Upcoming Cruise Ship Refurbishments
Brand-new cruise ships may get all the love and admiration when they first launch, but not to be forgotten are existing fleets, aging gracefully as they too receive some bells and whistles sans the sticker shock a new vessel can command. Enter the cruise ship refurbishment, which can make an old ship look nearly 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, plus routine maintenance), but quite often cruise lines will take this time -- or even extend it longer as needed -- to refresh a ship's public areas and private accommodations.
Cruise Critic has assembled a list of currently known cruise ship refits and dry-docks. Only cruise lines with current refit plans are listed; check to see if your favorite cruise ship is scheduled for a sprucing-up.
On This Page
- Carnival Cruise Line is Anticipating Carnival Firenze and Remodeling Carnival Glory
- Celebrity Has Multiple Refurbishments Planned for Older Ships
- Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic to Become Even More Epic
- Royal Caribbean’s Alluring “Royal Amplified” Program to Continue?
- Hurtigruten Coastal Express Ships Undergoing Green Refurbishments
- Windstar Cruises: New Themed Suite Decor for Star Pride and Refurbs for the Wind Class Ships
- Seabourn Introduces New Solis Restaurant to Its Non-Expedition Fleet
- Silversea Will Refresh Silver Whisper with Enhanced Private and Public Amenities
- Virgin Voyages to Briefly Enhance and Maintain Scarlet Lady
Carnival Cruise Line is Anticipating Carnival Firenze and Remodeling Carnival Glory
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.
Ship: Carnival Glory
Dates: Early 2024
Details: More details are expected to be released once Carnival Glory emerges from its current dry-dock, but its updates are expected to be very similar to those recently made to Carnival Sunrise. As such, enhancements to Glory may include a new Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge.
Celebrity Has Multiple Refurbishments Planned for Older Ships
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.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic to Become Even More Epic
Ship: Norwegian Epic
Dates: Spring 2025
Details: Following several cancellations of future sailings during the time – the April 15, April 26 and May 5 departures – Norwegian Epic is expected to receive updates during a scheduled dry-dock. However, exact details about what the ship may be receiving are yet to be revealed by Norwegian Cruise Line.
Royal Caribbean’s Alluring “Royal Amplified” Program to Continue?
Ship: Allure of the Seas
Dates: Early 2025
Details: As the only remaining Oasis-class ship to not receive a major refurbishment, read install the Ultimate Abyss dry slide and more, Allure of the Seas is next to be refurbished by Royal Caribbean International, according to a mention during a corporate earnings call. The ship was previously part of an announced “Royal Amplified” program that was postponed due to the pandemic. Though currently, any enhancements have not been specified.
Hurtigruten Coastal Express Ships Undergoing Green Refurbishments
Ships: All seven Coastal Express ships, starting with MS Richard With
Dates: Through 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.
Windstar Cruises: New Themed Suite Decor for Star Pride and Refurbs for the Wind Class Ships
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.
Ship: All three Wind Class ships
Dates: Through 2026
Details: Wind Star (Phase 2 completion December 2025), Wind Spirit (Phase 1 and 2 done by December 2025) and Wind Surf (Phase 1 December 2024 and Phase 2 December 2026) will, in phases though 2026, receive redesigned public spaces and staterooms extending to commissioned art by Miami artists in collaboration with Fountainhead Art, enhanced audio equipment and lighting, as well as enhanced Starlink internet connectivity.
Specifics will encompass a refreshed lobby with open reception and additional seating; revamped living room-style lounge; new pool, whirlpool and accompanying larger pool bar; updated fitness center with new Technogym equipment and a new World Spa by Windstar.
Teak decks and overall decor will be redone, and all cabins will get new carpeting and televisions with on-demand programming. The Owner’s Suite will also be redesigned. Phase 2 will touch on enhancements to Amphora, Veranda and further stateroom amenities.
Seabourn Introduces New Solis Restaurant to Its Non-Expedition Fleet
Ship: Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Encore
Dates: April 2024 and Spring 2024, respectively
Details: Already completed aboard sister ships Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Quest, the luxury line's swap of The Grill by Thomas Keller with its own in-house Solis will take place across its remaining non-expedition vessels.
The new restaurant’s dishes will be inspired by Mediterranean Sea destinations, and its design will showcase custom blue and cream colors and solar shapes comprised of sustainable materials.
Silversea Will Refresh Silver Whisper with Enhanced Private and Public Amenities
Ship: Silver Whisper
Dates: May 2024
Details: Scheduled next for dry-dock from the luxury line is Silver Whisper from April until May 2024. The ship’s refurbishment, according to the brand, will cover “an array of refreshments, enriching guests’ comfort in the ship’s suites and public areas.”
Virgin Voyages to Briefly Enhance and Maintain Scarlet Lady
Ship: Scarlet Lady
Dates: November 2024
Details: Scarlet Lady is on the calendar for a brief dry-dock in November 2024, set to include general maintenance, enhancements and recalibrations.