MS Amera: Six Years with Phoenix Reisen – A Success Story

By HenSti - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
On August 16, 2025, there was a special reason to celebrate: The MS Amera marked its sixth birthday under the umbrella of Phoenix Reisen. This date didn't mark the ship's build year but the start of a new era, which began with its christening in Bremerhaven on August 16, 2019. The MS Amera, affectionately known as the "Princess," is much more than just a ship. She symbolizes the philosophy of Phoenix Reisen: classic cruises, a family-like atmosphere, and an appreciation for unique vessels.

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A Ship with a Rich History

The cruise ship now known as the MS Amera has a colorful past. She was originally built in 1988 as the Royal Viking Sun. Over the years, she changed owners and names multiple times, including Prinsendam during her time with Holland America Line. There, she was also known as the "Elegant Explorer" and proved her seaworthiness when she rescued the crew of a sinking fishing boat in 2012.

Interestingly, the ship left the Holland America Line fleet because she was different from the other, more modern ships and didn't fit into the concept of standardization. It was precisely this unique character that fascinated Phoenix Reisen and led to the acquisition of the MS Amera.

The christening in 2019 was a special event. The godmother was Petra Kaiser, a long-time employee of Phoenix Reisen. This choice was a conscious signal that highlights the importance of the company's own staff and the familial community.

The "Princess" and Her Special Features

The nickname "the Princess" is no coincidence. It alludes to the ship's elegant silhouette, which promises ample space and a high comfort factor. Through her role in the popular ARD documentary series "Verrückt nach Meer" (Crazy about the Sea), the MS Amera became known to a wide audience and built a deep connection with the German-speaking cruise community.

The MS Amera is with 205 meters in length and 29 meters in width, a ship that shines with its compact design. The ship underwent extensive renovations in 2023 and 2024, with Phoenix Reisen investing around 50 million euros. This investment shows how important the ship is to the company. From new carpets to modern shower cabins and the retrofitting for a shore power system – the MS Amera is technically up to date.

On board, guests will find everything a cruise lover desires. In addition to four restaurants, such as the main restaurant Ozean, there are various bars and lounges. The wellness area, sauna, and beauty salon provide relaxation. The spacious wraparound promenade invites guests for sporty walks with an ocean view.

Strategic Role and Future Outlook

The MS Amera is a prime example of Phoenix Reisen's unique fleet philosophy. Instead of focusing on ever-larger, standardized ships, the company concentrates on individual vessels with a lot of character. Thanks to its size, the MS Amera can also call at special ports and navigate unique routes that are inaccessible to larger ships.

The ship's versatility is evident in the different voyages she offers – from short weekend trips to extended, multi-month world cruises. The MS Amera also proved her resilience during difficult times, such as the pandemic. Guests showed their gratitude for the caring service by donating over 41,000 euros to support the crew. This gesture underscores the deep bond that exists between guests, crew, and the cruise line.

The sixth anniversary of the MS Amera was not just a celebration but a sign of a success story built on tradition, trust, and a very special sense of community. The "Princess" will continue to accompany her loyal passengers on their journeys for a long time and carry forward the values of Phoenix Reisen.