Oceania cruise ship Insignia will join teh German cruise operator Phoenix Reisen as MS Alvara in November 2027, following a shipyard conversion in Bremerhaven.
Phoenix Reisen confirmed the move on October 22, with bookings opening October 23, 2026. The opening programme will include short cruises, a Christmas sailing and two longer Mediterranean voyages.
Before welcoming its first Phoenix guests, the ship will enter Lloyd Werft in September 2027. Work will include the company’s turquoise livery and changes to adapt the onboard spaces to the Phoenix experience. A detailed refurbishment plan has not yet been announced.
Managing Director Benjamin Krumpen described the vessel as well maintained and technically up to date, highlighting its existing shore power connection.
For crew, the announcement also confirms the companies responsible for running the ship. Longtime Phoenix partners BSM and sea chefs will oversee its marine and hotel operations respectively. Phoenix’s preliminary ship information lists approximately 400 crew members and capacity for up to 700 passengers.
At 181 metres long and 30,277 gross tons, Alvara will offer a smaller ship experience with lounges, restaurants, a show lounge, library, swimming pool and wellness facilities. German will be the onboard language, with the ship primarily serving German guests.
Phoenix currently lists two specialty restaurants among the included dining options. However, the company cautions that ship descriptions may change as plans for the conversion develop.
The vessel brings a history that stretches back almost three decades. Built in 1998 as R One, it later sailed as Columbus 2 from 2012 before returning to service as Insignia in 2014. Oceania’s published ship information lists a refurbishment in 2018.
Alvara’s christening is scheduled for November 26, 2027, in Hamburg, rather than before its first sailing. The date will also mark Phoenix Reisen’s 54th anniversary.
The addition follows Phoenix’s decision to end its seasonal charter of Deutschland after the 2026 programme. In its earlier announcement, the company explained that the agreement had originally been due to expire in 2025 but was extended by one year during the pandemic. Alvara now gives Phoenix another familiar ship with which to build its future ocean cruise programme.
