Sure, new cruise ships are all the rage, and if our Future Cruise Ship Orders is any indication, passengers will have plenty of shiny options to choose from over the next few years. Those who want some new bells and whistles without the price tag a new ship can command another option: the refurbishment, which can make an old ship look new. Ships are required to head into dry dock every few years for the "routine scrape of the barnacles" (minor cosmetic and engineering updates). If we covered every minor refurb, we'd have hundreds of ships on which to report, so in this chart we'll be focusing only on vessels that will undergo more major overhauls.
Tracking down the latest on every ship going into dry dock can require a surprising amount of detective work; details are heavily guarded at times, and even though our message boards are alive with the newest dates and features, we still need all hands on deck (pun intended). If you have a tip, detail or story to share regarding the latest cruise ship refurbishment, please consider e-mailing us at drydocktipline@cruisecritic.com. Thanks and happy sailing.
Carnival | Celebrity | Crystal | Cunard | Disney| Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines | Holland America | MSC Cruises | Norwegian | P&O Australia | Paul Gauguin | P&O Cruises | Princess | Regent Seven Seas Cruises | Royal Caribbean | Seabourn | Silversea
Carnival Cruise Line
Ship: Carnival Spirit
Dates: May 2018
Details: The library and chapel will be converted into a new teen arcade and an arts/craft area called Soulplay where tutorial sessions will teach passengers how to make soap, lotions, cosmetics and fragrances. Cabins will be refreshed and a new waterslide is rumoured.
Ship: Carnival Inspiration
Dates: November 5 - November 15, 2018
Details: Details are unavailable at this time.
Celebrity Cruises
There are currently no Celebrity ship refurbishments scheduled.Crystal Cruises
Ship: Crystal Serenity
Dates: October - November 2018
Details: Crystal Serenity will receive the same dining and suite refurbishments as its sister ship. Serenity will replace smaller suites with 36 new penthouses and two new penthouse suites, dropping its passenger capacity from 1,070 to 980.
Cunard Line
There are currently no Cunard ship refurbishments scheduled.
Disney Cruise Line
Ship: Disney Magic
Dates: Returns to service March 9, 2018
Details: New additions will include Rapunzel's Royal Table, a Tangled-themed restaurant; a transformed teen club and Cove Cafe, an adults-only cafe retreat. Other enhancements onboard Disney Magic will include the addition of Club Disney Junior in Disney's Oceaneer Club for children, and a redesigned Rainforest Room with steam and hydrotherapy in Senses Spa for adults.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Ship: Boudicca
Dates: Spring 2018
Details: In addition to upgrades to furniture, upholstery and carpeting throughout cabins and public spaces, Boudicca is slated for a refreshed dining room.
Holland America Line
Ship: Zaandam
Dates: March 2018
Details: As part of a $300 million investment, Holland America is updating entertainment, dining and suites across its fleet between 2016 and 2018. While enhancements will vary by ship, all Vista- Signature- and Rotterdam-class ships will receive new furniture, carpeting and wall covers, as well as a new quartz stone top on the desk, dresser, nightstands and makeup vanity. Electronic upgrades include a USB outlet added the bed's headboard, LED reading lights and a lighted closet rod. Suite passengers will also have access to a new interactive TV system with free movies on demand, in-cabin coffee and espresso machine, binoculars for use during the sailing, free mimosas with ensuite breakfast and more. Zaandam will receive the transformation that will turn Crow's Nest into the line's new interactive destination experience center, EXC or Explorations Central.
Ship: Amsterdam
Dates: May 2018
Details: As part of a $300 million investment, Holland America is updating entertainment, dining and suites across its fleet between 2016 and 2018. While enhancements will vary by ship, all Vista- Signature- and Rotterdam-class ships will receive new furniture, carpeting and wall covers, as well as a new quartz stone top on the desk, dresser, nightstands and makeup vanity. Electronic upgrades include a USB outlet added the bed's headboard, LED reading lights and a lighted closet rod. Suite passengers will also have access to a new interactive TV system with free movies on demand, in-cabin coffee and espresso machine, binoculars for use during the sailing, free mimosas with ensuite breakfast and more. Amsterdam will receive the transformation that will turn Crow's Nest into the line's new interactive destination experience center, EXC or Explorations Central.
Ship: Maasdam
Dates: September 2019
Details: During its 11-day refurbishment, Maasdam will get a revised version of Explorations Central (EXC) in terms of tables and a space for lectures. The line will also install the equipment needed to load Zodiacs on and off the ship for the new EXC In-Depth shore excursions.
