Sembawang charts busy year of cruise refurbishments

The Singapore-based yard achieved a new milestone in its cruise ship refit track record by carrying out concurrent repairs, upgrading and modification to four cruise ships during the first two weeks of January. Currently undergoing major upgrading and revitalization works are Star Cruises’ Superstar Libra and Royal Caribbean International’s Legend of the Seas.

As earlier reported, Sembawang and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. inked a Favoured Customer Contract in December.

Azamara Journey, also part of the Royal Caribbean group, completed its regular docking and repairs in Sembawang, sailing on Jan. 13, and Henna, owned by HNA Group of China and managed by Star Cruises, completed its refit on Jan. 16.

Ong Poh Kwee, deputy president of Sembcorp Marine, said the dozen cruise projects from various owners and operators in 2013 reinforce Sembawang Shipyard’s reputation as Asia’s leader in highly specialised cruise ship repairs, refurbishment and conversion.