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2021 Drydocking and Refurbishment Report

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Inside the massive cruise ship refurbishment business. Refit market overview including a full 2021-2023 estimated drydocking schedule + much more.

Description

The  2021 Drydocking and Refurbishment Report by Cruise Industry News  provides a comprehensive 100-page overview of the $3 billion annual cruise refit business and is well-suited to suppliers.

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Included in this report:

• A comprehensive 100-page overview of the entire cruise ship repair, drydock and refurbishment market, which is valued at some $3 billion annually.
• A  2021/2022/2023  Drydocking Schedule organized by ship, dates and region, along with historical drydocking time sheets.
• Interviews with key drydocking executives from cruise lines, suppliers and shipyards.
• 100+ pages of exclusive data, analysis and insight.
• Trends and market expectations pre and post COVID-19.
• Information on how cruise ship drydocks work – timetables, supplier sourcing and more!
• Case study examples of recent or currently planned drydockings.
• Data and information you need to plan your refit bids, learn about the market, and forecast for the future.
• Instant download ability – no waiting for mail – this report is 100 percent digital.

Excel Addendum 

• New and based on customer feedback, an Excel addendum is available as an option to the 2021 Drydock Report.
• The Excel addendum provides an Excel/XLS file of all drydockings by ship, 2012-2023, organized by operator, ship, capacity.

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Carnival Fun Ship 2.0 Refurbishment Schedule

This is CruiseMapper's article dedicated to Carnival Cruise Lines ships' refurbishments. Here you will find drydocks schedule for the entire Carnival fleet, with vessel refits dates, details on all upgrades and renovations, deckplan changes on the refurbished ships, dry-docks cost. This is a jump link to the drydock dates and refurb details - if you wanna skip the "Fun Ship" renovation program details.

"Carnival Fun Ship" is a trademarked term referring to Carnival Corporation 's consistent policy to keep its huge fleet up-to-date, always better, most fun, special and absolutely unique.

IMPORTANT : In 2020 were sold (left the fleet) the Carnival liners Fantasy , Inspiration , Imagination , Fascination .

Carnival's "Fun Ship" fleetwide renovation programs

This "first wave" of making the Fun Ships better started in 2007 and was finished in 2010.

Fun Ship 1.0 program

Fun Ship 1.0 upgrades program (officially "Evolutions of Fun") was part of the company's ship refit-refurbishment program, pertaining mostly to the oldest Carnival ships of the Fantasy-class (Ecstasy, Elation, Fantasy, Fascination, Imagination, Inspiration, Paradise, Sensation). It included adding all the special Fun Ship features, like the biggest LED screen at sea ("Seaside Theatre"), WaterWorks (aquapark), Serenity Retreat (adults-only complex), mini-golf course, enlarging the onboard spa, Camp Carnival (kids programming), refitting Oceanview cabins into balconied, implementing fleetwide the "Your Time Dining" concept, etc.

Fun Ship 2.0 program

Fun Ship 2.0 is the company's newest fleet refurbishment program for vessel renovations and shipboard enhancements of amenities and services. "Impressive" is the right word for "Fun Ship 2.0". The new set of ship upgrades and renovations covers onboard dining, entertainment, public venues (bars, lounges, outdoor decks).

It all started with the Liberty ship in October 2011. The list of ships that didn't receive the "full package" of upgrades included Conquest, Glory, Freedom and Valor, and partially Magic and Dream. The reason - they don't have the necessary deck space for all 2.0 upgrades.

Fun Ship 2.0 program was initiated in 2011 (Liberty ship in October) and extended through the end of 2015. "Fun Ship 2.0" was budgeted around USD 2 billion, with planned product-enhancements encompassing 16 ships and incorporating the company's concepts already introduced on its newest ships (Vista, Horizon, Panorama), plus adding numerous brand new features. It also includes design visions and direct involvement and participation of celebrities, like Guy Fieri and George Lopez.

Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades

"Carnival cruise burgers" at "Guy's Burger Joint" (by the Food Network's Fieri) are free of charge top-notch Beef burgers with huge slabs of beef, 2 kinds of cheese, hand-cut fries and the ton of smiles (poolside, open for lunch/dinner/snacks).

