Key Ship Conversions in 2024

Key Ship Conversions in 2024

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

AROYA and Cruise Saudi Reveal Rendering of Cruise Ship

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

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.”

Sixty-six more passengers on Diamond Princess test positive for coronavirus

Sixty-six more passengers on Diamond Princess test positive for coronavirus

A further 66 passengers onboard Diamond Princess have contracted coronavirus, taking the total number of people infected to 136.

The Japanese health ministry confirmed the cases over the weekend and on Monday following further testing.

The ship is believed to be the largest centre of cases outside China.

The new cases are from Australia (four), Canada (one), UK (one), Japan (45), Philippines (three), Ukraine (one) and USA (eleven).

The ship, carrying 2,666 passengers and 1,045 crew, has been placed under quarantine in Yokohama for 14 days with two cruises cancelled.

The line said it was “not unexpected that additional cases would be reported involving individuals who were exposed prior to the start of the quarantine”.

It said it was following guidance from the Japan Ministry of Health on plans for disembarkation to provide medical care for the new cases.

The quarantine end date is February 19 “unless there are any unforeseen developments”, the line added.

Separately, ten guests were taken off the ship for non-coronavirus related medical reasons over the weekend and transferred to local hospitals, the line said.

The line’s president Jan Swartz issued a video statement over the weekend and said the company was working with the Japanese authorities to distribute medication to guests not relating to coronavirus, based on medical priority.

Telephone counselling is also being offered to all guests.

The line said guests will receive a full refund for their cruise fare, including air travel, hotel, ground transportation, pre-paid shore excursions and gratuities.

They will also receive cruise credit to use on a future sailing.

Meanwhile, thousands of passengers who were kept on board the World Dream cruise ship in Hong Kong for four days have been allowed to disembark.

Around 3,600 passengers and crew on the ship were quarantined amid fears some staff could have contracted the virus on an earlier voyage but tests for coronavirus came back negative.

There have been more than 37,000 cases of the virus globally, mostly in China, where it originated, overtaking the Sars epidemic.

The number of people in the UK who have contracted coronavirus has doubled to eight.

On Monday the UK government declared coronavirus a “serious and imminent threat” to public health.

More than 40 new coronavirus cases confirmed on Diamond Princess

More than 40 new coronavirus cases confirmed on Diamond Princess

An additional 41 people, including one from the UK onboard Diamond Princess, quarantined in Japan, have tested positive for coronavirus.

The number was confirmed to Princess Cruises on Thursday by the Japanese Ministry of Health.

This takes the total number of infected people on board up to 61.

The ship, carrying 2,666 passengers and 1,045 crew, has been placed under quarantine in Yokohama for 14 days with two cruises cancelled.

The new cases on the Diamond Princess bring Japan’s number of confirmed with coronavirus up to 86, the second-highest figure after China.

A second cruise ship – World Dream, with 3,600 passengers and crew – is quarantined in Hong Kong with three cases on board.

The vessel, operated by Asian line Dream Cruises, is being held at Kai Tak terminal.

Latest figures show that 636 people have been killed by the virus with 31,161 infected in mainland China.

The centre of coronavirus is in the city of Wuhan, and most cases have been in the city and the surrounding province of Hubei.

It has spread overseas with confirmed infections in at least 25 nations, including three in the UK.

A Princess Cruises spokesperson said: “Princess Cruises can confirm a further 41 people have tested positive for coronavirus. They are from Argentina (one); Australia (five); Canada (five), Japan (21); United Kingdom (one) and United States (eight).

“The Japanese Ministry of Health has confirmed this is the last batch to be tested and the quarantine end date will be February 19, unless there are any other unforeseen developments.

“The Japanese government is providing our ship and team members with extra support.

“During the remainder of the time on board, guests will continue to be provided complimentary internet and telephone services.

“We have added additional live TV channels and a large selection of in-room movies available in multiple languages. Staff are delivering games, puzzles and trivia to guest staterooms.”

Is Another cruise ship set to be quarantined over coronavirus?

Is Another cruise ship set to be quarantined over coronavirus?

Is ANOTHER cruise ship set to be quarantined over coronavirus? Japan blocks foreigners from disembarking from Holland America vessel with an infected passenger on board

Another cruise ship is facing a coronavirus lockdown after Japan today closed its doors to foreign passengers on a vessel carrying a virus patient. 

Japanese leader Shinzo Abe said no foreigners on board the MS Westerdam would be allowed to disembark in the country.

One passenger aboard the Holland America liner, which stopped in Hong Kong and is capable of carrying nearly 3,000 passengers and crew, is believed to have the deadly virus.

Japan is already holding one ship - the Diamond Princess - in quarantine in Yokohama with at least 20 passengers infected.

Passengers on the Westerdam say the ship has already been refused entry to the Philippines and Taiwan over the virus fears.

One tourist, Stephen Hansen, has voiced fears that the ship will endure the same two-week quarantine which Diamond Princess passengers are facing.

In its most recent update, the cruise operator said passengers would now be disembarking in Yokohama rather than in Shanghai as originally planned.

