Amera of Phoenix Reisen goes into dry dock for major mid-life overhaul

Phoenix Reisen’s 25-year-old veteran cruise ship Amera has entered dry dock at the Remontowa shipyard in Gdansk, Poland, where she will undergo a comprehensive refit and refurbishment.

Amera disembarked all her guests in Bremerhaven, Germany on September 25th, 2023, and sailed for Gdansk where she arrived on September 27th, 2023.

The project, being overseen by BSM Cruise Services, will see the grand old lady upgraded and modernised for another decade or two of cruise service.

All the ship’s engines will be replaced, including gearboxes and alternators, the main electrical switchboard will be exchanged, and new propellers will be installed.

In addition to this extensive machinery work, the ship will undergo a series of modifications to its hotel facilities, including refurbishments for the dining areas, royal suites, ensuites and soft furnishing across al public rooms.

The Ocean Restaurant and Royal Suite will undergo extensive refurbishments and about 5,000 square meters of carpets in public areas will be replaced to provide a fresh ambiance, according to Phoenix Reisen.

Other enhancements include bathroom refurbishments in 232 of her passenger cabins, as well as necessary repairs, technical improvements and upgrades to benefit both the ship and its crew.

Amera’s last major refit and refurbishment of this scale was in 2019 when she was acquired by Phoenix Reisen from Holland America Line.

Having formerly sailed as Prinsendam for Holland America, Amera was fitted out for service with Phoenix Reisen, with the cost of the refit costing around US $50 million. Several public areas were reimagined.

The deck 11 “Schöne Aussichten” received a sun-protection pergola and a combination of partially teak-covered benches and flower boxes, which serve as a decorative divide between the new stage and the pedestal and enclosed the dining area. The panelling of the stage was also renewed.

On deck 9, “Apollo-Deck”, the sauna area was expanded and incorporated into a larger spa that is no longer segregated by gender. An ice fountain was also installed, along with a renewed floor, walls and ceiling. A counter current pool system and shower facilities were integrated with the outdoor areas of the spa, while new Jacuzzies were also installed.

On deck 7, the “Promenaden-Deck”, the Amera dining room debuted a new design concept, with everything from the carpet to the ceiling replaced and rebuilt. Other upgrades included a new buffet counter, several dividing elements, tables, service stations, a wine cabinet with sales area, a mirror wall and a light channel to separate the two ceiling systems used.

The outdoor area of the Phoenix Bar got new storage cabinets and a bar on the railing of the ship, as well as a new ceiling, and railing rods for sun sails and tarpaulins.