A new onboard comedy program overseen by the new Carnival Line's comedy director - the celebrity George Lopez and the "The Punchliner Comedy Club" - high quality live comedy shows as part of the onboard evening entertainment, performed in the main dining rooms.

The upgraded music program, overseen by the Carnival Line's official DJ - the celebrity DJ Irie of the "Miami Heat". Upgraded stage shows - "Motor City" (60s Motown hits), "Divas" (music-dance-fashion, with music from female singers) and the themed "Latin Nights" and "The Brits!".

The list of new shipboard venues includes "SportSquare", "Cherry on Top" (shop), "Cucina del Capitano" (family restaurant with its best Italian cuisine and singing waiters), "RedFrog Pub" (introduced on Breeze, then copied fleetwide: as the Caribbean "RedFrog Rum Bar", the new Carnival "ThirstyFrog Red" (private label draft brew) "BlueIguana Tequila Bar" (signature frozen drinks and Mexican beers. Both bars are located pool deck, both allowing the most casual shorts and flip-flops.

The list of new shipboard bars continues with "Library Bar" (bar service, automatic wine dispensers), top-modern "EA SPORTS Bar" (interactive EA video games, watching live sports on a huge video-wall, 24-7 real-time sports scores) and "Alchemy Bar" (traditional, specialty custom-made cocktails) - a free-choice concept to mix your own concoctions via tablet.

A new (complimentary) casual dining venue is "BlueIguana Cantina" (pool deck) serving fresh Mexican cuisine (burritos, tacos, fresh-made tortillas, huge variety of salsas and toppings), Mexican beers (Cerveza), frozen drinks, live music.

"The Game Show" (licensed by Hasbro Inc) permits passengers to play Hasbro classics on stage and on giant LED screens. 6 main games are included in the show - "Sorry Sliders", "Simon Flash", "Yahtzee Bowling", "Operation" and "Connect 4 Basketball". "Playlist Productions" (30-minute shows by leading West End and Broadway-caliber producers and directors) features current musical hits, "high-speed energy" shows, great special effects combined with live performances. Breeze ship's passengers were the first ever to experience this new kind of show productions.

Carnival refurbishment schedule ("Fun Ship 2.0" drydock dates)

CruiseMapper's list of "Fun Ship 2.0" refurbished ships shows on which liners are implemented the new upgrades, and when. We also show Carnival's cruise ship refurbishment schedule for regular maintenance works on vessels with "Fun Ship 2.0" upgrades already installed.

Ships refurbished in 2016

• Inspiration (Jan 18 - Feb 5)
• Fantasy (Feb 6-20)
• Liberty (Dec 1-16)
• Magic (Feb 21 - Mar 5)
• Imagination (Sept 4-22) Fun Ship 2.0
• Splendor (Mar 6-20)
• Sunshine (May 8-20)
• Triumph-Sunrise (Mar 21 - Apr 3)
• Valor (Apr 23 - May 7) Fun Ship 2.0

Ships refurbished in 2017

• Breeze (Apr 16-29)
• Conquest (Sept 30 - Oct 13)
• Dream (Jan 30 - Feb 11)
• Ecstasy (Jan 10-27)
• Elation (Aug 31 - Sept 27) Fun Ship 2.0
• Glory (Feb 25 - Mar 10)
• Sensation (Feb 9-22)

Ships refurbished in 2018

• Victory (Jan 4-20)
• Fascination (Feb 4-17)
• Inspiration (Nov 2-15)
• Paradise (Feb 22 - Mar 25) Fun Ship 2.0
• Legend (May 1-15)
• Spirit (May 23 - June 5) in Singapore
• Sunshine (Oct 14-21) in Freeport Bahamas

Ships refurbished in 2019

• Carnival Pride (Feb 3-16)
• Carnival Triumph (Mar 1-Apr 28) the ship entered drydock in Cadiz Spain for ~USD 200 million refurbishments, after which it will be renamed " Carnival Sunrise ". The refitted liner will be transformed into the Sunshine-Class vessel. It will have the same facilities and amenities as the sistership Carnival Sunshine (former Carnival Destiny, refitted in 2013 for USD 155 million).
• Carnival Splendor (Oct 30 - Nov 24, USD 60 million "Fun Ship 2.0") - technical overhauls, refreshed interiors, new venues - RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar, Guy's Burger Joint, Serenity Retreat), redesigned waterpark (with a free-fall drop waterslide)
• Carnival Ecstasy (Oct 7-17)

