Amadea

The 1991-built (as "MS Asuka") MS Amadea cruise ship is one of Phoenix Reisen's chartered ocean liners, along with fleet mates Albatros, Artania, and Amera (ex Prinsendam). Her namesakes, Asuka II and Asuka III, continue to be operated by NYK Cruises, a subsidiary of the Japanese shipping company Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha/NYK Line.

The vessel (IMO number 8913162) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 308445000) and registered in Nassau.

History – Construction and Ownership

The German cruise tour company Phoenix Reisen began cruise operations under its own brand in 1988 with the chartered liner TS Maxim Gorkiy (1969-built, scrapped in 2009), which was owned by the USSR's Black Sea Shipping Company and later privatized and renamed Sovcomflot. In 1993, Phoenix Reisen added a second cruise liner, SS Albatros (1957-built as RMS Sylvania, scrapped in 2004 as SS Genoa), chartered from V-Ships for 10 years (1993-2003). Today, Phoenix Reisen operates a sizable fleet of chartered and owned ocean liners and riverboats.

MS Amadea is owned by Amadea Shipping Company and chartered by Phoenix Reisen, based in Germany. She was launched in 1991 by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki, Japan, as MS Asuka for Nippon Yusen Kaisha. In 2006, she was sold to her current owner and entered service with Phoenix Reisen.

The 29,008-ton, 624-passenger MS Amadea occupies a unique niche in the German cruise market, offering generous personal space. Thanks to her small size, she can visit many exciting ports often inaccessible to larger ships.

Cruise Itinerary Program

Amadea's itinerary program features exotic routes in popular regions including the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, Iceland-Greenland, South America, Southeast Asia, South Africa, the Caribbean, Australia, and New Zealand. She also operates Panama Canal transits and transatlantic repositioning cruises.

Cabins

MS Amadea has 8 passenger decks and 254 all-outside cabins (42 Suites, 106 with balconies, 2 wheelchair-accessible) in 33 categories. A notable feature is that all staterooms are exterior, with a minimum size of 16 m², offering a spacious feel. Standard amenities include DVD player, satellite TV, safe, mini-bar, WC and shower/bathtub, bathrobes, and hairdryer. Some rooms feature private balconies. Cabins are cleaned twice daily, with responsive housekeeping staff available.

Shipboard Facilities and Amenities

Dining options on Amadea include two main restaurants—Four Seasons and Amadea. Breakfast is served in two seatings, lunch is buffet-style, and dinner is à la carte. Evening coffee and after-dinner snacks are also offered. The menu is international and may occasionally feature regional cuisine. Additional dining is available at the Lido Cafe with outdoor seating.

During the 2024 refurbishment, Amadea received a new complimentary dining venue—Pichlers Restaurant (Deck 8)—and Harry’s Bar was upgraded with a permanent snack buffet station.

MS Amadea is not considered a modern “party ship.” The onboard atmosphere is relaxed and informal. Formal attire is expected only on festive evenings. The crew is attentive and committed to guest satisfaction.

German is the official language used onboard, and most guests come from German-speaking countries. While some staff members speak English, services (e.g., tours, menus) are not provided in English. Passengers are advised to have basic knowledge of German.

Entertainment options include: Vista Bar & Lounge, Kopernikus Bar & Night Club, Jupiter Bar, Harry's, Atlantik Show Lounge, Havanna Club, Jamaica Bar, Internet Cafe, two additional bars, Wellness Area, Fitness Center, Beauty Salon, Amadea Spa, sauna, steam bath, Golf Garden, table tennis, shuffleboard, Sports Deck, whirlpool, swimming pool, Captain’s Garden, boutique, promenade deck, cinema, and Photo/Video Shop & Gallery.

MS Amadea cruise ship was built in Nagasaki, Japan for the NYK cruise line (Nippon Yusen Kaisha) as "ms Asuka." The vessel was sold in 2006. It is now privately owned (asset of Amadea Shipping Company) and currently operated under a time charter by Phoenix Reisen GmbH, a major German travel agency and tour operator.

German is the only official language used on board, which is why most Phoenix Reisen customers come from German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Switzerland. While some crew members speak English, no services are provided in English.

Refurbishments Review

Between 2006 and 2013, the former Asuka underwent several refits and drydock refurbishments to tailor her for the European market. Public areas were redesigned and rearranged to meet the preferences of German guests. The project was overseen by Cubik3 Innenarchitekten GmbH, a German interior design firm.

During a 2022 drydock, MAN PrimeServ Augsburg (a division of MAN Energy Solutions) retrofitted Amadea’s dual SCR systems (Selective Catalytic Reduction, also known as scrubbers) for both marine diesel engines (MAN model 7L58/64). In a previous technical drydock, the company had also retrofitted the engines’ turbochargers to help reduce CO2 emissions.

These upgrades improved the vessel's IMO emission status from "Tier 0" to "Tier 3" (the highest level), resulting in a ~90% reduction in NOx emissions.

Amadea’s most recent extensive refurbishment took place in 2024 at Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven. The EUR 10 million project included a general machinery overhaul (powerplant upgrades, a new exhaust system and freshwater piping, and the addition of a second osmosis unit). The hull and superstructure were cleaned and repainted, and the outdoor teak decks were renovated. Interior public spaces were refreshed with new carpeting, furnishings, and upholstery. All passenger staterooms received new beds and mattresses, and all suites were redesigned. The wellness complex/spa area was upgraded with new windows and air conditioning. A new complimentary dining venue, Pichlers Restaurant (Deck 8), was added, and Harry’s Bar was equipped with a permanent buffet-style snack station.

World Voyage 2025

The table below shows Phoenix Reisen's World Voyage 2025 scheduled for Amadea, which includes 12 overnight port stays.

The 146-day itinerary was also offered in several smaller segments, including a 28-day voyage from Bremerhaven to Panama City, a 19-day segment from Panama City to San Francisco, a 30-day segment from San Francisco to Tokyo, a 19-day segment from Tokyo to Hong Kong, a 24-day segment from Hong Kong to Cochin, and a 26-day segment from Cochin to Trieste.

World Voyage 2024

The following table presents Phoenix Reisen Amadea's World Voyage 2024, which featured nine overnight port stays.

The 128-day roundtrip from Germany was also offered in several smaller segments, including a 72-day itinerary from New Zealand to Germany (Auckland to Bremerhaven).

World Voyage 2023 (Die große Entdecker-Weltumrundung)

In 2023, Amadea operated Phoenix Reisen’s 153-day World Voyage "Die große Entdecker-Weltumrundung" ("The Great Discovery Tour Around the World").

The voyage featured 15 overnight port stays and offered a unique opportunity to enjoy a 5-month roundtrip cruise departing from and returning to France.