MEIN SCHIFF 1: A Distinctive Ship…In Any Language!
It was like bumping into a casual acquaintance in the very last place you’d expect to see them.
That’s how I felt as I exited my Uber at the Bayonne, New Jersey cruise terminal and saw Mein Schiff 1 standing commandingly at her pier. Since her 2018 launch, I had repeatedly encountered this 111,500-grt ship as I sailed European waters. But now here she was, practically in my own back yard, giving her guests a breathtaking view of the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
Mein Schiff 1 is operated by TUI Cruises, a 50/50 joint venture between Germany’s TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Group. TUI Cruises operates nine ships under its Mein Schiff brand, five under the Hapag-Lloyd banner and another five sailing under the UK-focused Marella Cruises brand.
I was invited to Mein Schiff 1 for an afternoon event that would give me and a small group of journalists and travel advisors an opportunity to tour the ship and sample her dining before she headed south for an 18-night Caribbean sailing from Bayonne to Montego Bay.
Love at First Sight
From the moment I enter Mein Schiff 1, there is a feeling of spaciousness and illumination. True, today all guests aboard this sailing are exploring New York City on their choice of one of the 30 shore excursions offered during the ship’s call, including a cycling tour (God bless them!).
But my impression is that this welcoming atrium could easily accommodate all 2,894 guests at the same time. A modern color scheme of blues and greens is dazzling and silver accents add sparkle. Above us hovers a quirky and massive conical sculpture, a dizzying array of blue, white and silver fish which I find hypnotizing and so much more meaningful than the hanging crystal sculptures so prevalent on other ships.
Familiar Ship, Different Feel
We’re greeted warmly by the ship’s general manager, who escorts us to deck 5 for our first literal taste of Mein Schiff 1: a “welcome” selection of delectable appetizers, desserts and, yes, champagne. Each dish offered is superb and I find myself returning three times for the dynamite sushi and a bite-size tempura-like delicacy. The shrimp dish, the chicken strips in a sweet and savory Asian sauce, and certainly the chocolate assortment is equally as enticing.
As its name suggests, Mein Schiff 1 (“My Ship” in English) is most definitely a German ship. And as we explore her, we pass digital signage everywhere, each screen broadcasting its message in the German language. Ninety-nine percent of the guests on this sailing are German with the balance being Swiss, Austrian and, yes, a couple of North Americans.
English speakers are welcome and they can count on English-language menus and daily programs. Aboard Mein Schiff 1, daily programs are available only on the ship’s app and on in-cabin TV. (Printed versions are unavailable.)
It quickly becomes clear as we stroll the dazzling decks that this ship is stunning in any language! Twelve restaurants and bistros, 17 bars and lounges, a full theater, large shopping arcade, a small casino, and a full-service spa might suggest that Mein Schiff 1 is similar to other ships you’ve sailed but prepare yourself for some marked differences.
On deck 12, you’ll find one of the largest onboard swimming pools at sea—80 feet long—and sports fans won’t need to stress about the weather with the Arena, the ship’s indoor basketball court, complete with bleachers, which is in addition to outdoor sports areas, a full running track and a lavish ocean-view fitness area.
At roughly 80 feet long, Mein Schiff 1’s main pool is among the larger swimming pools found aboard a cruise ship. Photo: Judi Cuervo. Mein Schiff 1’s indoor Arena includes a basketball court and bleacher seating, allowing sports activities to continue regardless of the weather. Photo: Judi Cuervo.
Being a German ship, of course one of those 17 bars is a “bier” one, offering some of the world’s finest beers. For fans of more intimate shows, a smaller theater supplements the larger 1,000-guest capacity one. Like to dance after dinner? The Abtanz bar just might keep rocking all night—it stays open as long as five guests are occupying it!
Mein Schiff 1’s main theater accommodates up to 1,000 passengers for large-scale performances and entertainment. Photo: Judi Cuervo. 
A second, smaller theater aboard Mein Schiff 1 provides a more intimate setting for comedy and other performances. Photo: Judi Cuervo.
Artists or artist-wannabes can head to an art class at the ship’s studio while those who simply appreciate fine art can view the ship’s outstanding collection at the Gallery (or by just strolling around the ship where art is stunning, particularly the framed classic rock LP pieces that line the corridor heading to Buhne Bar).
Framed classic-rock LP artwork lines one of Mein Schiff 1’s corridors, part of the ship’s extensive art collection. Photo: Judi Cuervo. The ship’s art studio hosts creative classes for passengers interested in trying their hand at painting and other artistic activities. Photo: Judi Cuervo.
Room to Move
On this nearly sold-out sailing, visits to sample cabin categories is limited. But even the few we see include a few surprises. We visit an inside cabin that’s more spacious than some deluxe ones I’ve occupied on other ships—heck! The area in front of the bed could double as a dance floor! And in the ship’s family cabins, mom and dad can share with the little ones, the little ones tucked in for the night in adjacent bunk beds.
A cultural difference that might be noticed aboard Mein Schiff 1 centers around cigarette smoking. While nearly all interior spaces are smoke free (the small casino being the only exception), smoking is generally permitted on stateroom balconies. But here, Mein Schiff 1 has introduced a revolutionary solution: Forward staterooms prohibit smoking on balconies and guests may request one at the time of booking.
What’s on the Menu
She is largely an all-inclusive experience with gratuities and all-but ultra-premium wines, champagnes and spirits included in fares. Most dining is complimentary with the exception being the trio of specialty restaurants located at the stern: Surf & Turf Steakhouse, the Italian Cucimare on deck 5, and the German Esszimmer one deck below. (A dining package covering the cost of these is available for purchase.)
It is to Esszimmer my group is headed. A homey space entered via a dramatic curving wooden staircase beneath modern multicolored ceiling light fixtures, positioned at sparkling windows provides a view of the sea and, in this case, the New York skyline.
The menu is a riot of authentic German favorites including goulash soup, goose liver pate, wiener schnitzel, beef rouladen, and puffy sugar-dusted kaiserschmarrn for dessert. I choose wiener schnitzel as my main course and am rewarded with deep fried perfection, and a portion that covers the entire plate! Alongside is a sweet and tart lingonberry jelly and German potato salad with an addictive tang of mustard.
My visit was, admittedly, a whirlwind. But even in that short time, I realize that Mein Schiff could be “my ship” indeed.
I’d eagerly come back for that wiener schnitzel alone.