Ships refurbished in 2020-2021

• (2020, USD 25 million drydock) Carnival Sensation (January 6-17, Freeport Bahamas) - technical upgrades, new carpeting and tiling
• (2020, USD 40 million drydock) Carnival Miracle (February 14 - March 4, Freeport) hotel maintenance works, Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades (Guy's Burger, WaterWorks, Red Frog Rum Bar, Blue Iguana Cantina)
• (2020) Carnival Victory (March 18 - April 26, Cadiz Spain) - following the USD 200 million, 38-day refit project, the liner was renamed "Carnival Radiance".
• (2020, USD 36 million drydock) Carnival Elation (March 2-20, Freeport Bahamas) - the project includes adding 30 new cabins (Deck 9), new carpeting (all staterooms), technical maintenance works, repairs.
• (2021) Magic (Apr 24 - May 24) in Marseille France, added the fleet's first new trademarked hull livery (red-white-blue/introduced on Mardi Gras)
• In 2021-2022 (January-February-March) were drydocked the ships Freedom-Glory-Paradise (Freeport Bahamas), Spirit (at Sembcorp Marine/Singapore), Valor-Sunshine-Liberty (at Navantia/Cadiz). All these projects are planned mainly for general maintenance works as well as repainting (receiving CCL's new livery.

Ships refurbished in 2023

• Carnival Elation (January-February)
• Carnival Freedom (October)
• Carnival Pride (May)
• Carnival Paradise (October)

Ships refurbished in 2024

• Panorama (September 9 - October 12) Singapore
• Splendor (August 5-24) Singapore
• Glory (March 24 - May 5) Freeport Bahamas
• Legend (April 28-May 29) Marseille France

Ships with drydock refurbishments scheduled for 2026

• Pride (March-April) Freeport Bahamas

Note: All drydocks include general maintenance and steel works, machinery repairs, upgrades to passenger staterooms, renovation of public areas (interior public space and outdoor decks), hull cleaning and repainting (silicone-based coating) and changing CCL's old livery (white hull with a red line) with the new trademarked livery (red-white-blue) introduced with Mardi Gras.

The following table shows all Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades by ship. The information is partially integrated with CruiseMapper's Carnival Cruise Line dining options .

By the Fun Ship 2.0 program, the older boats were upgraded with the following signature facilities, venues, and amenities:

• RedFrog Bar
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar
• BlueIguana Cantina
• Guy's Burger
• Alchemy Bar
• Punchliners Club
• Playlist Productions
• EA Sports Bar
• Library Bar

All refurbished in 2017-onwards liners have installed shore-power capabilities . The technology allows the berthed vessel to receive shore-to-ship electrical power supply (provided by the port city's power grid) instead of using the marine engines.

Carnival Sunshine dry-dock refurbishment

The most extensively-expensive of all (ever) was the Carnival Destiny's drydock refit/transformation. At the staggering cost of USD 155 million, this really extreme makeover produced a brand new Carnival ship in 2013! After its last dry-dock ever (a 49-day refurbishment), the Destiny ship emerged as Carnival Sunshine . This amazing cruise ship transformation was made in the Fincantieri shipyard (Monfalcone, Italy) adding a new partial deck and 2 other decks (in the front section). As a result of the Carnival Destiny renovation, 182 new cabins were added (including 96 spa cabins), all of the ship's other cabins were also refurbished (with a new tropical decor). The list of all major changes includes:

• new Asian restaurant (casual dining venue)
• "The Comfort Kitchen" (in the Lido Marketplace)
• the "Havana Bar" (Lido Marketplace) with floor to ceiling windows
• the "Sunshine Bar" (Atrium)
• a new cigar club
• the first-ever 3-deck-high Carnival Serenity retreat (an adults-only area) with the Carnival Cloud 9 Spa package .
• the "SportSquare" (an open-air complex with a ropes course, a minigolf course, and a half-size basketball-volleyball court.

