Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) has announced the cancellation of all scheduled cruises aboard its only vessel, the Renaissance, for a two-month period. According to media reports, all departures between January and February 2025 have been affected, including seven- and eight-night Mediterranean cruises and a ten-night repositioning voyage in Northern Europe. These voyages, initially scheduled to depart from Marseille, are now canceled due to planned ship maintenance.
Reason for Cancellations
The Renaissance will undergo a major dry dock for significant refurbishment, taking place from 5 January 2025 to 1 March 2025. This maintenance comes just two years after the vessel's transfer from Holland America Line and involves a €15 million investment. The goal of the refurbishment is to equip the ship with new environmentally friendly technologies and update its onboard amenities.
The most notable technical upgrade will be the installation of a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system designed to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. This addition will enable the ship to sail in environmentally sensitive areas, meeting global standards. The vessel will also be adapted to receive shore power via cold ironing facilities, further aligning with CFC's commitment to sustainability.
In line with Green Marine certification, this project builds on previous environmental initiatives, such as the installation of emission purification systems (scrubbers) to reduce sulfur oxide emissions and the application of silicone paint for better performance at sea.
Onboard Renovations
The ship will also receive significant interior renovations during this layover. CFC has planned upgrades to public areas and cabins, with further details expected in the coming months. The renovation will likely be carried out at a yet-to-be-determined shipyard, although previous work on the vessel was done by Damen in Brest, France.
CFC is in the process of contacting all affected guests, offering a full refund for their paid fares. Passengers are also given the option to reschedule their reservations on future voyages.
The Renaissance, originally built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone and delivered in 1993 with a gross tonnage of 55,575, is expected to return to service before the summer of 2025. Starting in early March, the ship will offer nine- to 14-night cruises to various destinations in Northern Europe, including Scandinavia, the North Sea, the British Isles, and Iceland, departing from Le Havre.
