CFC Cancels Early 2025 Cruises for €15M Renaissance Refurbishment: What You Need to Know

CFC-Compagnie Francaise de Croisieres has made the announcement that all cruises scheduled on its ship Renaissance will be canceled for a two-month period in early 2025. This affects 7- and 8-night Mediterranean cruises as well as a 10-night repositioning voyage in Northern Europe, all of which were originally planned for January and February 2025. The cancellations are attributed to scheduled maintenance for the vessel.

The Renaissance is scheduled for an extensive dry dock from January 5 to March 1, 2025, as part of a refurbishment project costing EUR 15 million. This maintenance occurs only two years after the ship was acquired from HAL-Holland America Line, and is aimed at modernizing the ship with new, eco-friendly technologies and upgraded amenities onboard.

A crucial aspect of the technical upgrades includes the installation of a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system designed to minimize nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, thereby enabling the vessel to comply with global environmental regulations and operate within sensitive ecological areas. Moreover, the ship will be outfitted to connect to shore power through cold ironing systems, further showcasing CFC’s dedication to sustainability.

This refurbishment will enhance CFC’s Green Marine credentials, adding to previous environmental upgrades such as the installation of emission purification systems (scrubbers) to decrease sulfur oxide emissions and the application of silicone paint for better hydrodynamic efficiency. The renovation plans also include updates to public areas and cabins.

CFC is in the process of reaching out to all passengers impacted by these cancellations, providing them with full refunds or the opportunity to reschedule their reservations for future cruises.

Originally constructed by Fincantieri in 1993, the Renaissance boasts a gross tonnage of 55,575 and is expected to resume service prior to the summer of 2025. Beginning in March, it will offer 9- to 14-night cruises to Northern European destinations, including Scandinavia, the British Isles, the North Sea, and Iceland, with departures from Le Havre.