Lloyd Werft has experience with the ship. More than five years ago it refitted Royal Princess to become Artemis for P&O and only finished updating the technology of the 1984-built vessel last May.
V.Ships bought Artemis for a long-term charter to Bonn-based Phoenix Reisen.
The 96 balconies will be added to Decks 5 and 6, and the windows of the new balcony cabins will be replaced with sliding doors. The casino will be converted into an additional bar while other public rooms, restaurants and cabins are being renovated.
An extra restaurant will allow all passengers to dine in one sitting.
The spa is being enlarged and a new wellness area and outdoor bars are being constructed.
The ship’s exterior will gain the Phoenix look, and the propellers, shafts, steering systems, stabilizers and bow thrusters will be overhauled.
The 44,588gt, 1,200-passenger Artania is Lloyd Werft’s second major refitting order for 2011, and won in strong competition. According to Phoenix md Benjamin Krumpen, factors in choosing the Bremerhaven facility included its intimate knowledge of the ship.
‘We fought for many years to get Phoenix/V.Ships back,’ said Lloyd Werft md Rüdiger Pallentin, who expressed his delight at resuming the collaboration.
