Phoenix Reisen cruise liner Artania undergoes impromptu refit and refurbishment

Phoenix Reisen has sent its classic cruise liner Artania into dry dock for an unscheduled shipyard stay in Marseille, where a series of technical and cosmetic upgrades are being carried out as part of a wider refurbishment programme.

The work on the 36-year-old ship is taking place at the Chantier Naval de Marseille and follows the need for repairs to the ship’s bow thruster, which prompted the operator to bring forward a planned maintenance period to December 2025.

According to Phoenix Reisen, the company regularly sends its ships into dry dock for planned maintenance and refurbishment, combining technical servicing with visual upgrades aimed at maintaining the condition of its fleet over time.

In the case of Artania, the bow thruster repair created an opportunity to implement a broader package of works, developed in cooperation with ship manager BSM, rather than limiting the shipyard stay to a single technical intervention.

The current refit represents an investment of more than €5 million and includes upgrades across multiple areas of the vessel. Among the most visible changes is the replacement of windowpanes and balcony cabin doors, a project intended to improve both durability and comfort. In addition, approximately 1,500 square metres of flooring and carpet coverings are being renewed across selected public and accommodation areas.

Alongside these interior works, Phoenix Reisen confirmed that the ship’s main engines are being overhauled during the shipyard stay, as well as maintenance work carried out on the hull. These technical measures form part of routine lifecycle maintenance and are designed to support the vessel’s continued operation in the years ahead.

The refurbishment programme also includes upgrades to the ship’s ventilation systems, with the installation of an automated, climate-optimising control system. This is intended to improve onboard climate regulation by adjusting ventilation in response to operational and environmental conditions, contributing to greater efficiency and passenger comfort.

Artania, a long-standing part of the Phoenix Reisen fleet, is no stranger to periodic refits, with the company emphasising that regular shipyard visits are a standard part of its fleet management approach.

The current work in Marseille continues this pattern, combining essential repairs with broader renewal projects that would otherwise be scheduled separately. The ship is expected to return to service later this month, sailing a festive season cruise departing for the Canary Islands on December 20^th.