EQS-Adhoc: TUI AG: TUI AG transfers two newbuild slots to TUI Cruises reinforcing its strategic realignment and long-term growth ambitions in the UK and Northern Europe

Inside Information according to article 17 MAR

TUI AG transfers two newbuild slots to TUI Cruises reinforcing its strategic realignment and long-term growth ambitions in the UK and Northern Europe   

• Two newbuild slots originally secured for Marella Cruises for expansion in the UK market to be transferred to TUI Cruises with ship delivery in FY31 and FY33
• Strategic move supports TUI AG’s asset-right approach as well as leverage targets and harnesses TUI Cruises' strong financial position and growth capabilities
• Marella Cruises will continue its successful operations with the existing fleet

Hanover, 29 September 2025. The Executive Board of TUI AG (“TUI”) today announces a strategic realignment of its cruise operations. This includes allocating two newbuild slots to TUI Cruises, a move aimed at strengthening its long-term growth platform in Europe and the UK. TUI Cruises will gradually diversify into the UK and Northern European markets. To initiate this, TUI Cruises will take over the newbuild slots previously secured for Marella Cruises at Fincantieri in Italy for ship delivery in FY31 and FY33. This strategic decision allows TUI to build on the success of its TUI Cruises joint venture, which has a proven track record across various European markets and possesses the financial capacity for further expansion investments. The financing structure for the vessels under TUI Cruises will follow industry standards.

The newbuild slots at Fincantieri were originally announced by TUI on March 31, 2025. Under the new arrangement, Marella has released these slots to TUI Cruises. TUI Cruises has subsequently entered into new shipbuilding contracts with Fincantieri for larger vessels that better suit its fleet requirements. Marella’s down-payment to Fincantieri will be reimbursed.

EAT contribution to TUI from the new ships is expected to be similar to that of the sister vessels Mein Schiff Relax and Mein Schiff Flow. This strategic realignment means TUI Group’s net leverage will be unaffected by these newbuilds, with the company remaining firmly committed to achieving a net leverage ratio strongly below 1.0x in the mid-term.

Marella Cruises, which holds a leading position in the UK cruise market, will continue its successful operations with the existing fleet. The current cooperation with TUI's tour operator in the UK and TUI Airline will remain unchanged.