Oceania Cruises’ Insignia will join German cruise operator Phoenix Reisen as MS Alvara in November 2027, following a conversion at Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven. Phoenix Reisen confirmed the addition on October 22nd, with bookings scheduled to open on October 23rd.
The ship’s initial programme will include short cruises, a Christmas sailing and two longer Mediterranean voyages. Before entering service with Phoenix Reisen, the vessel is scheduled to arrive at the shipyard in September 2027 for work that will include the application of the company’s turquoise livery and modifications to adapt the onboard spaces to its operating concept. A detailed refurbishment plan has not yet been released.
Phoenix Reisen Managing Director Benjamin Krumpen described the vessel as well maintained and technically up to date, noting that it is already equipped for shore power connectivity.
Marine operations will be overseen by BSM, while sea chefs will manage hotel operations. Both companies have longstanding working relationships with Phoenix Reisen. Preliminary information from the operator indicates that Alvara will carry ~700 passengers and have a crew of ~400.
Measuring 181 metres in length and with a gross tonnage of 30,277, Alvara will offer a smaller-ship cruise experience with lounges, restaurants, a show lounge, library, swimming pool and wellness facilities. German will be the onboard language, with the vessel primarily targeting the German-speaking market.
Phoenix Reisen currently lists two speciality restaurants among the ship’s included dining options, although the operator has cautioned that the published ship description may change as conversion plans develop.
The vessel has a service history spanning ~3 decades. Built in 1998 as R One, it operated under the name Columbus 2 from 2012 before returning to service as Insignia in 2014. Oceania Cruises’ published information records a refurbishment in 2018.
The ship’s christening is scheduled to take place in Hamburg on November 26th, 2027, after its initial sailings have begun. The date will also coincide with the 54th anniversary of Phoenix Reisen.
The addition of Alvara follows Phoenix Reisen’s decision to end its seasonal charter of Deutschland after the 2026 programme. The original charter agreement had been due to expire in 2025 but was extended by one year during the pandemic. The introduction of Alvara will provide Phoenix Reisen with another established vessel for its future ocean cruise operations.