Norwegian Escape Sets Sail for Europe Ahead of Drydock

Norwegian Escape Sets Sail for Europe Ahead of Drydock

Norwegian Bliss Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 

The Norwegian Escape paused its regular operations in North America in late September to embark on a repositioning voyage to Europe.

Scheduled to undergo a routine drydock in mid-October, the Norwegian Cruise Line ship is currently offering a 16-night trans-Atlantic crossing.

Sailing from New York City, the original cruise itinerary included visits to nine destinations across Canada, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Spain.

A planned visit to Sydney, however, had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions in North America.

As a result, the Norwegian Escape visited Halifax before heading to the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic.

The vessel is scheduled to visit Ponta Delgada in early October before continuing to Gibraltar, Melilla, Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca.

The trans-Atlantic crossing will conclude in Barcelona, from where the 2015-built ship is expected to sail to a European shipyard with no guests onboard.

Before embarking on a repositioning voyage back to North America, the Escape will spend 16 days out of service undergoing maintenance and updates.

The vessel is then scheduled to offer a new trans-Atlantic crossing in late October, sailing from Barcelona to Port Canaveral.

The 16-night cruise will visit destinations in Spain, France, and Morocco, including Marseille, Palma de Mallorca, Cartagena, Motril, Cádiz, Tangier, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

In mid-November, the Norwegian Escape arrives in Port Canaveral to kick off a winter season of Caribbean sailings from Central Florida.

The deployment features a series of seven-night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean, visiting St. Thomas, the Dominican Republic, the British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas.

In addition to Puerto Plata, Tortola and Charlotte Amalie, the weeklong cruises sail to Norwegian’s private island destination of Great Stirrup Cay.

Scheduled to reposition to Galveston in 2027-28, the vessel will continue to sail from Port Canaveral through November 2027.

Almaco Completes Modernisation Project on Harmony of the Seas

Almaco Completes Modernisation Project on Harmony of the Seas

Almaco Group has completed a modernisation project onboard Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas during the ship’s scheduled drydock at Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain.

The project was completed in May 2026 and included adding new stateroom areas in the forward part of the ship, as well as converting existing public spaces into accommodation.

In a press release, the group said the scope covered constructing a new forward accommodation block of seven panoramic suites and 21 staterooms.

In addition, the group converted areas of the two-deck-level Wonderland restaurant into accommodation, adding 29 new staterooms. The team also installed a noise-reduction ceiling in the Music Hall below the new cabin area.

According to the press release, the project’s preparation lasted approximately seven months and included design and engineering, procurement, planning and coordination with the owner and other contractors.

The Harmony of the Seas arrived in Cadiz in April for a 44-day drydock period. During execution, Almaco deployed up to 240 personnel on site and managed the delivery of approximately 86 TEUs of material to Cadiz.

The project was completed through collaboration including Almaco, the shipyard, the owner and other project partners.

The group has wished the Harmony of the Seas and its guests happy sailing and looks forward to continued collaboration with Royal Caribbean.

Carnival Freedom Gets New Funnel in Drydock

Carnival Freedom Gets New Funnel in Drydock

The Carnival Freedom is getting a new funnel during its routine drydock in France, according to an update published by Carnival Cruise Line.

In a social media post, the company shared a behind-the-scenes look at the new structure being added to the ship at the Chantier Naval de Marseille shipyard.

The pictures show a shorter funnel replacing the ship’s original, which was damaged by a lightning strike in March 2024.

With Carnival’s traditional whale-tail top removed after the incident, the ship had been sailing with a straight funnel.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the lightning strike marked the second time that the vessel’s funnel suffered significant damage.

Previously in May 2022 the structure was partially destroyed by a fire incident during a visit to Grand Turk.

The funnel had later been rebuilt to its signature form and size during a drydock at the Navantia shipyard in October 2023.

After completing a trans-Atlantic crossing from Port Canaveral, the Carnival Freedom arrived at the Chantier Naval de Marseille in early September.

