Following the conclusion of a grueling 134-day global odyssey, the MS Amera has entered a period of significant transformation. The vessel, operated by the German cruise operator Phoenix Reisen, arrived in Marseille, France, on April 29, 2026, to begin an extensive renovation process designed to elevate both guest comfort and technical efficiency.
The MS Amera is currently stationed at the Chantier Naval de Marseille, a specialized ship repair and conversion center in the heart of the Mediterranean. This strategic dry-dock period follows the ship’s 2025/2026 world cruise, marking a transition from high-seas endurance to a comprehensive interior and technical overhaul.
In a joint venture with the shipping company BSM, Phoenix Reisen is investing approximately 15 million Euro
into the vessel’s beautification and modernization according to official company communications. The investment aims to preserve the ship’s appeal as a premier mid-sized cruiser while integrating contemporary amenities and updating aging infrastructure.
A Comprehensive Overhaul: Focus Areas of the Renovation
The scope of the work at Chantier Naval de Marseille is multifaceted, targeting specific high-traffic areas and guest-facing facilities to ensure the vessel remains competitive in the luxury cruise market. The modernization effort is divided between aesthetic upgrades and essential technical maintenance.
One of the most visible changes will be the complete redesign of the wellness and beauty sectors. The renovation includes a total reconfiguration of the hair salon, beauty treatment areas and the sauna complex, intending to create a more seamless and modern spa experience for passengers.
Beyond the leisure areas, the renovation focuses heavily on the private quarters. Specifically, the project involves the modernization of 160 guest bathrooms, addressing both the aesthetic appeal and the functional plumbing and fixtures of these essential spaces. The ship’s demonstrate lounge is undergoing an extensive renovation to improve acoustics, seating, and visual presentation.
Technical Optimizations and Fleet Maintenance
While the interior “beautification” captures the most attention, the stay in Marseille likewise serves as a critical window for technical optimizations. Dry-docking allows engineers to perform hull cleaning, propeller maintenance, and safety certifications that cannot be completed while the ship is in active service.
The collaboration with BSM ensures that the technical management of the vessel aligns with current international maritime standards. By investing 15 million Euro, Phoenix Reisen is not merely refreshing the paint but is ensuring the MS Amera’s longevity and operational safety for future itineraries.
The Impact of the 134-Day World Cruise
The timing of this renovation is no coincidence. The MS Amera had just completed a 134-day world voyage, a journey that puts immense strain on a vessel’s mechanical systems and interior finishes. World cruises involve traversing diverse climates—from tropical humidity to arctic cold—which accelerates the wear and tear on a ship’s exterior and interior surfaces.
For the passengers who experienced the 2025/2026 voyage, the ship served as a floating home for over four months. For the operator, the end of such a voyage is the ideal moment to transition into a Werftzeit
(shipyard time), allowing for a total reset before the ship returns to its regular seasonal rotations.
Who is Affected by the Modernization?
The primary beneficiaries of this investment are the future guests of Phoenix Reisen, who will experience a refreshed environment that blends the classic charm of the MS Amera with modern luxury. For the crew, the updates to guest bathrooms and public lounges reduce the maintenance burden and improve the quality of service delivery.
From a broader perspective, the choice of the Chantier Naval de Marseille supports the regional maritime economy of southern France, utilizing the specialized skill sets of French naval architects and technicians to execute the complex redesign of the ship’s interior spaces.
Key Modernization Details
To provide a clear overview of the current project, the following table outlines the primary investments and targets of the MS Amera’s 2026 renovation:
| Category | Specific Action | Investment/Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Investment | Joint funding by Phoenix Reisen and BSM | Approx. 15 million Euro |
| Wellness Facilities | Redesign of Hair, Beauty, and Sauna areas | Complete reconfiguration |
| Guest Accommodations | Modernization of guest bathrooms | 160 units |
| Entertainment | Show Lounge renovation | Comprehensive update |
| Location | Chantier Naval de Marseille, France | Full shipyard stay |
What Happens Next for the MS Amera?
The MS Amera will remain in the care of the Marseille shipyard until the planned modernization works are completed. Once the 15 million Euro investment has been fully implemented and the vessel has passed all necessary sea trials and safety inspections, it will return to active service for Phoenix Reisen.
The company has not yet released the specific date for the ship’s return to sea, but the completion of the shipyard stay is the final checkpoint before the vessel begins its next series of cruises. Travelers are encouraged to monitor official Phoenix Reisen booking portals for the updated itineraries that will debut the newly renovated facilities.
Do you have experience cruising on the MS Amera or other Phoenix Reisen vessels? We invite you to share your thoughts on these modernizations in the comments below or share this article with fellow travel enthusiasts.