But Japan appears to have wrecked those plans today by announcing that it would use immigration laws to block entry to foreign passengers.

Holland America has also said it is 'closely monitoring the coronavirus situation' amid a growing worldwide health crisis.

'Our medical experts are coordinating closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to implement recommended screening, prevention and control measures for our ships,' said an earlier statement.

'Guests visiting our onboard medical centres for respiratory illness will be evaluated for coronavirus.

'Robust environmental disinfection onboard will be performed in addition to our regular stringent cleaning and sanitation protocols.'

More than 2,600 passengers are confined in their cabins onboard the Diamond Princess, which has been held off the coast of Yokohama since Monday night.

Japan quarantined the ship after an 80-year-old former passenger who disembarked in Hong Kong last month tested positive for the virus.

All the passengers and crew were screened for the virus and hundreds selected for further tests, some of them after showing possible symptoms.

Health Minister Katsunobu Kato told parliament on Thursday that results for 102 people had now come in, with 20 testings positive.

The quarantined ship has been shuttling between Yokohama Bay and the open sea, where it is collecting seawater to be converted for use in showers and drinking water.

British passenger David Abel has provided regular updates from his ninth-deck cabin with tourists facing another 12 days of quarantine.

Mr Abel yesterday described how luxury dinners had been replaced with rationed food delivered by staff in face masks.





Some passengers have shared pictures of their food including bread rolls with cheese and meat, plates of chicken with rice, and a chocolate dessert.

One cabin had a sign on its door with a request for English Breakfast teabags. 

Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, 3,600 people were preparing to spend a second night confined aboard the World Dream after eight former passengers tested positive.

Port health official Leung Yiu Hong said yesterday that more than 30 crew members had symptoms such as fever, coughing or a sore throat.

City health officials in Hong Kong said passengers would only be allowed off the World Dream after tests were completed.

On Wednesday, Hong Kong authorities announced that anyone arriving from the Chinese mainland from Saturday would face a mandatory two-week quarantine.

The move is the city's strictest measure yet amid ongoing strikes calling for the border with mainland China to be completely sealed.

The city's chief executive, Carrie Lam, has suspended some links with the mainland and closed some border crossings but she has left three open.

The health scare comes after months of violent anti-government protests in Hong Kong sparked by fears that its autonomy was being eroded by Beijing. 

Some pro-democracy protesters have come out in support of the strike, with some demonstrations beginning to resemble the wider protests.

The outbreak has rekindled memories in Hong Kong of a 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), another coronavirus that began in China and killed nearly 300 people in the city.

Hong Kong health workers and members of other trade unions have demanded the border with the mainland be completely sealed.

Two dozen countries now have confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus that emerged from a Wuhan market selling exotic animals at the end of last year.

As of Thursday, China had 563 virus deaths and 28,018 confirmed cases on the mainland. Two other virus deaths occurred in Hong Kong and the Philippines.  

Genting Hong Kong Sells Stake in Dream Cruises

Genting Hong Kong announced that it has reached a deal to sell a 35 per cent stake in Dream Cruises to Canada’s TPG Darting, which is owned by TPG Capital Asia and Growth Funds.

The company said the deal would strengthen its balance sheet as well as its ability to continue to expand its fleet in the cruise industry. 

According to the 2019 Cruise Industry News Annual Report, Dream Cruises has 8,800 berths in service with a market capacity of 528,000 guests.

“The Disposal would also reduce the Group’s financial burden in meeting future funding requirements in relation to Dream Cruises’ business,” the company said. “It is intended that the sale proceeds for the Disposal will be used as general working capital and capital expenditure for the Group in relation to the construction of (the Global-class ships) and/or to fund new investments of the Group should suitable opportunities arise.”

According to a Genting statement, the transaction was valued at $488,645,875. Genting also noted that Dream has a current three-ship fleet, the Genting Dream, World Dream and Explorer Dream. In addition, is a contract to build a Global-class ship at MV Werften.

“It also expects to enter into the Global II Shipbuilding Contract in relation to the construction of Global II with MV Werften,” the company said, in a prepared statement.

The agreement also noted options third and fourth Global-class ships.

Hong Kong Opening Up Bigger Cruise Source Markets

Major development projects will help make it easy for cruise guests to get to their ships at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong.

New rail, bridge and road links will better connect Hong Kong with mainland China.

“The high-speed rail will bring 270 million people within a four-hour ride of Hong Kong, and will also allow pre- and post-tours to major attractions like Guilin,” said Jeff Bent, managing director, Worldwide Cruise Terminals, which runs Kai Tak.

In addition, the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge will open up more opportunities in conjunction with a cruise trip.

In June the port celebrated a major milestone as it marked a passenger record with 15,307 guests in a single day as the World Dream and Ovation of the Seas both docked, coinciding with the modern facility’s fifth year anniversary of being in operation.            

That came just after a busy month of March, with six inaugural calls which saw the Viking Sun, Star Legend, Silver Discoverer, Columbus, Norwegian Jewel and Queen Elizabeth tie up at Kai Tak.