The 2007-built vessel will spend over 30 days at the shipyard before resuming service on October 9, 2026 as the ship is scheduled to kick off an eight-night cruise to the Western Mediterranean that sails roundtrip from Barcelona.

Visiting destinations in Italy, Malta and France, the sailing will be followed by a repositioning voyage back to Port Canaveral.

The 13-night cruise will sail to Spain, the United Kingdom and the Bahamas before arriving in Central Florida in early November.

The Carnival Freedom is then scheduled to resume its regular schedule of four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas.

In addition to Nassau, the itineraries sail to the company’s private island destinations in the island country, including Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.

In 2027, the 2,974-passenger ship will be redeployed to Virginia for year-round cruising out of the Port of Norfolk.

Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady gets a refresh: 7 upgrades travel agents need to know

Stepping onboard Valiant Lady following its May dry dock, returning passengers would be forgiven for overlooking the ship’s spring revamp.

Virgin Voyages’ second vessel is back after undergoing a number of tweaks, all of which aim to maximise previously underused areas and improve dining and entertainment offerings.

From renovated communal spaces to brand new restaurants, here’s everything agents need to know about Valiant Lady’s refreshed look.

The Roundabout

The Roundabout on Valiant Lady has been given a soft makeover in the hope that it will attract more guests during the day and early evening. 

Loud colours have been swapped for plummy tones, and furniture has been reorganised to encourage groups to gather and solos to unwind. Expect clusters of cushy seating, discreet nooks and laptop-friendly tables.

In the space, Roots Reggaeton can be heard and lots of plants add to the relaxed aesthetic. 

On The Rocks 

On The Rocks, Virgin Voyage’s glitzy cocktail lounge, has also had a few tweaks.

The layout has been updated to improve the quality of its live entertainment, with the removal of a partition wall making it easier to view the bandstand while also creating space for extra seating. 

The Grounds Club 

Espresso martini lovers rejoice – The Grounds Club is officially open for nightcaps.

Virgin Voyages’ Chicago-inspired cafe is now a day-to-night venue, transforming every afternoon into a full-service cocktail bar.

Warm lounge seating, woven pillars and wooden stools complete the nocturnal makeover. 

Ariya by Razzle Dazzle 

Taking over Razzle Dazzle every evening, Ariya marks Virgin Voyages’ first ever restaurant dedicated to Indian cuisine. 

The menu features dishes like Eggplant Saag Napoleon and Lamb Shank Biryani, as well as spice-infused cocktails and cheesecake filled with gulab jamun. 

Razzle Dazzle, which is best known for its plant-based fare, will continue to operate a breakfast and brunch service. 

The Red Room

Though the Red Room’s architecture remains the same, its programming has undergone a major shake-up.

The ship’s scarlet-hued theatre will host a number of new experiences, including Sink ‘Oar’ Swim, an energetic game show and an interactive unboxing contest called Nice Box!

The Manor

Virgin Voyages was widely praised when it launched in 2021 for its electric nightlife – and it looks like that energy isn’t going anywhere. 

The line has made significant structural changes to its nightclub, The Manor, removing the raised seating area and rear wall to create an expanded dance floor.

The result is a single level venue with improved sight lines along with additional capacity, giving guests even more room to show off their best moves. 

Virgin Voyages

The Manor

Fitness and wellness

The Athletic Club has been refreshed with shaded daybed clusters, upgraded lounge seating and enhanced pool access. Walkways have also been widened via the removal of certain gym equipment, allowing for easier transitions between circuits. 

Other improvements include The Runway Racetrack, which has been given new customer signage and high visibility vinyls to prevent joggers and walkers from colliding along the 255-metre-long route. 

As for new classes, VHS Volume 2: The Great British Burn Off serves as the successor to the fleet’s 1980s aerobic sessions. Expect 90s Britpop, upbeat choreography and accessible routines.

