106 Freshening up the fleet With passenger numbers for many cruise lines returning to prepandemic levels, brands are investing in interior refurbishments and technical upgrades as they seek to bring existing cruise ships closer to newbuild standards. Laura Hyde highlights some of the refurbishment projects completed within the past six months Queen Mary 2 Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 was drydocked at the Botlek facilities of Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam in the Netherlands between 23 October and 12 November 2023 for an operational refit. The shipyard and other contractors carried out technical maintenance, refitted interior carpets and refurbished staterooms onboard Cunard’s flagship. Norwegian Joy Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Joy spent 19 days in dry dock at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam in the Netherlands between 22 January and 12 February 2024. The Breakaway Plus-class vessel now boasts 24 balcony staterooms on Deck 15, after a portion of the Observation Lounge was repurposed. Premier Owners Suites in the Haven have been expanded and 40 of the staterooms have been recategorised as Spa Balcony accommodation after direct access to the redesigned Mandara Spa and Salon with Thermal Suite was created. The new Thermal Suite has replaced the ship’s former Galaxy Pavilion/ virtual reality gaming complex. Meanwhile, the former laser tag arena on Deck 20 has been converted into a new Vibe Beach Club. Costa Diadema Costa Cruises’ Costa Diadema spent 13 days in dry dock at Chantier Naval de Marseille in France undergoing general maintenance works in November 2023. As well as carrying out technical overhauls and maintenance work on the circuit breakers, the shipyard and other teams renovated all the vessel’s public areas and passenger staterooms. The mosaic titles in ship’s 11 swimming pools were replaced as part of the refit project too. REFIT REPORT Costa Diadema, Queen Mary 2 (top) and Norwegian Joy (middle)
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