Phoenix Reisen has sent the Amera into dry dock in Marseille for a major refurbishment programme valued at approximately €15 million (US$17 million).

The vessel entered the facilities at Chantiers Naval de Marseille following the completion of a 134-day world cruise, with work being carried out in partnership with ship management company BSM.

The refit programme includes the modernisation of 160 guest bathrooms, alongside the redesign of the ship’s beauty salon and sauna areas. The vessel’s main show lounge is also undergoing a comprehensive renovation as part of the project.

Public area upgrades will include the installation of new windows in the Pazifik Lounge and a redesign of the outdoor pool area on Deck 9.

Technical improvements are also planned across several operational systems, including upgrades to HVAC systems in restaurants and bars, refrigeration equipment, and elevators.

Phoenix Reisen said energy efficiency control systems will also be installed during the dry dock to support more efficient ship operations.

The Amera is scheduled to return to service on May 23rd, departing on a cruise from Savona to Bremerhaven. The vessel is then set to operate a summer programme in the Baltic, Scandinavia, and around the British Isles before repositioning for a longer Canada voyage in September.

Originally launched in 1988 as the Royal Viking Sun, the ship later operated as the Seabourn Sun and subsequently as the Prinsendam for Holland America Line.

The vessel joined Phoenix Reisen in 2019 following its acquisition by the Bonn-based operator.

The ship saw a much more extensive refit in 2023 when she underwent a major six-week refurbishment at Remontowa shipyard in Gdansk, Poland, where all engines, gearboxes, and alternators were replaced.

That refit also included bathroom refurbishments in 232 cabins, 5,000sqm of new carpeting, and public area upgrades. The Ocean Restaurant and Royal Suite were extensively overhauled.

That refurbishment programme built on the 2019 revamp undertaken at the Hamburg shipyard Blohm+Voss after the vessel was purchased from Holland America Line.

The six-week, 40-million-euro project saw refurbishment and redesign work across multiple areas of the ship, including the addition of a sun-protection pergola and new seating, planter boxes, and stage panelling in the Schöne Aussichten area on Deck 11 and the expansion and redesign of the spa and sauna facilities on Deck 9 into a combined wellness area.

It now features new saunas, an ice fountain, upgraded surfaces, modernised jacuzzies, a counter-current pool system, and new tiling.

The Amera restaurant on Deck 7 was also redesigned, everything from carpeting to ceiling elements were replaced, alongside the installation of new buffet counters, service stations, dividing elements, wine displays, mirrored walls, and lighting features.

Additional work included new outdoor bar storage and sunshade support structures at the Phoenix Bar, as well as further upgrades involving cold storage, insulation, and access systems.