Cunard Reveals Plans for Queen Victoria Transformation

Cunard Reveals Plans for Queen Victoria Transformation

Cunard has unveiled its plans for an extensive transformation of the Queen Victoria, with the ship set to emerge from drydock this autumn with refreshed signature spaces.

Other modifications include Cunard Grills suites and the introduction of The Pavilion Wellness Café.

Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to refine the experiences and spaces the Queen Victoria offers, with every decision approached with deep respect for the heritage and charm that make her who she is.”

“From the Grand Lobby to the Queen’s Room, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure the Queen Victoria continues to deliver the timeless luxury she is known and loved for. We can’t wait to welcome guests back onboard to experience these beautiful enhancements for themselves,” added McAlister.

Cunard stated in a press release that the ship will enter drydock at Damen Shiprepair in Rotterdam from October 17 to November 5, 2026.

The ship’s signature spaces will each be revitalized, with a refreshed Grand Lobby to enhance the sense of arrival.

The iconic Queens Room will also be reimagined, ensuring it sets the scene for Cunard’s signature Afternoon Tea, live music and Gala Evenings.

Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites will be enhanced with sumptuous furnishings, sophisticated detailing and design.

Eight additional Britannia staterooms will also be introduced, including three from a new premium category, Britannia Deluxe Oceanview, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic ocean views.

The new staterooms will go on sale from July 20 for voyages sailing from November 11, 2026.

In addition, the Queen Victoria will become the third Queen in the Cunard fleet to introduce The Pavilion Wellness Café, following its launch on the Queen Anne in 2024 and introduction on Queen Elizabeth in 2025.

The wellness-focused venue will serve breakfast, lunch and daytime dining with a menu offering plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish and dairy.

Carnival Cancels Splendor Cruise Scheduled for 2027

Carnival Cancels Splendor Cruise Scheduled for 2027

Carnival Cruise Line cancelled a cruise scheduled to take place onboard the Carnival Splendor in 2027 due to a change in the ship’s drydock schedule.

According to a statement sent to affected passengers, the September 1, 2027, itinerary will no longer go ahead.

Sailing from Singapore to Sydney, the repositioning voyage included visits to destinations in Indonesia and Australia, such as Lombok and Darwin.

In addition to crossing the Equator, the Carnival Splendor was also scheduled to sail to Benoa, Cairns, Airlie Beach and Moreton Island before returning to its Australian homeport.

Carnival said the cancellation was necessary due to a change in the ship’s drydock, which is scheduled for August 2027.

“We apologize for this disappointing news, but we have a variety of alternatives and are confident you will find another Carnival cruise that is filled with an equal amount of fun,” the company said.

According to the statement, passengers’ cruise rates will be protected on a comparable sailing, in similar accommodations.

For those rescheduling their sailings, the company will also offer a $50 per person onboard credit to a maximum of $100 per stateroom.

The company said the amount will be posted to passengers’ onboard accounts during their new cruise.

Guests are requested to contact the company by July 3, 2026, to discuss alternative departures, Carnival added in its statement.

Those who do not wish to reschedule their cruise will receive a full refund of their cruise fare and any pre-purchased items.

The amounts will be returned to guests’ original forms of payment after July 3, 2026, the company explained.

Sailing from Sydney on a year-round basis, the Carnival Splendor offers a series of two- to 12-night cruises to destinations in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Keel Laid for Royal Caribbean’s Seventh Oasis Class Ship

Keel Laid for Royal Caribbean’s Seventh Oasis Class Ship

Royal Caribbean announced that it has celebrated a construction milestone for the seventh Oasis-class vessel with a keel-laying ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

The event marks the start of assembly of the company’s new ship and kicks off the next two years of construction ahead of its anticipated 2028 debut.

Oasis 7 Keel Laid Video

Royal Caribbean said in a press release that during the ceremony, teams from Royal Caribbean and Chantiers de l’Atlantique placed a layer of freshly minted coins beneath the first steel block in the drydock, known as the keel.

