When the world’s first methanol-ready cruise ship set sail on her maiden voyage in Northern Europe this summer, she was a showcase of green potential, an environmentally sensible vessel designed that spoke boldly to the needs of the next-generation cruiser.
This recent launch from German cruise line operator TUI Cruises, Mein Schiff 7 (MS7) is the third in this series and seventh from Turku Yard and final of the premium, all-inclusive Mein Schiff fleet of passenger cruise ships. Boasting wellness-focused amenities and culinary options to augment its revolutionary propulsion system, the forward-leaning, nearly climate-neutral MS7 embodies a design that meets this new standard for sustainable cruising.
It is only fitting that the ship’s design would be borne through collaboration with another pioneer in sustainability. Tillberg Design of Sweden (TDoS) was tasked with creating the layout and space planning of two new restaurant spaces and – a Tui Cruises first – the design and layout of more than 25 single cabins.
“Our latest collaboration with TUI finally brought the aligned value of sustainability to the design development and conversations. We are committed to sustainability as well as TUI.” says TDoS project director Malvina Guarnieri.
GOING GREEN
Mein Schiff 7 is equipped with dual-fuel engines that can accommodate either marine fuel or methanol. As green methanol is not yet readily available in sufficient and affordable quantities, the ship will initially run on low-sulfur marine diesel. In the meantime, Tui is collaborating with engine manufacturer Wärtsilä on a pilot development project to convert existing diesel engines to run on methanol and expects MS7 to be fully technically ready for methanol propulsion by 2026.
Addressing the increasing regulations regarding emissions such as the zero-emissions requirements of the Norway fjords and the EU requirement for shore power use as of January 1, 2030, MS7 is equipped with both catalytic converters and shore power connection.
SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS
Attention to the environment does not end in the engine room aboard MS7, and sustainability is woven throughout the onboard spaces and operations.
“We have long operated by the premise that sustainability is a design requirement, one that carries the same weight in the decision-making process as safety, aesthetics, price and function,” says TDoS Partner & Design/Sustainability Director, Helena Sawelin.
Onboard waste was given particular attention, and Mein Schiff 7 features an innovative thermal wastewater treatment system called “HydroTreat” that breaks down and processes organic food waste and sewage sludge into a carbon-like substance calls “BioChar,” which can be used in agriculture as a fertilizer or feed additive. Dry waste is compressed into baseball-sized pellets that can be used as fuel for waste incineration plants.
ONBOARD FUNCTIONALITY
Structurally identical to the 2018 and 2019 Mein Schiff 1 and 2 ships, which were also designed by TDoS and built at the Finnish shipyard Meyer Turku, Mein Schiff 7 retains the beloved features of her sister ships with notable enhancements.
For the first time in the Mein Schiff fleet, MS7 offers 12 interior and 14 exterior single cabins specifically designed for solo travelers. Measuring eight square meters, these cabins include a wide single bed, ample storage, and a standard-size bathroom. TDoS designed various cabin décors, including guest cabins, family cabins, and larger suites, ensuring both efficiency and variety.
The carpets on MS7 are made from sustainable materials, which feature prominently throughout the design.
Guests will find the familiar iconic design elements they expect from the Mein Schiff fleet, including soaring atriums, elegant staircases, a three-storey theatre, and al fresco lounges.
GASTRONOMY FOR CONNOISSEURS
The art of the dining experience is a central focus in ship design, and TDoS excels in this area. MS7 offers 12 restaurants and bistros and 17 bars. In addition to the long-running favorites found aboard the sister ships, MS7 offers two new TDoS-designed options: La Spezia (Italian) and Hideki (Japanese).
The new specialty restaurant Hideki is situated in the Große Freiheit at the ship’s stern to port on Deck 5. Here, an open concept allows guests to watch the sushi chefs in action. The iconic aft diamond restaurant area is also the home to the new Italian restaurant La Spezia, which welcomes guests with a casual piazza entrance punctuated by a golden Vespa. Just above this entrance are the largest works of art ever installed on a Tui Cruise ship – two 3×2-meter hanging installations from Chinese art studio Sino Sculpture.
FEEL GOOD
TUI has long been a leader in sustainability, demonstrating a profound commitment to environmental stewardship. On the bow of Mein Schiff 7, the word ‘Wohlfühlen,’ meaning ‘Feel Good,’ captures the ship’s emphasis on integrating wellness with its sustainable design.
Mein Schiff 7 offers an extensive 2,400 square meter wellness area, including an 1,800 square meter spa with saunas and steam rooms. Guests can enjoy indoor cycling, a climbing wall, weight training, and screens for live sporting events. The ship also features a 440-meter running track around Deck 14 and a 25-meter indoor pool, complementing the outdoor pool and enhancing the overall wellness experience
Through the launch of Mein Schiff 7, Tui, TDoS, and other design firms involved, are clear reflections of the industry’s shift toward greener technologies and wellness-focused design. With the launch of Tui’s LNG-powered Mein Schiff Relax scheduled for 2025, the future looks green, indeed.
