Tag Archives: World Dream

Key Ship Conversions in 2024

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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

AROYA and Cruise Saudi Reveal Rendering of Cruise Ship

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AROYA Cruises, the new Arabian cruise line operated by Cruise Saudi, has unveiled the renderings for the first cruise ship in its fleet, which was the former World Dream.

The 335-meter-long ship is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment to tailor the ship to the highest standard in line with the taste of Arabian passengers, the company said in a statement.

Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi, said: “We are delighted to sail into the new year with the unveiling of our first AROYA Cruises ship. This marks an exciting milestone for Cruise Saudi in creating a world-class cruise industry in Saudi, whilst offering a new way to holiday in the Kingdom for locals. We look forward to welcoming the first passengers onboard.”

AROYA Cruises will set sail from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2024.

The company said the ship will offer “exceptional onboard service, an eclectic culinary offering, and a sensational activities program, guests aboard AROYA Cruises’ will enjoy a unique remarkably Arabian hospitality experience that reflects the warm and welcoming values of Saudi culture.”

Royal Caribbean to restore Singapore sailings

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Royal Caribbean International plans to resume sailing in Asia after winning approval from the Singapore government.


The line is to pilot short cruises by Quantum of the Seas from December 1, following Genting Cruise Lines’ World Dream on November 6.


The three and four-night cruises to no-where have been given the green light for Singapore residents only after months of planning to ensure the health and safety of passengers, crew and local communities.


Ships will have to operate at 50% capacity and run round-trips with no ports of call.
The Singapore Tourism Board is developing a mandatory ‘CruiseSafe’ certification including stringent hygiene and safety measures, including pre-departure and after disembarking.
Royal Caribbean International Asia Pacific managing director Angie Stephen said: “Singapore residents are adventurous travellers and we are so excited to be giving them the opportunity to get away from their daily grind and enjoy a thrilling world-class clean getaway, with total peace of mind.


“While the cruise experience will be different than it was pre-pandemic, we are committed to provide the signature Royal Caribbean holiday that guests know and love, while keeping the health and safety of everyone on board as our top priority.


“I extend my deepest gratitude to the Singapore government for their collaboration and support and confidence in Royal Caribbean to deliver a safe cruising experience.“We share their strong commitment and focus to reignite the local economy and bring back jobs and services supporting the travel industry.”
STB chief executive Keith Tan said: “Singapore remains committed to supporting and growing cruise tourism in the region.


“Royal Caribbean International is a key partner in growing cruising in Singapore and the region, and I am confident in their ability to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety.


“We will continue to work with cruise lines and our industry stakeholders to chart a new course for safe cruising.”
Royal Caribbean International Asia Pacific managing director Angie Stephen said: “Singapore residents are adventurous travellers and we are so excited to be giving them the opportunity to get away from their daily grind and enjoy a thrilling world-class clean getaway, with total peace of mind.


“While the cruise experience will be different than it was pre-pandemic, we are committed to provide the signature Royal Caribbean holiday that guests know and love, while keeping the health and safety of everyone on board as our top priority.


“I extend my deepest gratitude to the Singapore government for their collaboration and support and confidence in Royal Caribbean to deliver a safe cruising experience.
“We share their strong commitment and focus to reignite the local economy and bring back jobs and services supporting the travel industry.”
Singapore Tourist Board chief executive Keith Tan said: “Singapore remains committed to supporting and growing cruise tourism in the region.


“Royal Caribbean International is a key partner in growing cruising in Singapore and the region, and I am confident in their ability to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety.


“We will continue to work with cruise lines and our industry stakeholders to chart a new course for safe cruising.”