The long-standing maritime tradition celebrates the beginning of the ship’s journey by wishing good fortune to the ship, its crew and future vacationers.

More details about the seventh Oasis Class vacation will be announced in due course.

AIDA Ship to Enter Drydock with Passengers

AIDA Ship to Enter Drydock with Passengers

The AIDAmar is scheduled to enter drydock with passengers onboard as part of a special itinerary in Northern Europe.

According to the company’s website, the new 10-night itinerary allows guests to live a “shipyard experience,” with a visit to a facility in the Netherlands.

The unique cruise departs from the German port of Warnemünde on June 28, 2026, and visits destinations in the Baltic and the North Sea.

But the highlight is a 24-hour call to a shipyard in Rotterdam.

“This very special journey takes you not to the typical tourist terminals but directly into the vibrant, industrial heart of Europe’s largest seaport,” AIDA stated.

The company added that the visit to the historical shipyard in Rotterdam offers AIDA fans and seafaring enthusiasts a rare opportunity to accompany the AIDAmar during its drydock.

AIDA noted that passengers will enjoy a unique atmosphere onboard as the ship undergoes scheduled maintenance at the facility.

The Carnival brand also described the cruise as an “authentic maritime experience, far from the usual holiday routes.”

AIDA said it is currently studying the possibility of allowing guests to disembark the vessel during its drydock.

“As this is an active industrial site subject to strict security regulations, disembarking on foot across the shipyard grounds is strictly prohibited for safety reasons,” the company explained.

“Any possibilities for leaving the ship depend on the operational procedures on site and, if feasible, will only be carried out in an organized manner.”

In addition to the visit to the shipyard in Rotterdam, the cruise will also sail to Visby, Stockholm and Karlskrona.

The theme cruise will cater to soccer fans as well, with a series of activities designed to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Part of AIDA’s Sphinx class, the AIDAmar was built at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Germany and entered service in 2012.

The 71,000-ton vessel is scheduled to undergo a major refurbishment in November 2026 as part of the AIDA Evolution refit program.

Deutschland Starts Farewell Season for Phoenix Reisen

Deutschland Starts Farewell Season for Phoenix Reisen

The Deutschland recently sailed from Bremerhaven to kick off its farewell season for German cruise operator Phoenix Reisen.

After undergoing a drydock at the same port in April, the 1998-built vessel started the deployment on May 12, 2026.

The final season includes a series of eight cruises departing from three homeports: Bremerhaven, Cuxhaven and Kiel.

Visiting destinations in Northern Europe, Iceland, the Baltic, and the British Isles, the 520-passenger ship will operate eight- to 22-night cruises.

For the first cruise of the season, the Deutschland offers a 16-night voyage to the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The itinerary is highlighted by visits to 13 destinations, including Belfast, Edinburgh, Douglas, Dover and Portland.

Before ending its summer season for the German brand in early September, the ship also offers a three-week cruise to the Portuguese archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira.

The voyage features calls to Ponta Delgada and Funchal, as well as stops in lesser-visited destinations such as Praia da Vitória and Velas.

Sailing round trip from Cuxhaven, the cruise is also set to visit other destinations in Northern Europe, including Glengariff and Honfleur.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, Phoenix Reisen decided not to renew the charter contract of the Deutschland.

Sailing seasonally for the brand since 2015, the vessel will not return to the company’s fleet for the 2027 summer season.

In addition to the ship, the German brand operates the Artania, the Amera and the Amadea on a year-round basis.

After completing its farewell deployment for Phoenix Reisen, the Deutschland is set to be renamed World Odyssey before embarking on another season for Semester at Sea.

As part of the company’s educational cruising platform, the vessel offers two world cruises during the 2026-27 winter season. Further plans for the future of the 22,400-ton ship are still to be announced.

Three Royal Caribbean Ships in Drydock at Same Time

Three Royal Caribbean Ships in Drydock at Same Time

Three ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet are currently undergoing drydocks in Europe and Asia.

