Norwegian Cruise Line announced Norwegian Spirit which has just emerged from her refurbishment, to make her first homeport in Athens for 2020.

The 1,996-passenger Norwegian Spirit completed a 43-day dry dock in Marseille, France and will be sailing the Eastern Mediterranean in place of her cancelled Asian season.

The ship will be sailing 17, 20 and 28-day expeditions spanning three continents, departing from Civitavecchia, Italy on 14 Feb, 2020; Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 2 March, 2020; and Cape Town, South Africa on 22 March, 2020, before homeporting in Athens (Piraeus), Greece for the first time on 19 April, 2020.

During her Athens homeport, she will offer a season of seven-day voyages to the Greek Isles, Turkey, and Israel through 8 Nov, 2020. The Spirit will also be visiting two new Greek ports, Patmos and Volos. Her new sailings are now open for sale.

In the line’s most extensive refurbishment of over US$100 million, the updated ship features 14 new venues, additional and updated staterooms, enhanced public areas and new hull art. The Mandara Spa has been doubled in size and has a new thermal suite and relaxation area. The Pulse Fitness Center has also been expanded.

The ship also has the line’s second Onda by Scarpetta restaurant at sea. New complimentary dining venues include an additional main dining room, Taste; the 24-hour eatery, The Local Bar and Grill; the all-day dining outlet, Garden Café; the Great Outdoors Bar; and Waves Pool Bar.

Making their debut are Bliss Ultra Lounge and Spinnaker Lounge, as well as the adults-only retreat Spice H2O, a daytime lounge featuring two new hot tubs and a dedicated bar, which transforms into an after-hours entertainment venue.

“It is truly exciting to celebrate Norwegian Spirit’s sail out of dry dock to incredible destinations following her significant renovation,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“Europe is the number one destination for international arrivals, and we are very proud to position Norwegian Spirit for her first post-dry-dock season in this high-demand region.”

The line will be sailing a total of seven ships in Europe for 2020: Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Jade.