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 | Oceania Cruises | P&O Australia | Paul Gauguin | P&O Cruises | Princess | Regent Seven Seas Cruises | Royal Caribbean | Seabourn | Silversea
Carnival Cruise Line
Ship: Carnival Inspiration
Dates: November 5 - November 15, 2018
Details: Details are unavailable at this time.
Ship: Carnival Triumph
Dates: March 1 - April 29, 2019
Details: Carnival Triumph will undergo a massive refurb that encompasses most aspects of the ship, which will be renamed Carnival Sunrise. The $200-million dry dock will add all of Carnival's newest eateries, including Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, the new a la carte Seafood Shack that offers lobster rolls and New England-style fare; the Carnival Deli; Pizzeria del Capitano; and an expanded version of Swirls, serving up complimentary ice cream and frozen yogurt. Carnival Sunrise also gains three new specialty dining experiences: Cucina del Capitano, featuring family-style dishes inspired by new and classic Italian cuisine; the popular Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse; and the Chef's Table. Also added in the refurb will be an expanded version of the JavaBlue Cafe coffee bar; a larger Cherry on Top; and Bonsai Express, a casual Japanese-themed eatery featuring a wide array of sushi, sashimi, rolls and other traditional dishes.All cabins and suites will be completely refitted during the dry dock, and upgraded with new hard and soft furnishings. The ship will have Carnival's new SportSquare ropes course, as well as Carnival WaterWorks with a 203-foot-long AquaTunnel slide and Carnival's popular 212-foot-long Twister Slide, as well as a 75-gallon "PowerDrencher" tipping bucket. Carnival Sunrise also gains the soothing Serenity Adult Only Retreat. New entertainment venues will include the new multi-purpose Liquid Lounge main show lounge; the Limelight Lounge that will host Carnival's Punchliner Comedy Club performances; the popular new Piano Bar 88 concept; and the RedFrog Pub.
Ship: Carnival Victory
Dates: March 18 to April 26, 2020
Details: Carnival Victory will undergo a massive refurb that encompasses most aspects of the ship, which will be renamed Carnival Radiance. It will receive four specialty restaurants: Cucina del Capitano, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi and Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse. On the top deck, the ship will get some of the line's most popular recreational activities including a ropes coures, and a WaterWorks park with a 203-foot-long AquaTunnel slide, the line's signature 212-foot-long Twister waterslide and a 75-gallon PowerDrencher tipping bucket, along with a kiddie area. Other spaces to be added include Cherry on Top, RedFrog Pub and Piano Bar 88.
Celebrity Cruises
Ship: Celebrity Millennium
Dates: February 2019
Details: Celebrity will overhaul all the staterooms onboard Celebrity Millennium, taking everything down to the steel and rebuilding with a new layout and design; rooms will also be outfitted with RFID locks, the line's high-speed Xcelerate Wi-Fi, Bluetooth capability and Celebrity's eXhale bedding. Additionally, Millennium will see its Main Dining Room redesigned with lighter, airier decor. Michael's Club will be transformed into the Retreat Lounge, exclusively for the use of suite passengers and an suites-only Retreat Sundeck will be added as well. Other changes will be made to the Qsine restaurant, which will receive the Le Petit Chef experience; Cellar Masters, which will be trasformed into a gastrobar; and a total redesign of the spa.
Ship: Celebrity Summit
Dates: March 2019
Details: Celebrity will overhaul all the staterooms onboard Celebrity Summit, taking everything down to the steel and rebuilding with a new layout and design; rooms will also be outfitted with RFID locks, the line's high-speed Xcelerate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability. Additionally, Summit will see its Main Dining Room redesigned with a lighter, airier decor; Michael's Club will be transformed into the Retreat Lounge, exclusively for the use of suite passengers; and a suites-only Retreat Sundeck will be added, as well. Other changes include: the addition of the Le Petit Chef experience at Qsine; Cellar Masters will be trasformed into a gastrobar; and the spa will be totally redesigned.
Ship: Celebrity Equinox
Dates: May 2019
Details: Celebrity Equinox will receive additional suites including a Reflection Suite and several Signature Suites; all cabins will be outfitted with RFID locks, the line's high-speed Xcelerate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability. Additionally, Michael's Club will be transformed into the Retreat Lounge, exclusively for the use of suite passengers; and a suites-only Retreat Sundeck will be added, as well. The ship's Oceanview Cafe buffet restaurant will be redesigned in an open, marketplace style; Cellar Masters wine bar will be transformed into a gastrobar; and the photo galleries will be converted to digital spaces.
Ship: Celebrity Silhouette
Dates: January 2020
Details: Celebrity Silhouette will receive additional suites including a Reflection Suite and several Signature Suites; all cabins will be outfitted with RFID locks, the line's high-speed Xcelerate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability. Additionally, Michael's Club will be transformed into the Retreat Lounge, exclusively for the use of suite passengers; and a suites-only Retreat Sundeck will be added, as well. The ship's Oceanview Cafe buffet restaurant will be redesigned in an open, marketplace style; Cellar Masters wine bar will be transformed into a gastrobar; and the photo galleries will be converted to digital spaces.
