Fincantieri and TUI AG have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the design and construction of two new cruise ships for the Marella Cruises brand.
The value of this agreement, subject to financing and other typical terms and conditions, is estimated at over $2.1 billion, marking a significant deal for Fincantieri.
This agreement is a milestone for Marella Cruises, which is venturing into newbuilds for the first time and has selected Fincantieri as its strategic partner for this transformation.
At the same time, the deal establishes a new customer relationship for Fincantieri, expanding its client base with a fresh brand in the cruise sector.
The two ships will be designed specifically for the English market with a focus on environmental sustainability. They will redefine premium cruising with refined designs, high-quality materials, and spacious accommodations.
Fincantieri plans to deliver the two vessels in 2030 and 2032, respectively.
“We are proud to welcome Marella Cruises as a new customer and to support its vision as it enters the newbuild segment. This agreement is a testament to Fincantieri’s ability to forge strategic partnerships with an expanding client base, reinforcing our long-term visibility and ensuring a high level of capacity utilization for our shipyards,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri.
Fincantieri has a solid and successful relationship with the TUI Cruises brand, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises.
In February 2025, Fincantieri delivered the Mein Schiff Relax, the first of two new InTUItion class dual-fuel powered cruise ships, running on LNG and Marine Gas Oil. The second unit, Mein Schiff Flow, is under construction at the Monfalcone shipyard, with delivery scheduled for 2026.