The German cruise line Phoenix Reisen has announced that its classic cruise ship Artania, a 40-year-old grand lady of the sea, will go into drydock in November for a refit and refurbishment.

The Bonn-based cruise operator has appointed the ship management company BSM to oversee the drydock, starting November 6th at Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven.

The US $22 million project will include routine technical maintenance and upgrades of carpets, upholstery and more, according to a press release.

Staterooms on the Orion and Apollo Decks will be fitted with balconies, while the Artania Restaurant on the Salon Deck will be redesigned, and a new Pichler’s restaurant will be introduced.

Larger windows will be installed in the Lido Restaurant and the fitness studio, and drinking water dispensers will be installed throughout the ship, while additional WiFi routers will help optimise the onboard internet connection.

A new hull coating will also be applied which is expected to reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 percent. The HVAC system will also be modified to be more efficient, and four new tender boats have been ordered with more environmentally friendly engines.

Artania, the largest ship in Phoenix Reisen’s fleet at 44,000 gross tons, will resume service on December 2nd, and will sail a 162-day world cruise from Hamburg on December 22nd.

The ship was built in 1984 as the Royal Princess for Princess Cruises and was one of the most expensive passenger ships ever built at the time, and the first to feature no inside cabins.

She was transferred in 2005 to P&O Cruises as the Artemis and then underwent a major refit and refurbishment in 2011 when the vessel was acquired by Phoenix Reisen, with new balcony cabins added and more dining options.

Aboard the 1,260-passenger ship there are five bars, four restaurants, a gym, spa, casino, show lounge and even a cinema.

This latest refit and refurbishment at the Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven shipyard will be her fifth since entering service 40 years ago.

Phoenix Reisen is a German cruise brand offering a classic, relaxed cruise experience with traditional hospitality and German-speaking service, an intimate onboard ambiance, and enriching itineraries.