Key Ship Conversions in 2024

Posted on 28 December, 2024 by Spacejunkie2

2024 was a strong year for the drydock and secondhand ship market, which led to a number of ships debuting for new operators.

These are some of the key conversion jobs that took place during the year:

Celestyal Discovery
Former: AIDAaura
Capacity: 1,270 guests
Year built: 2003
Previous operator: AIDA Cruises
New operator: Celestyal Cruises
Debut: March 2024

After being sold by Carnival Corporation in late 2023, the former AIDAaura underwent a conversion project before debuting for Celestyal Cruises.

Previously operated by AIDA Cruises, the 2003-built vessel saw a complete transformation for its new market.

Carnival Firenze
Former: Costa Firenze
Capacity: 4,232 guests
Year built: 2020
Previous operator: Costa Cruises
New operator: Carnival Cruise Line
Debut: April 2024

After being transferred to Carnival Cruise Line, the former Costa Firenze underwent a major refit at the Navantia shipyard in Cádiz in early 2024. In addition to receiving Carnival’s branding and livery, the 4,232-guest vessel was updated with Carnival’s public areas, with various spaces converted into the company’s trademark venues, such as the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and the Limelight Lounge.

Margaritaville at Sea Islander
Former: Costa Atlantica
Capacity: 2,100 guests
Year built: 2000
Previous operator: Adora Cruises (never debuted)
New operator: Margaritaville at Sea
Debut: June 2024

After a long refurbishment at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Northern Ireland, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander debuted for its new operator in June 2024.

Villa Vie Odyssey
Former: Braemar
Capacity: 977 guests
Year built: 1993
Previous operator: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
New operator: Villa Vie Residences
Debut: September 2024

The former Braemar of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines was turned into Villa Vie Residences’ first residential ship in 2024. After a refit at the Harland & Wolff Shipyard in Belfast, the ship emerged as the Odyssey in September, welcoming guests for a continual world cruise.

Aroya
Former: World Dream
Capacity: 3,400 guests
Year built: 2017
Previous operator: Dream Cruises
New operator: Aroya Cruises
Debut: December 2024

The Aroya entered service in December as the first cruise ship dedicated to the national market in Saudi Arabia.. According to Aroya Cruises, several venues onboard the ship were essentially rebuilt during a long conversion that included shipyard visits in the Netherlands and Germany.

Others:

Mitsui Ocean Fuji (former Seabourn Odyssey) – now in service for Mitsui Ocean Fuji
Celestyal Journey (former Pacific Aria) – now in service for Celestyal Cruises
Marella Voyager (former Mein Schiff Herz) – now in service for Marella Cruises
Ambition (former AIDAmira) – now in service for Ambassador Cruise Line
Resorts World One (former Explorer Dream) – now in service for Resorts World Cruises
Carnival Venezia (former Costa Venezia) – now in service for Carnival Cruise Line
Exploris One (former Silver Explorer) – now in service for Exploris Expeditions & Cruises

Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral Getting Upgrades in Drydock

Posted on 16 December, 2024 by Spacejunkie2

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral is currently undergoing upgrades at the drydock of the A&P Shipyard in Falmouth, England.

According to an update shared by the company, the 1988-built ship is not only undergoing technical maintenance but also hotel upgrades.

One of the projects being carried out includes the addition of a digital photo gallery, which replaces the vessel’s current photo walls.

The Balmoral is also seeing new central computer systems being set up in the Neptune Lounge. The hardware will be used to control the lounge’s audio and lighting, as well as a new set of LED walls that is also being added.

Wi-Fi coverage and access points are being worked on, Fred. Olsen said, allowing guests to have better access to the internet when on balconies and out on open decks.

On the technical side, the Balmoral is having its lifeboats serviced with general maintenance and upgrades.

Fuel, ballast, potable water and grey water tanks are being emptied, cleaned, inspected and recertified while a new coat of silicon-based antifouling paint is being applied to the ship’s hull.

The 1,340-guest vessel is getting a new propeller that features an optimized design to improve energy efficiency and minimize emissions.

Balmoral’s main engines are also being overhauled to ensure optimal performance, while any steel that is showing signs of corrosion will be replaced.

After completing its drydock, the ship is welcoming guests back for a six-night cruise to Northern Europe on Dec. 16, 2024.

Sailing roundtrip from Southampton, the “European River Cities & Christmas Markets” features visits to destinations in France and Belgium, including Rouen and Antwerp.

Originally built for the Royal Cruise Line at the Meyer Werft shipyard, the Balmoral was acquired by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in 2007.

Before entering service for the brand, the ship was lengthened at the Blohm + Voss shipyard, receiving a new 30-meter midsection.

Norwegian Encore Arrives at Damen for Refit

Posted on 28 November, 2024 by Spacejunkie2

The Norwegian Encore arrived in France this week for a major refurbishment at the Damen shipyard in Brest.

Over the next two weeks, the Norwegian Cruise Line vessel is scheduled to undergo significant work on its public areas and staterooms.

According to the company, the project follows guest feedback and will include the creation of new features, as well as the addition of more cabins.

One of the main changes coming to the Norwegian Encore is the debut of Spice H2O. The adults-only complimentary sun deck will be created in the area currently occupied by the ship’s laser tag arena.

The enhancements will also include the expansion of two of Norwegian’s popular speciality dining venues, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki.

Both restaurants will offer greater capacity by taking over the footprint of Los Lobos and Coco’s, respectively.

The Norwegian Encore is also seeing the addition of 24 new balcony cabins, which will take over a part of the ship’s Observation Lounge.

Other changes include updates to Haven’s Premier Owner’s Suites. The two staterooms will be expanded to include a new bedroom, a fully renovated living room, and a new separate dining room.

In addition, work on the vessel’s technical side includes planned routine maintenance, class inspections, and upgrades to various systems.

Following the shipyard stay, the Norwegian Encore is scheduled to resume revenue service on December 3, 2024.

The 2019-built vessel welcomes guests back for a 12-night trans-Atlantic crossing that sails from Southampton, England, to Miami, Florida.

During the 2024-25 winter season, the Encore is scheduled to offer a series of seven-night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean and the Bahamas, departing from PortMiami.

The itineraries feature a visit to Norwegian’s private island destination of Great Stirrup Cay, as well as St. Thomas, Tortola and more.