Carnival Triumph Fun Ship 2.0 refurbished

Carnival Triumph (now Sunrise) was in drydock in the Bahamas (Freeport, Grand Bahama shipyard) from May 11 through June 12. The Triumph dry dock was for final repairs/enhancements, and CCL used the drydock time to implement some of the Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades. The list of upgrades includes: "Guy's Burger Joint", "BlueIguana Cantina", "Alchemy Bar", "EA SPORTS Bar", "RedFrog Rum Bar", "BlueIguana Tequila Bar". By the new USD 300 million fleet-wide renovation program (see below) the Triumph ship was also outfitted with new fire detection-suppression systems and with an additional emergency backup generator. At the above link, there's a video from CCL about all the new stuff on this magnificent better-than-ever Fun Ship. The total cost of the work on the Triumph ship (repairs and enhancements) USD 115 million.

Carnival refurbishment program - technology, upgrades, updates

On April 17, 2013, CCL announced the company will spend over USD 300 million on ship upgrades and enhancements fleetwide. Safety and electrical fixes were done to ships currently in dry-dock, but in general, the work was done while the vessels were fully operational (in service). CCL officials said the improvement plan for the upgrades came after a comprehensive review of Carnival Triumph's fire incident . The main goals of the new (very expensive) renovation program are:

• Enhancing emergency power capabilities. An additional emergency diesel generator was installed on each ship (back-up power for cabin and public toilets, freshwater, elevators). A 2nd permanent back-up power system was also installed to additionally back up hotel est services (cooking facilities, food refrigerators, internet one communications).
• Improving fire prevention/detection/suppression capacities by implementing the newest fire safety technologies. Upgrades were made on the existing fire suppression systems (the new system produces a larger and thicker cloud of water droplets), some engine-related electrical components were also upgraded.
• Improving the operating redundancy of each ship's 2 separate engine rooms.
• Expanding the hotel services availability during incidents involving loss of main power.
• New technology initiatives - scrubbers (air pollution control devices) were installed on all ships through the end of 2014 at the cost of USD 1-1,5 million per engine. An air bubble technology- and an LNG (liquefied natural gas) pilot tests were launched later in 2013. A new Carnival global training center was completed in Holland with numerous Navigation Bridge and Engine Room simulators.

Carnival Corporation 's fleetwide enhancements started with an operational review of all the 10 cruise brands ships (a total of 101 vessels). Based on the results of the review, the latest technology versions were implemented on all vessels where they were not present. The overall cost of the program across the corporate fleet (CCL ships included) cost around USD 700 million.

• According to official statistics, nearly 4,5 million passengers cruise with Carnival each year.
• "I'll continue to sail on them if they're going where I want and the price is right. And if they have a serious problem while I'm onboard I know I'll get a decent compensation or a possible free cruise". Add to this statement the new Carnival vacation protection guarantee - and now you know why Carnival is the best company in this business.
• Follow this link to our cruise ship engine-propulsion-fuel survey to read interesting facts about these marine ship technology-related topics.

In March 2017, Carnival Corporation announced it had completed the installation and certification of EGCS (Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems/scrubbers) on 60 vessels across all brands.

• With a USD 400 million investment plan, the company developed and deployed its systems on more than 85 ships across the global fleet through 2020.
• First announced in 2013, the new technology implementations reduce sulfur compounds (SOx) and soot particles (from main diesel engine's exhaust) at sea, during docking maneuvering and while berthed in ports. These systems enable the company to meet all international IMO regulations placing a cap on sulfur content in fuel oil (at 0,1%).
• As of 2017, Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems ("scrubbers") were installed and certified on 17 Carnival Cruise Line vessels, 13 Holland America Line vessels, 10 Princess Cruises vessels, 7 Costa Cruises vessels, 5 AIDA Cruises vessels, 4 P&O Cruises UK vessels, all 3 Cunard liners and 1 P&O Cruises AU ship.
• Also planned is the adoption of LNG (liquefied natural gas) – the world's cleanest fossil fuel. In 2015, AIDAsol became the world's first cruise ship supplied with power by an LNG Hybrid barge. In 2016, AIDAprima became the world's first cruise liner routinely using LNG (with dual-fuel engines) while in port. iN 2019, with the introduction of the first of all 7 fully LNG-powered ships, Carnival Corporation became the world's first cruise shipping company to use LNG to power vessels while they are in port and also while on open sea cruising.

