"رينيسانس" ترسو أنفاس أوروبا: دونكيرك نقطة انطلاق موسم 2026

Along the northern French coast, the port of Dunkirk is set to embark on a new chapter of luxury European voyages, following the announcement that Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) will reposition its ship, the Renaissance, there for the summer of 2026. 

This move marks a strategic shift in the European cruise landscape, transforming the historic city into a gateway for sea journeys that, within their ambitious program, encompass the beauty of Norway, the British Isles, Iceland, and even the Mediterranean.

Dunkirk: A Pivotal and Historic Location

Dunkirk is no longer a secondary port; it has become an advanced departure point for the most extreme cruise programs to the north and south. 

The company leverages its location to optimize sailing days, allowing for more stops in remote ports. 

Furthermore, the opening of check-in procedures at the port's museum adds an innovative cultural dimension, where passengers can begin their journey with a visit to the Dunkirk Museum before boarding the ship.

Summer 2026 Voyage Program

The Renaissance will depart from Dunkirk at the end of March 2026, offering a diverse array of voyages ranging from 3 to 14 nights, including:

• "Northern Lights Adventure": A 14-night exploration of Norway in search of the Northern Lights, featuring calls at ports such as Stavanger, Ålesund, Trondheim, Bodø, Tromsø, and Alta.
• "Fjords of Norway" voyage: From April 26 to May 7, this itinerary will include calls at Bergen and Geiranger for the first time.
• "Midnight Sun and Norwegian Fjords": From June 20 to July 4, this cruise will feature Hellesylt for the first time in the program.
• Various shorter voyages lasting between 3 and 10 days to explore the British Isles, Iceland, and Ireland.
• From Dunkirk, voyages will also depart for the Iberian Peninsula, France, and Stockholm via Western Europe.

In August, the ship will sail to Marseille to begin its Mediterranean and Southern Europe season, which includes special cruises such as:

• "Solar Eclipse and Island Beauties" (August 11–17) for astronomy enthusiasts, including a solar eclipse viewing from the sea and visits to Palma de Mallorca, Alghero, and Bonifacio (cruiseindustrynews.com).
• "Footprints of the Knights and Eastern Shores" (September 26–October 10): A cultural journey following the path of the Knights, including Messina, Valletta, Rhodes, Bodrum, and more.

Unique Features of the "Renaissance"

The Renaissance boasts features that elevate the cruise experience to an advanced level:

• A suitable capacity of 1,100 passengers, providing a sense of privacy and comfort.
• Environmentally friendly technologies such as the exhaust gas cleaning system (IMO Tier III), the ability to operate using shore power, and a €15 million modernization project (cruiseindustrynews.com).
• Unique exploratory ports of call like Tobermory, Sandane, Scrabster, and Douglas in the British Isles.
• Astronomical observation experiences and educational content to attract culturally inclined segments.
• A focus on local culture through extended stops and programs designed with a regional flavor.

About Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC)

CFC was founded in 2022, focusing on reviving long cruises targeting French-speaking markets. 

Following its acquisition in January 2025 by Ambassador Cruise Line and Corendon, it now forms the Ambassador Group, operating its global fleet under two brands.

Since commencing its voyages in 2023, the ship sailed for the first time through Northern Europe in the summer and then to the Caribbean, with strong booking rates reaching 80% in 2025. 

Despite its smaller size compared to mega-ships, the Renaissance offers a luxurious and comprehensive experience.

Opportunities and Challenges

Dunkirk's transformation into a major departure port brings several benefits:

• Improved operational efficiency due to its proximity to Northern European destinations.
• Attracting a new audience from Southern England, Belgium, and France.
• Supporting local tourism through onshore tourist activities and stakeholder engagement.

However, challenges include:

• Updating necessary infrastructure to accommodate increased cruise traffic.
• Marketing Dunkirk as an attractive tourist destination, in addition to its role as a departure port.
• Adhering to increasing environmental inspection requirements.

With the Renaissance setting sail from Dunkirk in the summer of 2026, CFC opens a new chapter in French and European cruising history, with a clear vision towards integrating luxury with sustainability and cultural diversity. 

It promises a deeper and more exploratory maritime experience, between the lights of the North and the charm of the Mediterranean. 

Dunkirk is no longer just a port; it has become a gateway to voyages that are destined to be remembered in the annals of European maritime tourism.