Last week, Hamburg-based company TUI Cruises, which operates the Mein Schiff vessels, announced easing of the health protocols for cruise guests - these will apply to all voyages from this week.

One of them is lifting of the requirement for wearing masks on board - from now on, wearing a mouth and nose guard is no longer mandatory, unless there are different regulations in certain areas of the ship. In addition, it is again allowed to dance indoors on the ship and use of the childcare area for 3-year-olds. 

There are also changes in the specifications for the necessary corona tests. From now on, two negative results of the antigen test are needed before departure, the first of which can be a self-test.

However, the vaccination requirement for all passengers over the age of 12 has not changed - full vaccination protection must be available in order to be able to take part in the Mein Schiff cruise. It is also recommended that additional vaccinations be given on time.

The changes that are being applied as of today are another step towards normality because the current situation with the pandemic allows it.

Message from TUI Cruises on this topic from May 17, 2022:

Summer may come: Mein Schiff fleet relaxes travel restrictions including:

- Guests will no longer need to wear a mask 

- Two negative antigen tests before departure, the first as a self-test

- Again, further loosening is allowed, such as indoor dancing

Further relaxation for a carefree cruise: As on land, the Mein Schiff fleet will return to its usual activities this summer. For all voyages in the summer season from May 29, 2022, the requirement for a mask on board will not be requiered (subject to different rules for the appropriate travel areas). In addition, the first of two mandatory antigen tests may be pre-departure self-testing. In addition, there are still relaxations, for example, indoor dancing is allowed again and the Kids Club reopens its doors for children from the age of 3 (in the meantime from the age of 4). So nothing stands in the way of a relaxing holiday aboard the Mein Schiff fleet. Complete protection against vaccination (for all guests aged 12 and over, including those who have recovered) remains a prerequisite for starting the trip - timely supplementary vaccination is recommended for your own safety.