"New Economy Awards 2014" awarded Carnival Corporation with "Best Marine Solution" (category "Clean Tech"). The award recognized the company's long tradition of making environmental technologies a top priority at the corporate level and across all brands. The winners were announced in January 2015 in Davos Switzerland. Clean Tech Award honored the company's efforts to find solutions that benefit the environment, and specifically for:

• Implementing the "Fleet Fuel Conservation Program", which by 2014's end saved over 1 billion gallons of fuel. By this program, the global fleet's carbon emissions were reduced by 12 million tons (over 7-year period 07-2014).
• Improving the global fleet's fuel efficiency by 24% (2014 compared to 2007) and saving USD 2,5 billion in fuel costs.
• Committing to invest over USD 400 million to install ECO Exhaust Gas Cleaning systems fleetwide. These were the industry's first exhaust gas cleaning technologies, installed to 70% of the global fleet's vessels.
• Employing various measures that reduced CO2 emissions rate (onboard operations) by 20% (2014 over 2007), and 1 year ahead of the corporation's initial plan.

In May 2015, Wartsila Corporation and Carnival Corporation partnered to optimize cruise ship engine room operations of all the 101 ships across 9 brands. The deal was signed by Micky Arison (Carnival's Chairman) and Bjorn Rosengren (Wartsila's President and CEO).

• The plan included installing the latest Wartsila marine solutions, first tested on several Carnival Cruise Line vessels in pilot projects. The new systems and technologies included engine control and monitoring systems, safety and fuel efficiency equipment.
• Wartsila's "Asset Performance Optimization Solution" package allows obtaining optimal performance from Wartsila marine diesel engines, recommends how to deal with potential issues, maximizes ship performance, ensures full-capacity systems operations, increases the predictability of fuel management and maintenance needs. Wartsila's fuel engine package was specifically designed to reduce fuel consumption.
• Wartsila Marine technologies aim to optimize ship performance, but also allow to locate deviations from normal parameters of equipment and engines. This allows emerging problems and engine fault sources to be fixed before they occur.

At the following tag link can be found listed all CruiseMapper news related to drydock refurbishments . This page is also integrated with our hub for cruise ship refurbishments where are listed all other cruise line companies with deckplan links to each vessel. And at the following link, you can compare how Royal Caribbean spends its fleet drydock budget.

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The State of the Cruise Ship Refurbishment Market 2021

Cruise ship refurbishment takes many shapes and forms – and budgets. Many cruise ships are currently undergoing minor or technical dry docks as they prepare to return to service in 2021. However, many larger cruise lines have committed to always providing their guests with the best of their brand, regardless of the age of the vessel. This commitment means a constant scrutinization of their older tonnage. And, multi-year, often multi-million-dollar projects to bring these older vessels in line with their brand vision.

One project by Carnival Cruise Line, dubbed Carnival Fun Ship 2.0, launched in 2011 and has, to date, overseen the enhancement of roughly sixteen ships. The budget set aside for this extensive refurbishment programme was around $2 billion. Carnival Sunshine , part of the Carnival Fun Ship 2.0 project, was the most expensive of these refurbishments, emerging from the $135 million dry dock as a wholly new ship.

Carnival Cruise Line isn’t the only major cruise line to have an extensive refurbishment programme in place. Here are three of the most in-depth, ongoing and recently completed cruise ship refurbishment projects:

Norwegian Edge

Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) completed their Norwegian Edge programme in January of 2020 when Norwegian Spirit exited dry dock. The Norwegian Spirit is the last of the ships on the Norwegian Edge slate, which included Norwegian Getaway , Norwegian Sky , Norwegian Star , Norwegian Jewel , Norwegian Sun and Pride of America . The programme included modernisation efforts across all the ships’ cabins and staterooms, ranging across new furniture, updated décor and fresh layouts. According to NCL, Norwegian Sky was the second most extensively updated ship under the Norwegian Edge programme. Nearly every public area, including food & beverage areas, and staterooms underwent enhancement in 2019.

In fact, all vessels in the programme received updates to restaurant, bar or lounge areas. In some cases completely new dining and leisure areas were installed. Norwegian Spirit is the most recently and also the most extensively updated ship. New dining venues included The Local Bar & Grill, The Great Outdoors, Garden Café and La Cucina. Plus, a brand new adults-only venue situated at the top of the ship, Spice H2O.

