A makeover for Mein Schiff 4 – technical and aesthetic improvements

• Two-week dry-dock stay in Dubai completed: extensive modernisation of public areas and technical improvements for greater energy efficiency

Shortly before its tenth anniversary, Mein Schiff 4 has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment: from 10 to 23 February 2025, the feel-good ship was revamped, modernised and technically optimised at the shipyard in Dubai, with the aim of reducing fuel consumption and associated emissions.

Modernisation of public areas to enhance the Mein Schiff feel-good factor

During the 14-day stay in the shipyard, extensive renovations were carried out in the ship’s public areas. The aim was to give the ship – which was officially launched in Kiel in early summer 2015 – a fresh new look just before its tenth anniversary. A total of 9,000 square metres of carpet were replaced in the stairwells, the main restaurant Atlantik, the Schaubar and numerous other areas. The flooring in the popular buffet restaurant Anckelmannsplatz was completely refurbished, right down to the last tile: 800 square metres of tiled flooring was removed by hand and relaid.

Not only the interior areas but also the outdoor decks of the ship were refurbished. The 25-metre pool and the jacuzzis were thoroughly sanded down and repainted. The sauna area was also given a new lease of life, featuring a modernised steam sauna, among other things.

Propeller replacement and hydrodynamic optimisation to improve energy efficiency

Technical improvements were implemented during the ship’s stay in the shipyard as well. The old propellers, with a diameter of 5.80 metres, were replaced with new, hydrodynamically optimised models. These new propellers are made from a copper-nickel alloy and are manufactured as a single casting, which reduces water resistance. An additional attachment, known as a rotary end cap, channels the propeller’s wake and prevents drag-inducing turbulence in the water. These measures are expected to deliver fuel savings of between 4 and 7 per cent.

Hull: high-pressure cleaning and a new coat of paint

High-pressure jets were also used to remove the old layers of paint from the hull of Mein Schiff 4. Using water pressure of up to 2,500 bar, the old paint was stripped down to the bare steel. Four new coats of paint, totalling 12,960 litres, were then applied.

On 24 February 2025, Mein Schiff 4 set sail from Dubai on its first cruise with guests following its stay in the shipyard.