The Mein Schiff 5 from TUI Cruises will sail from Cape Town to Doha in early December 2025, spending the upcoming winter season in the Middle East. Right now, you can book this all-inclusive 18-night repositioning cruise at an excellent value for money.
Inside cabins start at just €999 per person. If you prefer more space and comfort, you can also book an oceanview cabin from €1,099 or a balcony cabin from €1,349 (per person, based on double occupancy).
The flights are not included. Including luggage, prices to Cape Town start at €328, while flights from the Middle East to Europe cost as little as €102.
The fare includes all meals in the main and buffet restaurants, plus a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This sets TUI Cruises apart from many other cruise lines in a similar price range. Gratuities for the crew are also already included in the total price.
Alternative Option: Disembark in Dubai
It is also possible to end the trip in Dubai. In this case, you’ll be on board for 16 nights, from December 2 to 18, 2025. Current prices (based on double occupancy) are:
- Inside cabin from €899 p.p.
- Oceanview cabin from €999 p.p.
- Balcony cabin from €1,149 p.p.
The Route
The cruise begins in Cape Town, a city with many world-famous sights. Most notable is, of course, Table Mountain, which you can reach easily by cable car. Since the ship stays overnight and only departs the following evening around 10:00 pm, you’ll also have time for an excursion to Boulders Beach, home to a colony of African penguins.
The first stop is Port Elizabeth, where a tour to Addo Elephant National Park is highly recommended. Here you can go on safaris to see elephants, rhinos, lions, and more. For a great view of the city, visit the Campanile Bell Tower, which has an observation platform. Next comes Durban, known for its famous Golden Mile—a stretch of sandy beaches perfect for swimming.
After 8 days at sea, the ship arrives in Muscat, the capital of Oman. Don’t miss the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House, both architectural masterpieces.
A true highlight awaits towards the end of the cruise: Dubai, the glittering and most famous city in the UAE. Here you’ll find the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. The ship stays two nights in port, giving you plenty of time for extensive sightseeing. Finally, after 18 nights, the cruise ends in Doha.
| Date | Location | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2 | Cape Town | ||
| December 3 | Cape Town | 22:00 | |
| December 4 | At sea 🌊 | ||
| December 5 | Port Elizabeth | 06:30 | 19:00 |
| December 6 | At sea 🌊 | ||
| December 7 | Durban | 08:00 | 19:00 |
| December 8 – 15 | 8 days at sea 🌊 | ||
| December 16 | Muscat, Oman | 07:00 | 18:00 |
| December 17 | Dubai, UAE | 14:00 | |
| December 18 | Dubai, UAE | ||
| December 19 | Dubai, UAE | 13:00 | |
| December 20 | Doha | 03:30 |
The Ship
The Mein Schiff 5, launched in 2016, is part of TUI Cruises’ fleet and carries just over 2,500 passengers. Like its sister ships, it was designed with a strong focus on space and comfort, offering a more relaxed atmosphere compared to many large international cruise lines. The interior style is modern and understated, with clean lines and plenty of natural light, aiming to feel less like a floating resort and more like a contemporary hotel.
One of the ship’s defining features is its emphasis on wellness and open deck areas. There’s a large spa, extensive fitness facilities, and plenty of outdoor space for walking or lounging. Pools and whirlpools are available, but the ship also has quieter corners for those looking to avoid the bustle. Entertainment is present in the form of shows, live music, and themed events, though the general tone leans toward laid-back rather than high-energy.
Dining is largely included in the fare, with multiple restaurants ranging from buffet service to à la carte options. The focus is on variety and quality rather than upselling speciality dining, which sets it apart from many other cruise lines. Bars and lounges provide additional spaces to relax, socialise, or enjoy a drink with a view.
Cabins are designed in a light, neutral style, with a high proportion offering balconies. The ship tends to attract German-speaking travellers, as TUI Cruises primarily serves the German market, but the overall feel is international enough that many aspects will be familiar to cruise passengers from other regions. Overall, the Mein Schiff 5 offers a quieter, more spacious alternative to the busier resort-style ships common elsewhere.
Flights
The flights are not included in the price. Getting to Cape Town is particularly cheap from London, as Norse is selling its non-stop flight for only €328, including luggage.
Flying back from the Middle East is incredibly cheap. Prices start as little as €102, e.g. from Abu Dhabi to Prague with Pegasus.
Feel free to use our search form to see how much flights would cost from/to your home city:
Cover Picture: Dubai Marina | Ditmar Lange
Comment (1)
I hear the waters near Mogadishu are great these days. Great deal.