The Norwegian Edge program was an estimated $400 million investment by the cruise line. The refurbishments took place across Europe, including a 43-day dry dock at Marseille for Norwegian Spirit and a two-week dry dock at Brest for Norwegian Breakaway and a three-week dry dock in Barcelona for Norwegian Star .

Interested in how cruise brands create immersive experiences for passengers through design? Check out Designing Cruise Ships With A Theme below.

DESIGNING CRUISE SHIPS WITH A THEME

Royal Amplified

Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified programme claims, ‘What’s bold is new again’. With a $1 billion commitment to pumping new life into older tonnage, Royal Caribbean are certainly dedicated to bold changes. The focus of the Royal Amplified programme is on updating the slated 10 ships’ outside areas, new restaurants and bars & nightlife spots. The most recently completed is Freedom of the Seas , which saw major lifts to its poolside areas. The Perfect Storm, popular waterslides, enhanced the thrilling offerings. Meanwhile, passengers are also now able to take advantage of increased sun lounge and cabana spaces.

The popular Oasis of the Seas underwent possibly the most expensive cruise ship refurbishment ever recorded, at $165 million. Royal Caribbean added new Ultimate Panoramic suites. As was the fleet staple two-deck atrium Music Hall and the heart-stopping ten-deck waterslides The Abyss. Four remaining vessels are slated to undergo the Royal Amplified treatment. Although, they may see a modified refurbishment plan as a result of the 2020 sailing stoppage.

Refurbishments took place across dry docks in Cadiz, Singapore and the Bahamas.

The Celebrity Revolution

Celebrity Cruises have completed four of their nine vessels slated to undergo The Celebrity Revolution . The ‘flagship’ venture of The Celebrity Revolution will strengthen Celebrity Cruises’ relationship with designer Kelly Hoppen as they bring suite experience The Retreat to all ships. The Retreat is an opportunity that provides guests of The Retreat with luxury accommodation plus an exclusive spa, lounge, sun deck, dining area and much more.

Celebrity Silhouette was the most recent of the Celebrity Cruises fleet to enter The Celebrity Revolution. Passengers will benefit from new dining and bar areas, including Craft Social. Meanwhile, renovated crew areas included the gym, outdoor bar and laundry facilities. Other completed ships in The Celebrity Revolution are: Celebrity Millennium , Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Equinox .

Celebrity Cruises are investing an estimated $500 million into this programme of refurbishment over five years. So far Celebrity have split the refurbishments across Singapore, the Bahamas and Cadiz.

Do you want to be involved in the ongoing $2 billion commitment to cruise ship refurbishment? Join us at Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Americas. Find out about the next event here.

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Oceania Cruises Refurbishment Initiative For All Four Ships

Oceania cruises refurbishment – it’s so much more than that….

Oceania Cruises recently announced its newest initiative, OceaniaNEXT – a wide array of major refurbishments to increase the guest experience. The first phase of the initiative is the $100 million re-inspiration of the line’s four older ships from the Regatta class, Regatta , Insignia , Sirena and Nautica , which will transform these 684-guest ships into “four better-than-new ships”. Not your average cruise ship refurbishment.

Inspired by the line’s 450 different ports of call, the ships will have re-designed décor in the staterooms, restaurants, lounges and bars. Phase One of OceaniaNEXT will outfit all four ships with 342 redone suites and staterooms. Insignia, the first to make a debut returns on December 7, 2018 followed by Sirena in May 2019. Regatta should finish renovations in September 2019 and finally, Nautica in June 2020.

President and CEO of Oceania Cruises, Bob Binder describes these ships as second homes to guests and said that, “They don’t build ships like this anymore, which is why this re-inspiration project is such an important milestone.” By re-designing these small, intimate ships, they are setting new standards of luxury in the same intimate settings.

Studio DADO based out of Miami, FL specializes in luxury and residential hospitality and design and is spearheading Oceania Cruises refurbishment. The re-inspiration project will cost $100 million dollars, will include a total of 1,368 new suites and staterooms, 1,400 new marble bathrooms, 8,000 new light fixtures and $12,000 in new sofas and chairs spread across four re-inspired ships by over 1,000 artisans and craftsmen.

A sparkling new Grand Staircase framed by intricate railings and balustrades inset with crystal accents will welcome guests onboard. Overhead, a crowning grand chandelier adorned with hanging pieces of smoked and hand-painted glass will set the space aglow.

