Bertram's logbook

Cruise-Report: Mein Schiff 5 (3/3)

700394

[Translate to en:] Die X-Lounge exklusiv für Suiten-Gäste

700394

[Translate to en:] Die Diamantbar im Außenbereich

700394

[Translate to en:] Das Pooldeck

700394

[Translate to en:] Die Lagune auf Deck 12

700394

[Translate to en:] Designdetail an Bord

On July 15, the "Mein Schiff 5" was ceremoniously christened in Lübeck-Travemünde. We were allowed on board three weeks earlier and spent a night on the Elbe with the latest premium liner from TUI Cruises.

Part 3: The conclusion

The "Mein Schiff 5" is a very successful ship for the most part, which is certainly unparalleled in the premium segment. What we like: the stylish and spacious ambience with lots of art on the walls, which has nothing to do with the garish and colorful looks of many American and southern European shipping companies. The amount of space on board is also impressive, whether in the restaurants and bars or on the open decks.

From a culinary point of view, the "Mein Schiff 5" has evolved even further compared to the "Mein Schiff 4": In the stern area of deck 4, where there is a mostly deserted café on the "Mein Schiff 4", the "Hanami by Tim Raue" is located on the "Mein Schiff 5". And where the uninspired "Richards - Fine Dinning" awaits guests on the "Mein Schiff 4", there is now a friendly Austrian restaurant with fork breakfasts until 6 p.m. and fine delicacies in a designer ski hut atmosphere with colorful crocheted doilies. Does this really suit the water? Purely a matter of taste, but it's always delicious here ... Also new: the "Osteria", where you can watch the pizza chef kneading the dough and get a plate of fresh pasta in between.

If extensive on-board entertainment is important to you, you are sure to love the "Mein Schiff 5". The theater has the very latest stage technology, the studio surprises with great shows and acoustics that have even attracted the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on board and the DJs and bands are also far removed from the usual solo entertainer level.

We were also impressed by the suites and the "X-Lounge", which is only accessible to suite guests and offers a buffet and evening dinner in an intimate setting. If you like the wide range of services that only a large ship à la "Mein Schiff 5" can offer, but also appreciate the luxury and seclusion of a private suite with an exclusive lounge and sun deck, then you are in good hands here.

We criticize the lack of room service, which is not even available in the suites. It is quite incomprehensible that savings are being made at the wrong end here.

Text: Jörg Bertram