Gorgeous cruise ship originally named by Princess Diana returns to Portsmouth port with hundreds of tourists
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Phoenix Reisen cruise ships visit the port throughout the year
A stunning cruise ship with a fascinating history has returned to Portsmouth carrying hundreds of tourists.
MV Artania, operated by the German firm Phoenix Reisen, sailed to Portsmouth International Port on Monday morning (August 10). In a previous guise, she was named Royal Princess by Princess Diana at a ceremony in Southampton on November 19, 1984.
The 756ft vessel has undergone various overhauls since and is now used to primarily transport German holidaymakers on various trips. Portsmouth International Port’s head of cruise and ferry, Andrew Williamson, said: “Phoenix Reisen is a hugely important customer to Portsmouth and we have been fortunate to welcome their ships since 2005, and this is Artania’s 27th call.
“Our city’s world-class heritage and attractions are a huge draw for Phoenix Reisen’s customers, and our Shaping Portsmouth Ambassadors are always on hand to greet them and give them a warm reception. German passengers have been on a 16-day tour of the UK and Ireland and are heading back to Hamburg.”
Phoenix Reisen has chartered Artania since 2011. She was originally built for Princess Cruises by Wartsila at the Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, before being launched on February 18, 1984.
The ship operated like this until April 2005, when she was transferred into the control of P&O Cruises. She was renamed Artemis in 2011, before being renamed as Artania. Once acquired by Phoenix Reisen, the ship was fitted with new Wartsila engines and 96 more balconies.
She can accommodate roughly 1,200 passengers and regularly takes trips to exotic locations such as Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Greece, and far-flung destinations including Costa Rica and the Caribbean. Artania is full of various amenities including buffet and speciality restaurants, cafe, lounges, bars, a fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, and spa.
Her sister ships including Deutschland, Amadea, and Amera, are due to call into Portsmouth later this year.