Ship: Celebrity Eclipse
Dates: March 2020
Details: Celebrity Eclipse will receive additional suites including a Reflection Suite and several Signature Suites; all cabins will be outfitted with RFID locks, the line's high-speed Xcelerate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability. Additionally, Michael's Club will be transformed into the Retreat Lounge, exclusively for the use of suite passengers; and a suites-only Retreat Sundeck will be added, as well. The ship's Oceanview Cafe buffet restaurant will be redesigned in an open, marketplace style; Cellar Masters wine bar will be transformed into a gastrobar; and the photo galleries will be converted to digital spaces.
Ship: Celebrity Constellation
Dates: April 2020
Details: Celebrity will overhaul all staterooms, taking everything down to the steel and rebuilding with a new layout and design; rooms will also be outfitted with RFID locks, the line's high-speed Xcelerate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability. Additionally, Constellation will see its Main Dining Room redesigned with a lighter, airier decor; Michael's Club will be transformed into the Retreat Lounge, exclusively for the use of suite passengers; and a suites-only Retreat Sundeck will be added. Other changes include: the addition of the Le Petit Chef experience at Qsine; Cellar Masters will be trasformed into a gastrobar; and the spa will be totally redesigned.
Ship: Celebrity Infinity
Dates: TBD 2021
Details: Celebrity will overhaul all staterooms, taking everything down to the steel and rebuilding with a new layout and design and refitting with RFID locks. Additionally, Infinity will see the Main Dining Room redesigned with a lighter, airier decor; Michael's Club will be transformed into the Retreat Lounge, exclusively for the use of suite passengers; and a suites-only Retreat Sundeck will be added. Also, Cellar Masters will be trasformed into a gastrobar and the spa will be totally redesigned.
Ship: Celebrity Solstice
Dates: September 2021
Details: Celebrity Solstice will receive additional suites including a Reflection Suite and several Signature Suites; all cabins will be outfitted with RFID locks, the line's high-speed Xcelerate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability. Additionally, Michael's Club will be transformed into the Retreat Lounge, exclusively for the use of suite passengers; and a suites-only Retreat Sundeck will be added, as well. The ship's Oceanview Cafe buffet restaurant will be redesigned in an open, marketplace style; Cellar Masters wine bar will be transformed into a gastrobar; and the photo galleries will be converted to digital spaces.
Ship: Celebrity Reflection
Dates: December 2022
Details: Cabins on Celebrity Reflection will be outfitted with RFID locks and Bluetooth capability; Michael's Club will be transformed into the Retreat Lounge, exclusively for the use of suite passengers; and a suites-only Retreat Sundeck will be added. Additionally, the ship's Oceanview Cafe buffet restaurant will be redesigned in an open, marketplace style.
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
Ship: Queen Elizabeth
Dates:November 2018
Details: Queen Elizabeth will have a ship-wide refurbishment which will include cabin upgrades, a redesigned Royal Arcade, new outdoor spaces and a refurbished spa and beauty salon; the outside public deck areas will get new furniture, and an afternoon sun deck will get additional shaded areas. The Royal Court Theatre will have a complete technical overhaul, including an upgrade of the audio and visual control systems.
Disney Cruise Line
There are currently no Disney Cruise Line ship refurbishments scheduled.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
There are currently no Fred. Olsen ship refurbishments scheduled.
Holland America Line
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.
Oceania Cruises
Ship: Insignia
Dates: November - December 2018
Details: As part of the OceaniaNEXT project, Insignia will be the first Regatta-class ship to get a brand new look. Staterooms and suites will get new furnishings and decor, with a lighter look. Bathrooms will receive new fixtures, lighting and glass shower doors. The Grand Dining Room and Grand Staircase in the Reception Hall will both add new chandeliers, and Martinis will swap its country house look for a modern vibe inspired by Santorini.
Ship: Sirena
Dates: May 2019
Details: Sirena will get the same makeover as Insignia, as part of Oceania's $100 million OceaniaNEXT project. Staterooms, suites, restaurants and other public areas will get updated decor and new furnishings.
Ship: Regatta
Dates: September 2019
Details: Regatta will get the same makeover as its sisters, as part of Oceania's $100 million OceaniaNEXT project. Staterooms, suites, restaurants and other public areas will get updated decor and new furnishings.
Ship: Nautica
Dates: June 2020
Details: Nautica will get the same makeover as its sisters, as part of Oceania's $100 million OceaniaNEXT project. Staterooms, suites, restaurants and other public areas will get updated decor and new furnishings.
P&O Australia
There are currently no P&O Australia ship refurbishments scheduled.
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.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
There are currently no Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship refurbishments scheduled.
Royal Caribbean
Ship: Navigator of the Seas
Dates: January/February 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, but the addition of waterslides and laser tag are expected.
Ship: Oasis of the Seas
Dates: November/December 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: 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 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.