Ship: Noordam
Dates: September 2019
Details: As part of a $300 million investment, Holland America is updating entertainment, dining and suites across its fleet between 2016 and 2019. While enhancements will vary by ship, all Vista- Signature- and Rotterdam-class ships will receive new furniture, carpeting and wall covers, as well as a new quartz stone top on the desk, dresser, nightstands and makeup vanity. Electronic upgrades include a USB outlet added the bed's headboard, LED reading lights and a lighted closet rod. Suite passengers will also have access to a new interactive TV system with free movies on demand, in-cabin coffee and espresso machine, binoculars for use during the sailing, free mimosas with ensuite breakfast and more. Noordam will receive the transformation that will turn Crow's Nest into the line's new interactive destination experience center, EXC or Explorations Central.
MSC Cruises
There are currently no MSC refurbishments scheduled.Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship: Norwegian Jewel
Dates: October 2018
Details: Norwegian Jewel will go into dry dock in Singapore in October 2018. As part of Norwegian Cruise Line's Project Edge, the ship will receive bow-to-stern upgrades and refreshed public spaces.
P&O Cruises
Ship: Ventura
Dates: April 2018
Details: P&O Cruises has not yet revealed details of the refurbishment.
P&O Australia
Ship: Pacific Aria
Dates: August 2018
Details: The Dome will be updated with a contemporary nautical theme. Balcony and penthouse suites will receive new carpets and outdoor furniture. Child-free retreat The Oasis, the gym and embarkation area will be refreshed with new soft furnishings. The spa will also be updated with a new barber shop. Pacific Aria will also have the line's Southern Cross livery added to her hull.
Paul Gauguin Cruises
There are currently no Paul Gauguin ship refurbishments scheduled.
Princess Cruises
Ship: Golden Princess
Dates: 2020
Details: Golden Princess will be transferred to the P&O Australia fleet after a major transformation, rebranding and renaming.
Ship: Ruby Princess
Dates: September 2018
Details: Details are currently unavailable.
Ship: Sun Princess
Dates: June 2018
Details: Details are currently unavailable.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Ship: Seven Seas Mariner
Dates: March 2018
Details: Seven Seas Mariner will receive a comprehensive upgrade, with similar refurbishments to Seven Seas Voyager. More details to come.
Royal Caribbean
Ship: Mariner of the Seas
Dates: March 2018
Details: Royal Caribbean will invest $100 million in a massive six-week overhaul of Mariner of the Seas, which is returning to the U.S. market after several years sailing in China. During the refurb the ship will receive a virtual reality trampoline attraction called SkyPad, the Perfect Storm duo of waterslides, a FlowRider surf simulator, laser tag and escape room experiences, a new-to-the-line bar called The Bamboo Room, Jamie's Italian (which replaces Giovanni's Table), Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, and more than 100 additional cabins. The line will be losing the DreamWorks experience.
Ship: Oasis of the Seas
Dates: 2019
Details:As part of a full-ship Royal Amplified refurbishment Oasis of the Seas will receive all-new thrill attractions, pools, bars and dining venues, as well as some of the new concepts being introduced on Symphony of the Seas. Specific details have yet to be revealed.
Ship: Navigator of the Seas
Dates: 2019
Details:Navigator of the Seas will undergo a Royal Amplified refurbishment, which will touch on most elements of the ship. Specific details have yet to be revealed.
Ship: Freedom of the Seas
Dates: 2020
Details:Freedom of the Seas will undergo a Royal Amplified refurbishment, which will touch on most elements of the ship. Specific details have yet to be revealed.
Ship: Allure of the Seas
Dates: 2020
Details:As part of a full-ship Royal Amplified refurbishment Allure of the Seas will receive all-new thrill attractions, bars and dining venues. Specific details have yet to be revealed.
Ship: Liberty of the Seas
Dates: 2021
Details:Liberty of the Seas will undergo a Royal Amplified refurbishment, which will touch on most elements of the ship. Specific details have yet to be revealed.
Seabourn Cruises
There are currently no Seabourn refurbishments on the schedule at this time.
Silversea
Ship: Silver Spirit
Dates: March 2018
Details: A 49-foot-long midsection will be added to Silver Spirit during a major refurbishment. The additional space will allow for new suites: 26 Veranda Suites, six Silver Suites and two Panorama Suites. Other upgrades include new dining venues and decor in suites and public areas indoors and out, all inspired by sister ship Silver Muse. Technical upgrades will also be made.
Ship: Silver Whisper
Dates: December 8 to 19, 2018
Details: The Restaurant will receive a full upgrade. Other public areas getting refreshed include La Dame, the casino, the card/conference room and the Zagara Spa. All passenger suites will be updated with a new look inspired by Silver Muse, 40-inch flat-screen TVs with interactive programming and redone bathrooms. The nine Terrace Suites on Deck 5 will be turned into Veranda Suites with private balconies. The line will install storage space and a crane for new Zodiac boats.
