Former FTI Berlin Sets Sail to Malaysia

Posted on 3 June, 2025 by Spacejunkie2

Former FTI Berlin Sets Sail to Malaysia

The former FTI Berlin recently set sail for its new home in Malaysia after spending several months in Ningde, China.

Acquired by the Berlin Capital Group in late 2024, the 1980-built vessel is being prepared to offer short casino cruises out of Penang.

The company’s plans initially called for a March 2025 startup, which was later postponed due to delays in the ship’s refit.

Renamed the Berlin Oceanis, the 9,570-ton vessel departed from the port of Ningde on May 24, 2025.

Sailing under the flag of Comoros, the ship is now expected to arrive at its new homeport on June 2, 2025.

According to a series of updates shared by the new owner, most of the public areas onboard the vessel were renovated during refurbishment in China.

In a video shared in early March, the company marked the demolition of venues on deck five, which made room for new spaces.

“This phase has been one of the most time-consuming parts of the transformation, but now that it’s done, everything will start moving much faster,” the Berlin Capital Group said.

“With this major milestone behind us, we’re looking forward to smoother progress,” the company added.

Additional details about the ship’s first voyages and commissioning were still to be announced at press time.

Originally built for Germany-based Peter Deilmann, the Berlin Oceanis was last operated by FTI Cruises.

With its owners shutting down cruise operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the vessel was sold to Dreamliner Cruises in late 2020.

Renamed Dream Goddess, the ship was to undergo a major refurbishment and be converted into a mega yacht.

However, the project did not proceed, and the former Berlin remained docked at a Greek port for nearly five years.

In addition to Peter Deilmann and FTI Cruises, the vessel also sailed for Saga Cruises and other brands.

Silversea to Increase Muse’s Capacity During Drydock

Posted on 14 May, 2025 by Spacejunkie2

Silversea is planning a substantial increase in guest capacity for the Silver Muse during an upcoming dry dock.

According to the ship’s new deck plans, its double occupancy will grow by approximately seven per cent, reaching 632 guests from just under 600.

After entering service in 2017, the Silver Muse is scheduled to undergo a routine shipyard stay in Europe in November 2025.

The updated deck plans show that the capacity increase will be achieved through smaller staterooms.

Plans call for several larger Silver Suites on decks 9, 10 and 11 to replace smaller Medallion and Classic Veranda suites.

On Deck 9, six Silver Suites are being replaced with 12 new, smaller staterooms of different categories.

Cruise Industry News estimates that after the refit, the number of Silver Suites will decrease from 34 to eight.

According to a message shared with guests by Silversea, the Silver Muse will undergo a “redefining revitalisation” during its dry dock.

The 40,700-ton vessel will see the addition of “timeless beauty and elegance,” the company continued, as well as an “extension of the choice of suite options” onboard.

Other new features coming to the ship include S.A.L.T., which is described by Silversea as a “pioneering culinary experience.”

The speciality restaurant that features changing menus inspired by destinations being visited by the vessel will be added to Deck 4.

Taking the space previously occupied by the ship’s Asian speciality venue, Indochine, S.A.L.T. will also feature a bar for regionally inspired drinks and wines.

As part of the drydock, the ship’s La Dolce Vita main dining room is also set to be reduced for the creation of new technical spaces.

Currently offering summer cruises in Europe, the Silver Muse will debut its new enhancements in early December ahead of a winter season in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands.

Norwegian Epic to Debut Enhancements Ahead of European Season

Posted on 3 May, 2025 by Spacejunkie2

The Norwegian Epic will debut noticeable enhancements ahead of its upcoming summer season in Europe, Norwegian Cruise Line said in a press release.

According to the company, the 2010-built ship is currently undergoing a three-week dry dock, which is set to end on May 8, 2025.

Renovations include eight new cabins, a new hot tub on Deck 18, in addition to a refreshed Kids’ Aqua Park that replaces Splashgolf.

The new space provides more fun-in-the-sun activities for adults and children alike, the company said.

The ship’s Vibe Beach Club is being expanded to offer an additional hot tub, as well as more lounge chairs. Replacing the Posh Beach Club, the adults-only outdoor deck will also offer new private cabanas.

The drydock plans also include the addition of eight new staterooms – a combination of balcony and ocean-view cabins.

“Delivering the best vacation experience for our guests, where they have the freedom and flexibility to do more of what they love, is, and will always continue to be our goal,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“By listening to guests’ feedback, we are excited to provide them with MORE to do on board starting this summer as Norwegian Epic sets sail for Europe,” he added.

After completing its drydock, the Norwegian Epic launches a series of cruises to the Mediterranean and the Greek Isles.

The ten- and 11-night cruises sail from Civitavecchia, the port of Italy’s capital city, Rome, and visit a wide range of destinations, including Mykonos and Santorini.

According to Norwegian, the itineraries also sail to historic cities such as Naples, Catania, and Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy.

After its summer deployment in Europe, the Norwegian Epic sets sail to the Caribbean for cruises departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The Southern Caribbean itineraries include visits to Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. John’s, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.