Italy’s Fincantieri, one of Europe’s premier cruise shipbuilders, has achieved considerable success of late in this sector. Recently, its Monfalcone shipyard delivered the 160,000gt Mein Schiff Relax, the first of two environmentally friendly InTUItion-class cruise ships with dual-fuel (LNG and MGO) capability that Fincantieri is building for this shipowner. The sister ship will set sail in mid-2026.
The new design features: catalytic converters meeting Euro 6 emissions standards; a generative turbine, using the residual heat from the diesel generators; and an electrical shore-power connection. The vessel is also equipped with an innovative waste treatment system capable of transforming organic materials into recyclable components through a thermal process.
Fincantieri also confirms that a letter of intent signed with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) last year has been converted into a firm order for four new cruise ships, each approximately 226,000gt. These vessels, the largest ever built for NCL, will also be constructed at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard, with deliveries scheduled for 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036. This order strengthens the long-standing partnership between Fincantieri and NCL, with Norwegian Aqua, the first unit in the Prima Plus class, set for delivery in the next few months. Additionally, three other vessels are currently in various stages of design and construction.
‘Costa Deliziosa’, pictured in dock at Fincantieri’s Trieste yard
Alongside its thriving cruise newbuilding activities, Fincantieri has been busy in recent months with several significant vessel refit and upgrade projects. In September 2024, the company completed an important drydock project, including the overhaul of the davits and thruster, and the refurbishment of the laundry, on the Princess Cruises Island Princess. Then, from October to November, Fincantieri undertook a complex engine room overhaul aboard Caribbean Princess in Palermo. Additionally, it carried out mechanical work on the propulsion system, and significant engine maintenance for Costa Deliziosa in its Trieste yard. Then, towards the end of 2024, Fincantieri completed essential maintenance, and five-year class checks, for Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady in Palermo.
Many of these cruise refit and repair projects have had a clear environmental focus. A notable example involved the installation of the advanced wastewater system for Silversea Cruises’ Silver Whisper in Trieste. Furthermore, on many projects, Fincantieri applied silicone paint to reduce friction, save fuel and make the vessels’ cruises more energy-efficient. Fincantieri also has a contract to implement high-voltage shore connection (HVSC) systems on four cruise ships to enable them to shut down their engines during port stays, and is carrying out engineering studies to assess the viability of retrofitting existing cruise vessels to run on methanol or HVO.
Now, Fincantieri seems set to enjoy another busy year for its cruise refit activities. In March and April 2025, it plans back-to-back drydockings of Majestic Princess and Emerald Princess, including five-year class special surveys, hull blasting and silicone painting, thruster and stabiliser overhauls, scrubber work, steel repairs and the installation of new air lubrication and membrane bioreactor systems. The work will also include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-associated upgrades for cabins and public spaces. All of these work packages will be undertaken at Fincantieri’s Palermo shipyard.
In Q3 2025, MSC Lirica and Viking Sea will visit Fincantieri yards for special class survey renewals and planned maintenance activities, while, in November, Silver Muse will undergo a series of conversions and modifications, together with scheduled maintenance works, in Palermo.
Fincantieri is currently investing to enhance its logistics capabilities for cruise projects in Trieste and Palermo, with the aim of improving warehousing, materials handling, maintenance scheduling and transportation for both inbound and outbound logistics. These investments are expected to lead to greater operational efficiency, minimise waste and ensure timely deliveries for clients and suppliers. Additionally, the company is strengthening its Miami subsidiary, Fincantieri Services USA, to provide cruise operators with quick responses to their specific requirements, including ship inspections and onboard assistance for repair and refurbishment activities in North America.
