Passengers boarding Mein Schiff 3 in Bremerhaven on Sunday were expecting the start of a three-week escape towards the Canary Islands. Instead, their holiday ended before the ship could leave the port area.
The TUI Cruises ship collided with two container vessels while departing Bremerhaven in Germany on 25 October 2026. The damage was serious enough for the cruise line to cancel the planned 20-night Canary Islands voyage and arrange for repairs.
What happened in Bremerhaven?
According to a statement issued by Bremen Police on 26 October, the cruise ship was leaving with tugboat assistance at around 5.30pm local time when a strong gust of wind pushed it towards two container ships moored along the Stromkaje.
Police reported damage to the cruise ship's lifeboats, their associated lifting equipment and its outer hull. One of the container ships also sustained substantial damage. None of the three vessels took on water, and no injuries were reported.
Mein Schiff 3 returned to the Columbuskaje cruise terminal. The authorities placed a sailing prohibition on all three vessels while investigations and safety assessments continued.
Why was the whole cruise cancelled?
TUI Cruises confirmed that the damage needed shipyard repairs, meaning the Canary Islands itinerary could not go ahead. The ship had been carrying 2,428 guests and 922 crew members, according to figures provided by the company and reported by German broadcaster NDR.
It's a huge disappointment for anyone who had planned time in the Canaries, Madeira or along the Atlantic coast. A cancelled cruise also brings the practical headache of changing onward travel and any independent arrangements.
Guests affected by the cancelled sailing should follow TUI Cruises' direct instructions about refunds, travel arrangements and any claims. The exact terms will depend on their booking, so it's better not to assume that every passenger will receive the same package.
What about the next sailing?
At the time of the 26 October updates, TUI Cruises had not confirmed how long the repairs would take or whether later departures would be affected. Anyone booked on an upcoming Mein Schiff 3 cruise should watch for official messages rather than rely on an estimated return date.
Police are investigating the circumstances of the collision. That process should not be confused with a finding of fault, and it would be premature to assign blame while the investigation is ongoing.
For more on the destination the ship was due to visit, see our Canary Islands cruise guide.
Incident details and safety restrictions are from Bremen Police's official statement of 26 October. The cancellation and repair requirement were confirmed by TUI Cruises in reporting from Seatrade Cruise News, with passenger figures also reported by NDR.
