Step by step to your
first cruise.
The first cruise is something very special: a moment full of anticipation, new impressions - and lots of little aha moments. The first time on board, cabin card in hand, a friendly welcome - and your personal time out at sea begins. To get you off to the best possible start, here are our tips for beginners - compact, easy to understand and with everything you need to know for your first cruise, from booking to dress code to shore excursions.
Is a cruise something for me?
A cruise is more than just a voyage - it is an experience of relaxation, discovery and comfort. Your floating home will take you from destination to destination in complete relaxation, while you enjoy plenty of open space and indulgence on board. Discover cruises with the Mein Schiff® fleet that offer more: generous comfort, excellent catering, Premium inclusive benefits and a relaxed feel-good atmosphere. Each ship combines modern design with warm service - for unforgettable holiday moments from the very first minute.
This is what awaits you on board
A cosy cabin (or suite) as a personal retreat - just the way you like it
Exciting routes with changing destinations
Culinary highlights with breathtaking sea views in several restaurants - many of which are already included
Wide range of leisure activities - from wellness & spa, culture and fitness to entertainment shows
The perfect blend of relaxation, adventure and comfort
And above all: plenty of time for yourself - whether on deck, in the spa or with a view of the sea
What is included?
With the wide range of Mein Schiff® Premium inclusive benefits in all tariffs, your holiday will be a relaxing feel-good trip. Whether it’s a 5-course set meal, your favourite drink, varied entertainment or spa treatments: Everything on board our ships is included – without extra costs.
These services are always included
No extra costs. In all tariffs.
When everything is included for you, it's Mein Schiff ® - thanks to the extensive Mein Schiff ® Premium inclusive services in every fare.
Service | 2x glasses of wine | 4x soft drinks | 2x fish grill plate | 2x cocktails | 2x piece of cake | 2x cups of cappuccino | 2x sauna and fitness | Extra costs per day | Extra costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Other providers | 14,00 € | 16,00 € | 42,00 € | 20,00 € | 8,00 € | 7,00 € | 60,00 € | 167,00 € | 1.169,00 € |
Mein Schiff ® | 0,00€ | 0,00€ | 0,00€ | 0,00€ | 0,00€ | 0,00€ | 0,00€ | 0,00 € | 0,00 € |
Service | Other providers | Mein Schiff ® |
|---|---|---|
2x glasses of wine | 14,00 € | 0,00€ |
4x soft drinks | 16,00 € | 0,00€ |
2x fish grill plate | 42,00 € | 0,00€ |
2x cocktails | 20,00 € | 0,00€ |
2x piece of cake | 8,00 € | 0,00€ |
2x cups of cappuccino | 7,00 € | 0,00€ |
2x sauna and fitness | 60,00 € | 0,00€ |
Extra costs per day | 167,00 € | 0,00 € |
Extra costs | 1.169,00 € | 0,00 € |
* Average savings thanks to Mein Schiff ® Premium inclusive services, calculated for 2 people, based on a 7-day cruise.
Would you like to have even more comfort, open space and gourmet delights during your trip? Then our wide range of Mein Schiff ® Add-on Services will leave nothing to be desired. Choose from a comprehensive programme of extras that perfectly match your personal preferences, and look forward to unforgettable moments of well-being.
How do I book my first cruise?
Booking a cruise is less complicated than many people think. If you think about destinations, budget and duration of your trip in advance, you'll create the best basis for relaxed holiday anticipation.
Important steps when booking
- Select route: Whether it's the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean or Scandinavia - the trip should suit the season and your interests.
- Book early: This ensures favourite cabins and attractive early booking prices.
- Organise arrival and departure: TUI Cruises offers suitable transfer packages - for a smooth start.
- Travelling well informed: The travel documents contain all the important information - about embarkation, shore excursions and life on board.
Tip: Every week you will find new offers for different destinations. Be inspired by our offers when choosing your holiday destination and book at attractive prices.
Which destinations can I discover with Mein Schiff ®?
Every cruise route offers you unforgettable highlights and experiences. Come on board and discover the most diverse cruise destinations with the Mein Schiff ® fleet.
Which cabin is right for me?
The cabin is your retreat - individually selectable according to budget and preferences. On board the Mein Schiff® fleet you will find a variety of comfortable cabins and suites that meet the highest standards. Whether in the cosy Inside Cabin or the luxurious Suite - all accommodation offers state-of-the-art facilities and a stylish ambience for a relaxing journey. Enjoy the comfort and exclusivity that will make your cruise an unforgettable experience.
Good to know: Over 80% of the cabins on the Mein Schiff® fleet are Balcony Cabins.
