The cruise ship Mein Schiff 1 operated by the German cruise line TUI Cruises, is heading to Bridgetown Barbados, to disembark all 2800 guests after which all cruises are canceled until May 13. Following the recent developments, some of the crew expressed their concerns what will happen with their jobs. Addressing their concerns Mein Schiff 1 Captain Todd Burgman sent a letter to around 1000 crew members currently on board, sharing information what will happen in the following days.

Dear Crew,

In Barbados there will be no shore leave for passengers or crew.  There are a number of other cruise ships in port, and two confirmed Coronavirus cases on the island.  We cannot risk getting a case on board.  If we get a case on board, it will become very difficult for us to find a port anywhere in the world for needed supplies, provisions, medicines, etc.  We need to do whatever we can to minimize the risk of bringing the virus on board.  There will be no inter-ship visits allowed.  This measure is for the safety and well-being of all of us remaining on board.

The 1 GB internet voucher will not be active until the guests have disembarked.  Our internet system is already at maximum capacity and extremely slow.  Adding additional internet traffic at this time is not possible.

We expect to have more information shortly about which crew members will be requested to stay on board, who will be required to go home, and what the salary arrangement will be.  As soon as we have more information, I will share it with you.  If you are given a ticket home, staying on board on a paid or unpaid basis is unfortunately not an option.  You will not be routed to fly through a highly impacted area.  You will not be forced to leave the ship if your home country will not accept you.

The plan for the ship will be to reduce the crew to a minimum.  We will most likely be steaming at a slow speed to conserve fuel for 3 – 4 weeks, and then be going to anchor.  We will not be staying for any significant time in port.  This will not be a crew-only pleasure cruise.

I’m sorry I do not have more positive news.  I can only share what I know in an honest and forthright manner.  Our colleagues in Hamburg are doing everything possible to position the company to come back strong once this crises has subsided.

These are challenging times for all of us.  I thank you for your continued spirit and professionalism.  

As told by our management, we will receive the sign off list following this day. 

I hope all crew members around the world are safe and can continue their job as soon as possible.