FMC XII – The Cruise
Between September 20th and 30th, 2025, the Full Metal Cruise XII Part I and II will set sail one after the other – with four new ports and, for the first time, the opportunity to experience both routes as a combined trip.
The first part of Europe’s loudest and hardest cruise will set off from Kiel on September 20th, 2025, heading through the Baltic Sea to the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda. From there we will travel across the bay of Gdansk back to Kiel, where the Metalheads will be bid farewell on September 25th, 2025, and new cruisers will be welcomed on board for the second route. Part II of the cruise will set sail for Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland, returning to Kiel via the Latvian capital Riga on September 30th, 2025. Over five raucous days, on three stages and numerous venues on board, the Mein Schiff 3 will play host to a line-up of top-class bands from the Heavy Metal scene. A band that everyone knows will be accompanying both parts of the journey and will rock the Mein Schiff 3: Thrash giants KREATOR! But Mille and his men are just the beginning of a spectacular line-up.
The extensive supporting programme of the trip, including comedy, Metal karaoke, meet and greets with the stars, readings, cinema, tattooists, Metal wellness and music workshops, will make any Heavy Metal heart beat faster.
Full Metal Cruise XII – Part I
The loudest and roughest cruise in Europe departs from Kiel and heads for the picturesque port of Klaipeda in Lithuania, the northernmost port on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea that is permanently free of ice. We will spend the first day at sea getting into the mood, relaxing and enjoying ourselves. Whether you are in your own cabin or at the bars, pools or spa, the day will fly by.
With its eventful history and beautiful old town, Klaipeda, the former Memel, offers both cultural and culinary highlights on the second day of the cruise and is considered a real insider tip on the Baltic Sea. As soon as the story of the black ghost is revealed and we have whispered our wishes for the line-up of the next cruise into the ear of the magic mouse, we will set course for the bay of Gdansk, which we will reach the next day:
The Mein Schiff 3 will dock in the Baltic resort of Gdynia, just 20 minutes north of Gdansk, where the Metalheads on board will have the opportunity to enjoy the warmth of the September sun on the nearby city beach or explore the hometown of Behemoth – either on their own or on a shore excursion with TUI’s experienced guides. Gdansk is not the only place worth visiting. On leaving the modern port, anyone not relaxing on the pool deck from the previous evening will encounter a historical monument in Gdynia: Largely spared from the destruction of the Second World War, the city which grew out of a fishing village is an unknown jewel of Polish culture, with its romantic piers and historic ships.
After another day at sea, we will head back towards home waters where the Mein Schiff 3 will reach Kiel, the last port of call of the trip after five loud and legendary days. Those who do not stay on board for Part II will start their journey home from here. Everyone else will now set off for the Full Metal Cruise XII Part II.
Route FMC XII Part I
The city with Germany’s most northerly seaport is the ideal starting point for unforgettable boat trips and also has plenty to offer for a day ashore: The port of Kiel welcomes us with a fascinating mix of historic and modern ships, while the promenade along the shore invites us to take a stroll and enjoy the view. In the home port of the Gorch Fock, seafaring pride and naval tradition are everywhere. This is where landlubbers become true cruisers!
From midday until late in the evening, there is a full programme on all stages.
Klaipeda, the largest seaport in Lithuania, is located on the picturesque west coast of the country. The city invites you to take a stroll and discover its charming old town with its lovingly restored half-timbered houses, enchanting fountains and the historic Friedrich Passage. The numerous bars, restaurants and shops offer you the opportunity to go on entertaining shopping trips and discover the traditional Lithuanian cuisine.
As a Hanseatic pearl, Gdansk attracts many cruise ships exploring the Baltic Sea. The city’s unique architecture is particularly impressive and never fails to inspire tourists. In addition to Gdansk, we are also looking forward to visiting Gdynia, the city on the coast that offers space for the large cruise ships with its modern harbour landscape and is known for its lively culture.
From midday until late in the evening, there is a full programme on all stages.
The city with Germany’s most northerly seaport is the ideal starting point for unforgettable boat trips and also has plenty to offer for a day ashore: The port of Kiel welcomes us with a fascinating mix of historic and modern ships, while the promenade along the shore invites us to take a stroll and enjoy the view. In the home port of the Gorch Fock, seafaring pride and naval tradition are everywhere. This is where landlubbers become true cruisers!
Full Metal Cruise XII – Part II
art II of the Full Metal Cruise XII turns the Baltic Sea into a sea of metal once again! From Kiel, Mein Schiff 3 sets course for Sweden's largest island on the second part of the legendary metal cruise. As we cross the Baltic Sea, we spend the first day at sea - the musical programme as well as the various bars, tattoo artists, pools or your own cabin will make the time fly by. Once we arrive on Gotland, we dock in the harbour of the UNESCO World Heritage town of Visby. Medieval and Viking metalheads will get their money's worth in the picturesque Hanseatic town with its well-preserved ring wall, small houses and the largest silver treasure in Europe. If you are still a child at heart, you can discover the locations and sets of the Pippi Longstocking films or enjoy the island speciality, saffron pancakes.
From Sweden, Europe's loudest cruise sets sail for Latvia, arriving in Riga the next day. With its diverse architecture ranging from Gothic to modern, the ‘Pearl of the Baltic’ invites you to discover, stroll and sightsee - which is all possible on foot in Latvia's capital. Those looking for refreshments will find regional and fresh delicacies in the five pavilions of the central market, which are connected by tunnels, and can try Riga's ‘Black Balsam’: a liqueur made from herbs, berries and flowers, which is traditionally added to breakfast coffee, but also tastes good in cola. From Riga, the Baltic Sea carries us back home with another day at sea. Those who did not explore Kiel at the beginning of the trip will now have another opportunity to discover the home port of the Gorch Fock and the famous promenade at Germany's northernmost seaport or to pick up a last souvenir in one of the long-established record shops before heading home.