While two vessels are also getting significant updates as part of the company’s Royal Amplified refit program, a third is undergoing routine maintenance.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the Ovation of the Seas was the first of the brand’s vessels to enter drydock recently.

The Quantum-class ship is currently in Singapore to undergo major refurbishment work that includes a series of enhancements and updates.

The project is highlighted by the expansion of the ship’s Casino Royale, as well as the introduction of new dining venues and features.

Other changes coming to the 2016-built vessel include the addition of 40 new staterooms, which will take over areas that were previously occupied by public and technical rooms.

The Ovation is scheduled to welcome guests back on April 17, 2026, kicking off a repositioning voyage to North America.

As part of the Royal Amplified program, the Harmony of the Seas is also getting updates at a shipyard in Spain.

The Oasis-class ship arrived at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz in early April for a refurbishment that will see the addition of the fleet’s largest casino.

Other changes include the addition of new specialty restaurants, as well as a refreshed solarium and pool deck.

The 227,625-ton vessel is scheduled to resume service on May 21, 2026, ahead of a spring season in the Mediterranean.

After crossing the Atlantic in March, the Odyssey of the Seas became the latest Royal Caribbean ship to enter drydock.

The 2021-built vessel is presently at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard to undergo routine maintenance.

Set to spend the summer sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean, the ship welcomes guests back on April 16, 2026.

As part of the Royal Amplified program, a fourth ship, the Liberty of the Seas, is scheduled to enter drydock later this month.

MSC Updating Yacht Club Restaurants Across Fantasia-Class Ships

MSC Updating Yacht Club Restaurants Across Fantasia-Class Ships

MSC Cruises announced upgrades to the MSC Yacht Club restaurants, part of the company’s “ship-within-a-ship” concept.

The company said in a press release that the refurbishment will be rolled out across its three Fantasia-class ships, set to undergo drydocks in December 2026, April 2027 and February 2028.

The restaurant onboard its fourth Fantasia-class ship, the MSC Splendida, has already been updated.

The new interior of the MSC Yacht Club restaurant features a modern layout with darker tones, soft textures and sophisticated lighting, the company explained.

Guests can choose from a variety of menus and have a dedicated 24/7 culinary staff as well as a sommelier on-hand, ensuring what MSC describes as an elevated dining experience.

Following her refurbishment at the Palumbo Malta Shipyard, the MSC Splendida began her winter sailings in the Mediterranean in early February.

Itineraries now available to book on the ship include:

Seven-night sailings from Barcelona (Spain) – February through May 2026

The voyages explore Marseille (France), Genoa, Naples, Palermo (Italy), and La Goulette for Tunis (Tunisia).

Seven-night sailings from Barcelona (Spain) – May through November 2026

The voyages visit Marseille (France), Livorno, Cagliari, Palermo (Italy), Valletta (Malta).

Eight-to-nine-night itineraries from Buenos Aires (Argentina) – November 2026 through March 2027

Destinations visited during the voyages include Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabela, Ilha Grande, Balneario Camboriu (Brazil), and Punta del Este (Uruguay).

Nine-night sailings from Trieste (Italy) – April through November 2027

These voyages include calls to destinations such as Split (Croatia), Piraeus (Greece), Kusadasi, Istanbul, (Turkey), Corfu (Greece), and Bari (Italy).

Additional enhancements to Fantasia class ships include a redesigned Future Cruise office onboard, where guests can plan and book their next cruise while on their current voyage.

Ventura Enters Drydock in Rotterdam

Ventura Enters Drydock in Rotterdam

P&O Cruises’ Ventura is currently undergoing a drydock at the Damen Shipyard in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The vessel wrapped up its regular operations in Southampton on February 7, 2026, before arriving at the facility one day later.

Following the drydock, the Ventura will then welcome guests back on February 27, 2026, to kick off a 35-night cruise to the Caribbean and the United States.

