2024 was a robust yr for the drydock and secondhand ship market, which led to a variety of ships debuting for brand spanking new operators.
These are a number of the key conversion jobs that occurred throughout the yr:
Celestyal Discovery
Former: AIDAaura
Capability: 1,270 visitors
Yr constructed: 2003
Earlier operator: AIDA Cruises
New operator: Celestyal Cruises
Debut: March 2024
After being bought by Carnival Company in late 2023, the previous AIDAaura underwent a conversion venture earlier than debuting for Celestyal Cruises.
Beforehand operated by AIDA Cruises, the 2003-built vessel noticed a whole transformation for its new market.
Carnival Firenze
Former: Costa Firenze
Capability: 4,232 visitors
Yr constructed: 2020
Earlier operator: Costa Cruises
New operator: Carnival Cruise Line
Debut: April 2024
After being transferred to Carnival Cruise Line, the previous Costa Firenze underwent a significant refit on the Navantia shipyard in Cádiz in early 2024. Along with receiving Carnival’s branding and livery, the 4,232-guest vessel was up to date with Carnival’s public areas, with varied areas transformed into the corporate’s trademark venues, such because the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and the Limelight Lounge.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander
Former: Costa Atlantica
Capability: 2,100 visitors
Yr constructed: 2000
Earlier operator: Adora Cruises (by no means debuted)
New operator: Margaritaville at Sea
Debut: June 2024
After an extended refurbishment on the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Northern Eire, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander debuted for its new operator in June 2024.
Villa Vie Odyssey
Former: Braemar
Capability: 977 visitors
Yr constructed: 1993
Earlier operator: Fred. Olsen Cruise Traces
New operator: Villa Vie Residences
Debut: September 2024
The previous Braemar of Fred. Olsen Cruise Traces was become Villa Vie Residences’ first residential ship in 2024. After a refit on the Harland & Wolff Shipyard in Belfast, the ship emerged because the Odyssey in September, welcoming visitors for a continuing world cruise.
Aroya
Former: World Dream
Capability: 3,400 visitors
Yr constructed: 2017
Earlier operator: Dream Cruises
New operator: Aroya Cruises
Debut: December 2024
The Aroya entered service in December as the primary cruise ship devoted to the nationwide market in Saudi Arabia.. In response to Aroya Cruises, a number of venues onboard the ship had been primarily rebuilt throughout an extended conversion that included shipyard visits within 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
