TUI Cruises Appoints First Female Captain in Mein Schiff Fleet

TUI Cruises has appointed Kira Schikorr as the first female captain in the Mein Schiff fleet, placing her at the helm of Mein Schiff 6 and marking a milestone for the German cruise line. The promotion stands out in an industry where senior bridge positions have traditionally been held by men, representing both a personal achievement for Schikorr and a visible shift in leadership within a major European cruise brand.

The company said Schikorr joined the Mein Schiff fleet in 2018, starting her career as Second Officer before progressing steadily through the ranks.

She was promoted to Staff Captain in 2022 and served in that role on several vessels, including Mein Schiff 7. With her latest appointment, Schikorr has taken command of Mein Schiff 6, which is currently operating itineraries in Asia.

Beyond her professional credentials, feedback from guests and crew has highlighted Schikorr’s presence onboard. Passengers have described her as approachable and easy to engage with during shipboard interactions, a quality often seen as just as important as technical expertise when leading a large cruise ship community.

Within TUI Cruises and the wider Mein Schiff fleet, the appointment has already attracted attention across German cruise media as a notable first and a sign that a new generation is moving into senior leadership roles at sea.