The new staterooms are going to be lighter and brighter to make guests feel more at home which is one of Oceania’s ultimate goals with the re-design project. The stateroom portion is the most dramatic part of the redesign program. Oceania used the phrase, surprisingly new but delightfully familiar to describe this dramatic re-design.

As part of the first phase of OceaniaNEXT, each ship will come back into service with 342 new designer suites and staterooms, as well as new décor inspired by Oceania’s destinations in its restaurants, lounges, and bars. Insignia will return to service on Dec. 7, 2018; Sirena in May 2019; Regatta in September 2019; and Nautica in June 2020.

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Updated on April 24, 2021 by Sherry Laskin

Celebrity Infinity Arrives in Cadiz for Drydock

The cruise ship Celebrity Infinity arrived in Cadiz, Spain to undergo an extensive drydock at Navantia shipyard. During the 16-day drydock Celebrity Infinity will receive new valves, hull improvement, renewal of propellers and stabilizers, and new painting. The work will not include upper decks where the staterooms and public areas are located. According to the president of the Navantia shipyard in Cádiz this work will employ additional 360 people for completion of the drydock refurbishment.

The arrival of Celebrity Infinity represents a new step for Navantia in the middle of the third wave of the coronavirus in Spain. Navantia shipyard which has secured a big contract with Royal Caribbean Group for the refurbishment of its fleet, saw last year how the work was placed to hold due to the coronavirus. The cruise lines decided to postpone drydock refurbishments and only three large cruise ships out of seven, were repaired in Cádiz in 2020. 

However, this year is quite promising for the cruise companies who have started to plan for the summer season in hopes that the pandemic will subside and get their ships ready. This decision is already a reality in the Cadiz shipyard, where the Celebrity Cruise and Royal Caribbean International have reserved dock for the next few months in order to start the work to improve both the Celebrity Infinity and the  Harmony of the Seas. At the beginning of April Harmony of the Seas will arrive in Cadiz for an extensive dry dock refurbishment which will last for 31 days, said the President of the Navantia Cádiz council.

Navantia is also in talks with Windstars Cruises for the repair of several of its ships in the coming months.

Photo credit: Ferdinand Cruz Escondo

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Press Releases

Royal caribbean releases schedule for remaining ships returning to sailing.

MIAMI, Aug. 3, 2021* – Royal Caribbean International today announced that its complete lineup of ships will be sailing by spring 2022 . Spanning cruises from the Big Apple to the Down Under, the next group of returning ships and itineraries will begin to safely set sail in September with Oasis of the Seas ’ first sailing from the New York area – a 7-night itinerary to the cruise line’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas. The cruise line’s continued comeback builds on its months-long success in delivering memorable and safe cruise vacations across Alaska, Asia, The Bahamas, the Caribbean and Europe, and each ship now returning will cruise with the health measures that have safeguarded the well-being of guests, crew and destination communities to date. All 2021 and 2022 cruises are open to book here .

“We are excited and appreciative to be able to say with confidence when all of our ships will return, especially for travelers looking ahead to plan their getaways. More than 110,000 guests have cruised with us since December, and they’ve done so safely while enjoying the memorable vacations they trust we’ll bring to life,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “It’s been incredible to see families come together again on board our ships sailing in the U.S., the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. And to know we’ll soon welcome more in a safe manner when our entire fleet is back by spring 2022 is wonderful.”

Vacationers and their families can again seek out adventure in Royal Caribbean’s diverse range of ships and itineraries that offer a variety of lengths and destinations around the world. The plans for the return of all 26 ships add to previously announced Royal Caribbean milestones coming later this year, including the cruise line’s return to California and the start of the first full winter season from Barbados.

Headlining what’s in store is Oasis at the tail end of the summer. The ship that revolutionized cruising will sail from the New York area on Sept. 5, becoming the first of the game-changing Oasis Class to do so when it embarks on 7-night itineraries to destinations in The Bahamas like Perfect Day at CocoCay. Soon after, on Nov. 19, Navigator of the Seas will arrive in Los Angeles to set sail with West Coast vacationers on short 3-, 4- and 5-night getaways to Catalina Island, California and Mexico. Setting the stage for a bold 2022, December will bring Royal Caribbean’s long-awaited return to two popular destinations on opposite sides of the world. Ovation of the Seas will head back to Australia on Dec. 13 to sail domestic cruises from Sydney, and Grandeur of the Seas will cruise from Bridgetown, Barbados on 7- and 14-night sailings to bucket list-worthy islands as soon as Dec. 5.