Ports of call set to be visited include Port Canaveral and Miami, as well as New Orleans, where the Ventura is expected to stay two days docked.

In the Caribbean, the Ventura will make visits to Cozumel, Freeport, Belize and Roatán, as well as Freeport in the Bahamas.

The 3,100-guest ship is also scheduled to sail to the port of La Coruña in Spain, as well as Praia da Vitória in the Azores.

In September 2025, P&O cancelled a short cruise that was set to depart soon after the drydock. As Cruise Industry News reported, the vessel was scheduled to offer a four-night cruise on February 23, 2026.

At the time, the company said that the sailing was no longer possible due to an extension to a necessary refit for the Ventura. Cruising to the Netherlands, the itinerary included an overnight call to the port of Amsterdam.

Upon returning to Southampton in early April, the Ventura offers a series of cruises in Northern Europe and the Canaries.

The schedule is highlighted by visits to a wide range of destinations, including Santander, Vigo, Zeebrugge, Funchal and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the Ventura features a design based on Princess’ Grand-class series and entered service in 2008.

Cruise Lines Leverage Drydocks to Add Capacity to Existing Ships

Cruise Lines Leverage Drydocks to Add Capacity to Existing Ships

Cruise lines continue to add a significant number of staterooms to existing ships during routine drydocks, as highlighted in the new 2026 Drydock Report from Cruise Industry News.

The additional capacity generally fills in under utilized public areas, with revenue that flows right to the bottom line.

Among upcoming programs, the 2016-built Ovation of the Seas will see the addition of 40 new staterooms, which will take over space currently occupied by various public areas.

Also included in the company’s modernization effort, the Harmony of the Seas is set to enter drydock in April for a refit that will include the creation of 91 additional staterooms.

A third ship is also getting a significant capacity increase with 68 new staterooms: the Liberty of the Seas.

Silversea’s Silver Muse saw a seven percent increase in 2025.

After entering drydock in November, the 2017-built vessel returned to service with 18 smaller staterooms replacing its original larger suites.

Norwegian Cruise Line continued to expand its ships’ capacities in 2025 by adding 26 additional staterooms to the Norwegian Bliss. The increase followed similar projects carried out onboard the Norwegian Joy and the Norwegian Encore in 2024.

A second ship, the Pride of America, saw the addition of 26 new staterooms during a drydock on the West Coast in May.

Other key capacity addition projects:

• Celestyal Discovery – 47 new staterooms
• Carnival Miracle – 5 new staterooms
• Holland America’s Zuiderdam – 11 new staterooms
• Norwegian Epic – 8 new staterooms

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Resumes Service with New Features

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise Resumes Service with New Features

The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise resumed service with new and enhanced features after undergoing a drydock in Grand Bahama.

In a social media video update, Margaritaville at Sea shared a behind-the-scenes look at the work carried out onboard the 1991-built vessel.

According to Taylor Karr, the company’s senior director for strategy and operations, significant work was carried out in areas such as the Euphoria Lounge.

The space was refreshed with new carpets, new upholstery, new wall coverings, and new light fixtures, he explained.

“We removed the flooring all the way down to the bare steel, laid some incredible-quality underlay and added a really incredible woolen carpet that looks good and feels really nice to walk on,” Karr added.

The ship’s Margaritaville Casino was also updated with a new look and updated features, he continued.

“In the casino, we’ve done a tremendous amount of work. All of our tables have been freshly refinished including new upholstery and new felts,” Karr said.

Other changes to the casino included a black-painted ceiling, as well as a new tropical-themed vinyl wrap across the lights.

“(We also added) new carpets throughout the whole venue and tons of new games for our guests to enjoy,” Karr continued.

One of the highlights of the drydock was the addition of the new High Tide Market, which replaces Paradise’s traditional self-service buffet.

Karr described the venue as Margaritaville at Sea’s new food hall concept, noting that the restaurant offers a range of stations serving different kinds of cuisine.

