Marella Cruises has been dealt a major blow after parent company TUI AG confirmed that two long-awaited new ships will no longer join the UK brand. Instead, the vessels will be built for TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff fleet, strengthening the group’s position in the German-speaking market.
What Was Announced
On 29 September 2025, TUI and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri signed a firm contract for two new InTUItion-class cruise ships, scheduled for delivery in 2031 and 2032. These had originally been announced earlier this year for Marella Cruises, which would have marked the first time the line operated brand-new builds rather than second-hand vessels.
The new ships will measure around 160,000 gross tons each, making them among the largest in the TUI Cruises fleet. They will be sister ships to Mein Schiff Relax and Mein Schiff Flow and will feature dual-fuel LNG and marine gas oil engines, advanced energy-saving systems, and full shore-power connectivity to meet environmental standards.
Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero called the deal proof of “trust and successful collaboration” with TUI and Royal Caribbean, which co-owns the Mein Schiff joint venture.
Why Mein Schiff Is Getting the Ships
The decision highlights TUI’s strategy to focus growth on its German-speaking market, where demand for premium cruising has remained strong. Mein Schiff has expanded steadily and already has two InTUItion-class ships entering service before the end of the decade.
What It Means for Marella
For Marella Cruises, the news is a setback. The line had been preparing to refresh its fleet with purpose-built ships, but with the slots reassigned, it is left without a clear path to renewal.
Its current ships will remain in service well into the next decade:
Most of the fleet is nearing or past the 30-year mark. While refurbishments help, older ships struggle to match newer vessels on fuel efficiency, emissions, and modern amenities. This could make it harder for Marella to attract younger cruisers or compete with rival lines deploying state-of-the-art ships in the UK market.
Looking Ahead
TUI has not ruled out future newbuilds for Marella, but the timeline is uncertain. In the meantime, the brand will rely on refurbishments and its reputation for friendly service and all-inclusive offerings to stay competitive.
For loyal passengers, the news may be disappointing, but Marella continues to operate popular itineraries across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and beyond. The bigger question is how the brand fits into TUI’s long-term plans as the group doubles down on Mein Schiff’s growth in Germany.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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