional Japanese aesthetics. Japanese artists will also be exhibited on the ship, including Hiroshi Senju's fresco in the Gallery Café (Deck 6) and Reiji Hiramatsu's paintings in the Noblesse Restaurant (Deck 6).

During its first season, the ship will call at over 30 destinations throughout the country, including Hakodate, Otaru, Takamatsu, Shingu, Muroran and Moji. The highlight of the season will be the “Japan Circumnavigation Cruise” departing from Yokohama in early August, during which the Asuka III will visit Hakodate, Otaru, Kanazawa, Maizuru, Moji and Beppu on a 12-night voyage before returning to her home port.

The ship is one of the most energy-efficient cruise ships ever built and represents an important milestone on the way to reducing emissions and carbon intensity.

“We are delighted to take delivery of the Asuka III,” said Endo. “Providing the best vacation experiences in our home country in a responsible manner is what drives everything we do. We are fortunate to have the best people working together to create unforgettable experiences for our guests.”

“The delivery of the Asuka III is on schedule today and is an important milestone for us,” said Bernd Eikens, CEO of Meyer Werft Group. “The entire Meyer Werft team, together with our partners, has worked hard to bring this ship to life and today we have completed another great ship. Many of the interior elements will only be brought on board in Yokohama, the ship's home port, but it is already apparent that it will be a wonderful ship for the Japanese public,” Eikens continued

After the Asuka III was transferred some 40 km down the Ems from the Meyer shipyard in Papenburg, it completed its technical and nautical sea trials in the North Sea on March 18 - under the supervision of Captain Wolfgang Thos, the shipyard's captain, and experienced pilots on the high seas.

 

Meyer Yachts to build residential yacht Ulyssia

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 08 April 2025 08 April 2025

Meyer Yachts, together with Ulyssia Residences, have announced a partnership in their upcoming project, Ulyssia, a one-of-a-kind 320-metre residential yacht. 2025 marks a milestone year for the project, with the build process on track to begin later this year in Papenburg, Germany, where Meyer Yachts is headquartered.

Set to become the world’s most exclusive residential yacht community with 133 residences and 22 guest suites, Ulyssia is envisioned by Monaco-based Swiss entrepreneur, Frank Binder. It is designed by renowned naval architect Espen Øino, with interiors by FM Architettura. Meyer Yachts will carry out all construction phases of Ulyssia, with completion of the project due within the next four to five years.

The shipyard has a rich history of craftsmanship and quality and is renowned today for its innovation and excellence in shipbuilding. As the world’s prime builder of large passenger ships, it has a notable history of delivering complex and high-value vessels dating back to 1795.

The build process of Ulyssia will be broken down into the following key phases over the next four to five years:
Design: This phase involves the basic design of defining Ulyssia from a global perspective, followed by the detailed design that culminates in workshop drawings.

Construction and Technical Outfitting: Using these workshop drawings, steel and pipe construction then begins, followed by Ulyssia’s technical outfitting. The first elements of Ulyssia – so called ‘blocks’ – are assembled in the historic building dock.

Assembly and Interior Design: After approximately 18 months, the first of these ‘blocks’ are ready to be assembled. Towards the later phases of the project – between months 40 and 44 – equipment and interior outfitting is carried out to complete this groundbreaking vessel.

Test, Trial and Delivery: A test and trial sequence then takes place ahead of delivery and Ulyssia’s maiden voyage

Alain Gruber, CEO of Ulyssia Residences, says: “We are delighted to be working together with Meyer Yachts to create the masterpiece that Ulyssia will become. This generational project is a legacy for Founder & Chairman, Frank Binder and the many talented team members behind Ulyssia, aimed at redefining the standard in luxury, sustainability, environmental impact and crew welfare.

As the leading name within the industry, we knew from the very start of the project that Meyer Yachts would be the perfect build partner to bring Ulyssia to life. We feel so fortunate to have secured this partnership with Meyer Yachts, now that the calendar is fully booked for the next five years. We’re greatly looking forward to these next few years ahead, culminating in Ulyssia setting sail on her maiden voyage from Monaco.”

Lars Kruse, Head of Sales and Design at Meyer Yachts, comments: “The project Ulyssia is revolutionising residential yacht design and construction, in doing so elevating the entire industry to a whole new level. Beside the stunning exterior and concept design, the market Ulyssia is leading into is absolutely unique and setting new milestones within shipbuilding history. We are honoured to have been chosen as a build partner by the Ulyssia Residences team and we look forward to the journey ahead.”

Photo credit: Espen Øino International