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seven seas explorer in shipyard
Seven Seas Splendor in the Shipyard

Upcoming Cruise Ship Refurbishments

seven seas explorer in shipyard
Seven Seas Splendor in the Shipyard
Contributor
Melinda Crow

Last updated
Apr 14, 2023

Read time
5 min read

New cruise ships might be all the rage, but those who want some new bells and whistles without the price tag a new ship can command have another option: the cruise ship refurbishment, which can make an old ship look new again. Ships are required to head into dry dock every few years for the "routine scrape of the barnacles" (minor cosmetic and engineering updates), but quite often cruise lines will take this time -- or even extend it -- to refresh a ship's public areas and cabins.

Cruise Critic has assembled a list of currently known cruise ship refits and drydocks. Only cruise lines with current refit plans are listed; check to see if your favorite cruise ship is due for a sprucing-up.

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Celebrity Has Multiple Refurbishments Planned for Older Ships

Celebrity Reflection
Celebrity Reflection

Ship: Celebrity Reflection

Dates: Completed in October 2022

Details: All cabins and suites got new balcony furniture while the ship was in drydock. Other refurbishments included new carpets, upholstery and pool furniture on the pool deck and in the solarium.

Ship: Celebrity Infinity

Dates: Winter 2024

Details: Celebrity Infinity’s drydock will include a bit of a facelift, with new soft goods (usually includes things like carpeting, upholstery, and linens). Suites will have Jacuzzis replaced and the galleys will get new equipment.

Ship: Celebrity Constellation

Dates: Spring 2024

Details: This drydock for the Constellation will include all new carpeting as well as updated crew quarters. Suites are scheduled to get new Jacuzzis and some galley equipment will be replaced.

Ship: Celebrity Eclipse

Dates: Spring 2025

Details: Celebrity Eclipse is slated for all new carpeting in this drydock along with new draperies. All staterooms and suites will get new balcony furniture and the galley is getting new equipment.

Ship: Celebrity Solstice

Dates: First quarter 2026

Details: Celebrity Solstice received all new soft goods (carpets, drapes, linens) in early 2023. The next drydock is scheduled for early 2026, but no details are available yet on those refurbishments.

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Celestyal Cruises Adds to Its Fleet

Rendering of Celestyal Journey (Photo/Celestyal Cruises)
Rendering of Celestyal Journey (Photo/Celestyal Cruises)

Ship: Celestyal Journey

Dates: Ongoing, September 2023

Details: Holland America Line's former Ryndam is joining Celestyal Cruises following an extensive $21-million refit in Piraeus, Greece. The 1992-built former Ryndam is a decade younger than both of Celestyal's existing ships, with more balcony cabins and amenities. Carrying up to 1,800-passenger with four restaurants, seven bars and lounges, two pools and a standout 47,300-square-foot spa spanning two decks with a gym, thalassotherapy baths, massage rooms, saunas and thermal suites.

Crystal Cruises Refurbishes Ships Ahead of Re-Launch

Crystal Cruises ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony (Photo/Crystal Cruises)
Crystal Cruises ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony (Photo/Crystal Cruises)

After a bankruptcy during the pandemic, the Crystal Cruises brand has been given new life with owners Abercrombie & Kent. The new owners are taking the line's two ships and modernizing them before they set sail in summer 2023.

Ship: Crystal Serenity

Dates: Ongoing, spring 2023

Details: Crystal Serenity will be going from 980 passengers to 740, with all suites onboard being revamped to create more space. Wellness areas are also being given more real estate, including a 3,000 plus square feet fitness center with panoramic views, which has a separate weight room and aerobics studio.

Ship: Crystal Symphony

Dates: Ongoing, summer 2023

Details: Crystal Symphony is getting the same treatment as its sibling, with a reduced passenger count and a focus on making the suites more spacious and luxurious.

Cunard is Freshening Up Queen Mary 2

Queen Mary 2 alongside in Brooklyn on December 20, 2021. (Photo: Kyle Valenta)
Queen Mary 2 alongside in Brooklyn on December 20, 2021. (Photo: Kyle Valenta)

Ship: Queen Mary 2

Dates: Fall 2023

Details: Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 is scheduled for a four-week refit in the fall, described as a "freshen up." No additional details are available at this time.