Traffic at Kai Tak will be slightly down year-over-year, with headwinds in North Asia, Bent said.

“South China has benefited from both a more diverse and sustainable distribution model, and increased attention to the Philippines’ newly-rediscovered port-of-call destinations for locally-based ships,” he said.

Near the terminal in Hong Kong, more land is set to be developed as road and other infrastructure improvements are expected to be conducted in the next year.

“Hong Kong has already met the government’s goals for passenger throughput in 2023,” Bent said, noting the just under one-million cruise guests the city served in 2017.

“For significant growth to happen, we need to help make the source market pie bigger. China has been the world’s largest outbound travel market for a number of years, but penetration for cruise is still only a fraction of a per cent. The better we grow the Chinese source market, the more the entire world will benefit.”

Hong Kong: Homeport and Transit Call Opportunity

The new World Dream will arrive to homeport at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal this November as another new ship uses Hong Kong as a turnaround destination.

Next year is looking to be on par with 2017 in terms of traffic, with 190 calls and 550,000 passengers, according to Jeff Bent, managing director of Worldwide Cruise Terminals, which oversees Kai Tak.

Around 75 percent of cruise calls at the facility are turnarounds.

“Ships leaving north Asia seasonally are making more transit calls in Hong Kong on their way to other markets, so there is a marginally positive effect for us, and perhaps an opportunity for seasonal homeports,” added Bent.

Source markets are certainly diverse, with Hong Kong locals, mainland Chinese and overseas passengers all playing into the passenger mix.

“The number and percentage of local Hong Kong passengers is increasing with additional homeporting capacity, and Hong Kong will likely be our largest source market this year,” Bent said. “The Chinese market presents its share of challenges, but is still vastly underpenetrated compared to mature markets.”

Hong Kong is the world’s tenth largest outbound travel market by spending. New transportation options will give mainland Chinese more options to board ships leaving Kai Tak in the next few years highlighted by high speed rail, a bridge to Zhuhai and Macao, and a new highway border crossing.

Of note, Kai Tak welcomed its millionth cruise passenger this year when the Majestic Princess called.

World Dream to Debut in China in November

Genting World Dream sistership to the Genting Dream

Genting Cruise Lines is set to launch World Dream, the newest ship for Dream Cruises, this November at her dual homeports in Hong Kong and Guangzhou (Nansha) to continue to grow the Pearl River Delta cruise industry and provide fly/cruise options for the region with new itineraries to Vietnam and the Philippines.

Genting said in a prepared statement that the World Dream has been conceived as a floating high-end, integrated resort at sea leveraging on the parent company Genting Hong Kong’s core expertise in both land and sea based businesses. The debut of World Dream will further enhance the brand’s capacity to offer a broad spectrum of multi-generational programs and facilities for guests, highlighted by Asian hospitality and a market leading crew-to-guest ratio.

“Genting Cruise Lines is reinforcing our position in the Pearl River Delta Region by welcoming the World Dream to begin her service with dual homeports in Guangzhou (Nansha) and Hong Kong, following in the footsteps of the Genting Dream,” said Kent Zhu, president of Genting Cruise Lines. “Designed to cater to the growing Chinese market with tailor-made facilities, including quad occupancy staterooms to accommodate families, the World Dream will further build upon our ongoing commitment to this region, which has seen Guangzhou (Nansha) evolve into China’s second busiest port and the strengthening of Hong Kong as a premier fly/cruise hub.”

Six-day/five-night cruises will call at Manila and Boracay in the Philippines from Nov. 17 through March 31, alternating with same length sailings to Ho Chi Minh and Nha Trang in Vietnam from Dec. 3 to October 2018, targeting both local and international guests.

The twin sister ship the Genting Dream, meanwhile, will be deployed at her new homeport in Singapore with new itineraries to North Bali and Surabaya in Indonesia, as well as Kuala Lumpur and Penang in Malaysia and Phuket in Thailand.

"By doubling Dream Cruises Fleet with the addition of World Dream, we are delighted to be offering our guests and valued travel partners diverse itineraries featuring new, authentic destination experiences," commented Thatcher Brown, President of Dream Cruises.

Meyer Werft Lays Keel for Dream Cruises’ New Ship

Meyer Werft Lays Keel for Dream Cruises’ New Ship

Genting Dream at the outfitting pier, Image Courtesy: Meyer Werft

German shipbuilder Meyer Werft officially started the construction of the second new cruise ship for Asian cruise line Dream Cruises, a part of Genting Hong Kong, with a keel laying of World Dream on January 10.

During the ceremony in Papenburg, Germany, block number 3, one of 92 blocks that will eventually complete the 151,000-ton ship, was lifted into the building dock to launch the block assembly for World Dream.

“After the successful debut of Genting Dream last November and the wonderful reception the ship has experienced from our guests, we are excited to start the construction process on World Dream,” Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Genting Hong Kong, said.

Upon completion, the 21-deck World Dream will be able to accommodate over 3,300 guests in nearly 1,700 staterooms.

The new cruise ship is scheduled to make its debut in the Asia Pacific in November of this year.