Route FMC XII Part II
The city with Germany’s most northerly seaport is the ideal starting point for unforgettable boat trips and also has plenty to offer for a day ashore: The port of Kiel welcomes us with a fascinating mix of historic and modern ships, while the promenade along the shore invites us to take a stroll and enjoy the view. In the home port of the Gorch Fock, seafaring pride and naval tradition are everywhere. This is where landlubbers become true cruisers!
From midday until late in the evening, there is a full programme on all stages.
Visby, the capital of Gotland, is one of the most beautiful cities in Scandinavia and is known as the home of Pippi Longstocking. Visby was an important Hanseatic trading centre as early as the middle ages. We are excited to discover the picturesque historic centre or marvel at the impressive silver finds from the Viking age at the Gotland Fornsal museum. Gotland’s climate which is unusual for Sweden makes it a special experience for nature lovers, too.
The capital of Latvia is situated on the Daugava River, near Riga Bay, and offers a diverse cultural heritage. The centre of this Baltic metropolis is the impressive old town which delights with its picturesque Art Nouveau buildings, magnificent churches and the lively Riga central market. As we stroll through the streets, parks and squares, we experience the city’s special atmosphere and look forward to trying the Latvian cuisine which is considered to be particularly hearty and full of variety.
From midday until late in the evening, there is a full programme on all stages.
The city with Germany’s most northerly seaport is the ideal starting point for unforgettable boat trips and also has plenty to offer for a day ashore: The port of Kiel welcomes us with a fascinating mix of historic and modern ships, while the promenade along the shore invites us to take a stroll and enjoy the view. In the home port of the Gorch Fock, seafaring pride and naval tradition are everywhere. This is where landlubbers become true cruisers!
The Mein Schiff 3
The Mein Schiff 3 is a luxurious cruise liner with 14 decks and a capacity for 2,506 passengers. It is 293.3 metres long and 35.8 metres wide – so there is enough space for a floating Metal festival! The bands play on several stages on board, for example in the open air on the pool deck and below deck in the theatre.
On the Mein Schiff 3 you can hang out in the hot tub, meet fans and bands at the bars, sip cocktails in the lounges, eat well and enjoy all kinds of activities like Metal karaoke. Or just lie in the sun …
The current position and pictures of the webcam of the Mein Schiff 3 as well as details of the decks, restaurants, bars and so on can be seen here .
Details of the Mein Schiff 3
Named: June 2014 in Hamburg
Length: 293.3 meters
Breadth: 35,8 meters
Draught: 8,05 meters
Besatzung: ca. 1.000
Decks: 14
Kapzität: 2.506 Passagiere
15 Bars and Lounges
9 Restaurants & Bistros
280 Meter Joggingstrecke
25 Meter Außenpool
And also:
Fitness studio, wellness area with spa & sauna, shopping mile, 24 h reception, hairdresser, library & hospital
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Full Metal Cruise is the biggest Heavy Metal cruise in Europe. Here, fans experience a real Metal festival on the high seas while enjoying the amenities of a cruise ship. Top-class Metal and Rock bands play on three stages on board. The ship also offers an extensive supporting programme, including Metal karaoke, meet & greets, autograph sessions, all-star jam sessions, comedy, readings, a musicians’ workshop, a cinema and tattoo artists – in other words, everything that goes with a Metal festival besides the music.
On the Full Metal Cruise, all meals in most restaurants and all Full Metal drinks are already included in the price of the cruise. That means: Beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea, non-alcoholic cocktails and a variety of wines are available at any time; from 6 p. m. on, a large selection of spirits, cocktails and long drinks are also available.
The Full Metal Cruise XII takes place from September 20th to 30th, 2025, on the Mein Schiff 3 .
Yes, for the first time not only both parts of the Full Metal Cruise were announced together, but can also be booked as a combined trip.
he Full Metal Cruise can be booked via the Mein Schiff website (https://www.meinschiff.com/kreuzfahrt-buchen). Due to high demand, bookings are made via a waiting room that opens 30 minutes before bookings start. A Mein Schiff account (https://www.meinschiff.com/konto) is required for the booking and must be created in advance.
As the organizer, TUI Cruises is responsible for the execution and organization of the trip. Full Entertainment GmbH is taking care of the artists and the programme.
All cabins and many public spaces on the Mein Schiff 3 are non-smoking areas. Smoking is only permitted on your own balconies and verandas and in the areas marked accordingly. All cigarettes and the like must be completely extinguished in the ashtrays provided. In order to minimize the risk of fire, there is a strict ban on throwing cigarettes or other tobacco products overboard from the outside decks, balconies or verandas.
To participate in the Full Metal Cruise, guests must be at least 18 years old or travel with at least one parent or legal guardian.
There is no dress code on the Full Metal Cruise. However, we kindly ask you not to wear swimwear when visiting the restaurants.
Bottles of alcohol bought as a souvenir in the harbour are kept by our colleagues on board during the voyage and handed out again at the end of the cruise. It is not allowed to bring alcohol into the cabin.
There are several internet stations on board where guests can check their e-mails and surf the net for a fee. There is also W-LAN in all public areas of the ship.