The Semester at Sea “floating university” Explorer will drydock at Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven, Germany from May 4 to May 16.

It will be the first visit to a German shipyard by the 180 m long, 24,318-ton vessel since she was built at Blohm & Voss in Hamburg in 2001.

On the docket is not only routine classification work for Germanischer Lloyd but also repairs to her superstructures and engine plant as well as a number of improvements above and below deck.

Since 2004, the Explorer has sailed throughout the world carrying students who are predominantly engaged in their studies while onboard. One of the ways in which she differs from other cruise ships is that her stopovers in destination ports are unlike the stopovers on other ships.

The Explorer stays a few more days in port than normal cruise ships to give students onboard the opportunity for extended trips and studies ashore.

The ship started her sailing career as the Olympia Explorer for now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises.

The crew at least will be onboard on May 4 when the Explorer ties up at Lloyd Werft.

The list of jobs to be tackled while she is in dock is a long one, according to the yard, and includes steel repairs to superstructures and tanks, repairs to equipment pipe work systems over seven decks, ventilation plant repairs, the overhaul of sea cocks and rudder and propeller work. 

Also on the work docket are tank cleaning, conservation and a gearing plant overhaul.

Above all however, the fresh water system, with which the Explorer has had repeated problems, will be repaired by Lloyd Werft specialists. Finally, heeling tests will be carried out at the yard’s fitting-out quay.

In the passenger areas, new tiles will be laid and carpets in the public areas need replacing while the ship’s Bolidt floor coverings are also due for renewal.

After the work has been completed and classification has been renewed by Germanischer Lloyd, the next destination on the ship’s program is Rostock.