Holland America Line Expands Casinos on 5 Ships

Nieuw Amsterdam in Ketchikan (Photo: Aaron Saunders)
Nieuw Amsterdam in Ketchikan (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

Ships: Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam

Dates: 2023

Details: Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam are among the five ships getting refurbished and expanded casino spaces. The additions include more slot machines, including additional video poker machines and on-demand slot tournaments.

Ships: Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Koningsdam

Dates: 2023

Details: Three ships in the Holland America fleet will now have expanded casino offerings, as well as a separate nonsmoking casino area.

Norwegian Cruise Line is Adding Cabins, Thermal Suite to Norwegian Joy

Exterior photo of Norwegian Joy - photography by Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Joy (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line)

Ship: Norwegian Joy

Dates: January 2024

Details: Norwegian Cruise Line will put Norwegian Joy into a 3-week drydock in January and add 24 cabins, repurposing a chunk of the Observation Lounge. It is also adding a Thermal Suite, that will replace the Galaxy Pavilion and extend the Vibe Beach Club to take over the Laser Tag Arena. In addition, it is enhancing a number of top end suites in its suites-only complex, The Haven by Norwegian.

Hurtigruten Coastal Express Ships Undergoing Green Refurbishments

Richard With
Richard With

Ships: All seven Coastal Express ships, starting with MS Richard With

Dates: 2023-2026

Details: All ships will undergo massive refurbishments designed to reduce NOx emissions by eighty percent, including conversion to hybrid power systems, hull changes, new boiler systems, and power management systems.

Carnival Cruise Line is Remodelling Carnival Firenze

Carnival Firenze main atrium (Image: Carnival)
Carnival Firenze main atrium (Image: Carnival)

Ship: Carnival Firenze

Dates: 2024

Details: Carnival Firenze will be the second ship to operate under the banner "Carnival Fun Italian Style," (after Carnival Venezia) and it's another former Costa ship, Costa Firenze. Expect the similar changes in drydock as Carnival Venezia, which include the traditional Carnival venues that will be added in the refit: the steakhouse Fahrenheit 555, Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki and the Chef's Table, along with Lido Marketplace, Guy's Burgers, Seafood Shack and Pizzeria del Capitano, Piano Bar 88 and Heroes Tribute Lounge. In the cabins, Carnival will add a new Terrazza space, which is similar to Havana cabins on other ships in the fleet. The cabins will also receive mini-bars and U.S. power outlets to cabins and a new bar featuring spritzes in the adult-only Serenity area on the top deck.

Pearl Seas Cruises Refits Pearl Mist

(Photo: Pearl Mist)
Pearl Mist TA Listings Page Image

Ship: Pearl Mist

Dates: By May 2023

Complete interior re-design, including carpets, furniture and art throughout staterooms and public spaces featuring new color palettes. The redesign will be complete prior to the start of the 2023 season in May.

Windstar Cruises: New Themed Suite Decor Matches Land Partner Resorts

Star Legend
Star Legend

Ship: Star Legend

Dates: Completed early 2023

Details: Two Classic Suites on Deck 5 forward have been redecorated in a style inspired by of two of Windstar’s sister-company land resorts. The Broadmoor Suite reflects that of the iconic Colorado Springs luxury hotel, right down to wallpaper that matches that found in the main building of the hotel, though it had to be designed to meet the specifications of the International Maritime Organization certification for fire retardant materials. The Sea Island Suite features décor in soft blues and greens reminiscent of sea glass, as found at the five-star Sea Island resort on the coast of Georgia.

Ship: Star Breeze

Dates: Spring 2023

Details: Themed suites are slated for completion on Star Breeze in the spring of 2023.

Ship: Star Pride

Dates: 2024

Details: Star Pride, which completed its full Star Initiative renovation and stretching in 2022, is slated to have themed suites in 2024.

Publish date April 14, 2023
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