- 1 / 1Balcony Cabin
Most popular category
Start the day with a coffee from your espresso machine and enjoy the view from your private balcony.
Outside CabinA large panoramic window invites you to enjoy the vast view of the sea.
Junior Suite BalconyMore space, greater happiness: Look forward to grounded colours, plenty of storage space and a fantastic view of the waves.
- 1 / 1Further cabin categories
Discover the different types of cabins on board our feel-good fleet.
*The illustrations show sample images of a cabin category on the Mein Schiff Relax. The equipment and design may vary depending on the ship.
Explore cabins interactively
Stroll around the spacious decks, through the stylish cabins and discover the new restaurants and bars. Let yourself be inspired by the special feel-good atmosphere and start the tour now to experience the Mein Schiff Relax up close.
Would you like to find out more about our ships?
background data
virtual tours
current positions
equipment of the cruise ships
and much more
Shore excursions and destinations: Everything about excursions
Every port tells its own story - and shore excursions are often the emotional highlights of a cruise. Whether historic cities, unspoilt nature or local cuisine: Well planned, every shore excursion becomes a special experience. TUI Cruises organises and arranges shore excursions. TUI Cruises organises bike excursions itself, while other excursions are sometimes offered by certified local tour operators, who are also responsible for them.
So you get the best out of every outing:
Find out about the excursion programme in good time - online or via the on-board portal
Many excursions can be booked in advance - so you can secure the most popular tours stress-free. Get an overview of our shore excursion search
Those who prefer to travel individually can also use local providers
Note the return times to the ship - particularly important for independently planned tours
Whether guided or on your own - discover the variety of cruise ports to suit your taste.
Packing and preparing: What belongs in the suitcase?
- Well prepared means a relaxed start. A cleverly packed suitcase saves time on board and ensures that you feel comfortable from the very first moment.
You should definitely pack this:
- Light clothing for warm days, warm clothing for the evening
- Swimwear, sports outfit and comfortable shoes for excursions
- An elegant look for the evening - matching the restaurant dress code
- Sun cream, sunglasses, hat, personal medication
- Passport or identity card, depending on destination
- Travel documents, cabin card and proof of vaccination if applicable
- Travel insurance incl. cover abroad
Tip: With our practical checklist, you can see at a glance what you should definitely take with you and what is available for you in your cabin or can be borrowed.
On board: First orientation on the ship
Your journey officially begins with check-in - cabin card in hand, a smile on your face and the sea in sight. A world of its own awaits you on board: well organised, pleasantly relaxed and with many options for individual design.
To help you find your way around quickly, we recommend these first steps:
Health and well-being at sea
Feeling good starts with feeling safe - even on the high seas. To ensure that your journey is completely relaxing, medical care and preventive measures against seasickness are provided on board.
Helpful tips on seasickness and well-being:
If you are sensitive, choose a cabin amidships on a lower deck - this is where you will feel the swell the least.
Ginger, special tablets or plasters can gently alleviate initial symptoms.
Exercise on deck, fresh air and the view of the Horizont also help.
If medical support is needed, the Hospital is available around the clock - discreetly and professionally.
Dress code & atmosphere
People from different regions and cultures come together on board. Respectful interaction ensures that all guests feel equally comfortable.
The atmosphere is casual but stylish - smart casual clothing is encouraged in the restaurant, swimwear is only allowed on the Pooldeck.
Tipping is already included with Mein Schiff ® - appreciation is still welcome.
Punctuality is essential - especially on excursions and when casting off.
Consideration applies in quiet areas and during conversations - quiet tones create relaxed moments for everyone.
A "thank you" or a smile to the service staff is not only polite, but also part of the feel-good factor on board.
Summary of the most important tips
The first cruise is more than just a journey - it's a change of perspective. From the moment of booking to the first look over the railing: If you start well prepared, you will get into relaxation mode more quickly.
These tips for cruisers will help you get the most out of your trip from day one:
- Plan in good time: Booking early not only ensures good prices, but also your favourite cabin, a suitable route and popular shore excursions.
- Don't plan everything through: Things can also be spontaneous at sea. Most cruisers appreciate a good balance of fixed dates and free moments.
- Stay open: New excursions, new people, new impressions - every stage offers something that surprises.
- Use tips and tricks: Read up, listen to testimonials, but organise your trip entirely according to your own ideas.
With an open mind and a little preparation, your first cruise will not only be relaxing - but also enriching.
Do you have any unanswered questions?
In our FAQ you will find answers and interesting facts about your journey on board the Mein Schiff® fleet.
Find your Mein Schiff ® cruise now
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More frequently asked questions & answers
In our FAQ you will find answers and interesting facts about your trip on board the Mein Schiff ® fleet.
