104 REPORT Ambassador Cruise Line vessel, Ambience, entered the drydock at A&P Tyne in January 2026 Cruise and ferry operators worldwide continue to evolve their fleets in response to advancing technology, shifting customer expectations and emerging design trends. On average, cruise ships will enter drydock every three years for mandatory maintenance, technical upgrades and interior refurbishments, while ferries typically undergo annual inspections and refurbishment works during the off season. Ship refit projects are a major area of investment for operators, shipyards, outfitters and suppliers – the cruise ship refurbishment market is projected to reach $9 billion by 2033, according to the Cruise Ship Refurbishment Market report from market research firm DataIntelo. From sustainability-driven upgrades to guest-experience enhancements, many refurbishment projects have been carried out in the latter half of 2025 and the first part of 2026 to extend vessel lifecycles and improve operational efficiency. We highlight some recent projects across the following pages. APCL A&P Tyne, UK In January 2026 Ambassador Cruise Line carried out a multimillion-pound renovation of its first ship, Ambience, at the APCL A&P Tyne shipyard in Hebburn in North East England. The team carried out technical maintenance during the three-week refurbishment, upgrading the propulsion control system, overhauling engines, replacing rudder bearings and completing extensive steel and structural work throughout the tanks and hull areas. New carpets were installed on several decks, while furnishings and finishes in suites, balcony cabins and public spaces were also refreshed. BLRT Grupp Turku Repair Yard, Naantali, Finland Finnish yard BLRT Grupp Turku completed a €7 million ($8.08 million) modernisation and maintenance project onboard Viking Line’s Viking Grace in January 2026. The ship’s interiors and public spaces were refreshed, while service work was carried out on the vessel’s rudder, propeller shaft system and bow thruster. The electric generators, bow propellers and propulsion engines were checked and all systems adjusted to maximise operational safety and minimise the vessel’s environmental impact. Facelifts for the future With continuous investment in ship refurbishments and modernisation playing a key role in shaping the future of the global cruise and ferry fleet, Laura Hyde reports on a selection of projects carried out in the latter half of 2025 and the first part of 2026 Photo: Ambassador Cruise Line
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