“We painted the entire thing in the most beautiful shade of blue, we took all of the floors down to nothing and we laid brand new carpet,” he said. The venue was also equipped with new lighting and a new ceiling.

The ship’s main pool deck now offers new cabanas with what Karr described as “high-quality furniture.”

Paradise’s 12-Volt Pool underwent a major update with a new synthetic flooring replacing the original deck floor, as well as new pool loungers and new paint.

“We took the tiles around the pool, we took it all out, and replaced it with a material called Life Floor,” Karr said.

The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise also got a Permanent Reminder Tattoo Studio as part of its refurbishment.

After first debuting onboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, the space was added to Paradise’s Deck 8.

Nippon Paint Marine Showcases Coating Solutions Results Aboard AIDAdiva

Nippon Paint Marine Showcases Coating Solutions Results Aboard AIDAdiva

Nippon Paint Marine announced that its application of AQUATERRAS, an advanced polymer technology, on the AIDAdiva has resulted in lower costs and downtime, as the need for planned in-water hull cleaning was removed for over three years.

John Drew, director at Nippon Paint Marine, Europe, told Cruise Industry News the patented structure, paired with a hydrolysis-driven self-polishing mechanism, optimises hull smoothness over time and delivers a reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

“Our team of experts has a detailed understanding of the challenging itineraries that cruise vessels must operate under, often spending extended periods within regions in which the impact of biofouling is keenly felt, as well as managing stakeholder pressure from consumers where sustainability is a priority,” Drew explained.

Meeting the Industry Where It Is

According to Drew, the industry is adapting to an increasingly complex regulatory environment designed to support the reduction of carbon emissions and increase sustainability.

“Our clients are focused on balancing the need to mitigate emissions from their fleets through enhanced operational efficiencies and the integration of clean technologies while remaining commercially competitive,” he added.

To meet these requirements, the company launched AQUATERRAS, which combines hydrophilic and hydrophobic micro-domains to resist biological adhesion.

Drew added that, while delivering a speed loss of 1 per cent over 60 months, compared to the 5.9 per cent industry average, the attributes enable vessels to generate up to 14.7 per cent in fuel savings and associated emissions reduction.

“Hull performance directly affects both operating costs and environmental impact, so maintaining a clean hull across such varied conditions is critical,” he said. “AQUATERRAS has demonstrated its ability to meet these challenges.”

“For example, following its application to the AIDAdiva in 2022, the vessel operated for three years without the need for any in-water hull cleaning, maintaining a fouling-free vertical bottom despite extensive service in high-biofouling regions such as the Caribbean and Mediterranean,” he explained.

The performance supported sustained fuel efficiency gains and eliminated the environmental risks associated with traditional coatings due to its biocide-free characteristics.

Drew added that the solution, for both drydock and newbuild projects, does not require specialist application equipment and can be applied at any yard.

The Focus for the Future

“Looking ahead, innovation in marine coatings will be shaped by three priorities: advancing sustainability, maximising operational efficiency and ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent and fragmented environmental regulations,” said Drew.

“We expect to see a continued shift away from biocidal systems toward alternative technologies that deliver long-term fouling prevention without environmental trade-offs, as well as a focus on developing low-volatile organic compounds solutions that are designed to minimise the release of harmful organic chemicals into the surrounding environment during application and drying,” he added.

Nippon Paint Marine will invest heavily into research and development leading into 2026, as innovation means looking well beyond the next 12 months, Drew said. Innovations and materials need to be tested over a number of years in varied operating conditions before being launched to market.

Collaboration is the Way Forward

“Working closely with shipowners, operators, shipyards, and research partners is imperative for us, as it ensures our innovations align with the operational challenges our customers face,” Drew said.

“Through working together, we can help our partners meet their various commercial and environmental targets, today and in the long term. This means continuing to innovate while ensuring our products support the highest levels of performance, are cost-effective and support ongoing regulatory compliance.”