Upcoming 2021-2022 Adventures

• Oasis of the Seas   – 7-night Bahamas cruises from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, starting Sept. 5; and 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami, beginning November
• Liberty of the Seas – 7-night Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston, Texas, starting Oct. 3
• Serenade of the Seas* – 4- and 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from Tampa, Florida, starting Oct. 16; and 7-night Caribbean itineraries, beginning December
• Explorer of the Seas* – 7-night Southern Caribbean sailings from San Juan, Puerto Rico, starting Nov. 7
• Navigator of the Seas – 3-, 4- and 5-night Catalina Island, California, and Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico cruises from Los Angeles, beginning Nov. 19
• Grandeur of the Seas – 7- and 14-night Southern Caribbean sailings from Bridgetown, Barbados, starting Dec. 5
• Ovation of the Seas – 2- to 10-night domestic itineraries in Australia from Sydney, beginning Dec. 13
• Brilliance of the Seas – 4- and 5-night Bahamas and Western Caribbean cruises from Tampa, starting Dec. 16
• Enchantment of the Seas – 8-night Bahamas sailings, and select 12-night cruises to the Southern Caribbean from Baltimore, starting Dec. 23
• Vision of the Seas – 10- and 11-night Southern Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, beginning Jan. 24, 2022
• Voyager of the Seas – 7- and 9-night cruises in Northern Europe from Barcelona, Spain, starting April 15, 2022
• Radiance of the Seas – 7-night Alaska sailings from Vancouver, Canada, beginning April 29, 2022
• Rhapsody of the Seas – 7-night Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries, sailing from Rome starting May 23, 2022

The complete list of Royal Caribbean’s 2021 cruises is available here .

Royal Caribbean’s Health and Safety Measures

Travelers can plan their cruise with peace of mind knowing that Royal Caribbean requires all crew members and guests who are of the eligible age for the vaccine to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. For travelers sailing on cruises from Florida, it is strongly recommended that all eligible guests be vaccinated. Children younger than the eligible age on any cruise must undergo testing and follow other health and safety measures. The cruise line’s health protocols, such has vaccine and testing requirements, are available here on the Royal Caribbean website and listed by point of departure.

The vaccine policy is one of the cruise line’s multilayered measures that safeguard the well-being of all guests, crew members and the communities at each port of call. These protocols include the ships’ robust ventilation systems, enhanced cleaning and sanitization, and cruising at reduced occupancy as ships initially return to sailing.

Royal Caribbean is in ongoing discussions with multiple national, state and local health and government authorities around the world regarding the various requirements for all upcoming sailings. Independent of the port of departure, the cruise line will continue to follow the guidelines as recommended by health experts, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health and safety measures will be evaluated as public health circumstances evolve, and guests and travel partners will be notified of updates.

About Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean International  has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas,  Perfect Day at CocoCay ,   the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 18 consecutive years in the  Travel Weekly  Readers’ Choice Awards. 

Media can stay up to date by following  @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. 

Royal Caribbean International is applying the recommendations of its  Healthy Sail Panel  of public health and scientific experts to provide a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. Health and safety protocols, regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. U.S. cruises and guests: For more information on the latest health and travel alerts, U.S. government travel advisories, please visit  www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/itinerary-updates  or consult travel advisories, warnings or recommendations relating to cruise travel on applicable government websites.  

*Serenade and Explorer of the Seas’ 2021 cruises are existing itineraries for the following ships: Brilliance, Rhapsody and Vision of the Seas, respectively. Guests booked on these ships will be automatically transferred to the new ship.      *October 2021 update:  Royal Caribbean has canceled all Australia cruises on Ovation of the Seas (December 2021–March 2022). For itinerary updates, click  here .

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• Princess Cruises

Refurbishment Schedule

By hpeabody , December 16, 2013 in Princess Cruises

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Is there a list of Princess ship refurbishments to be done in the near future. I am talking major work. I am specifically wondering about the Crown.

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I'm not sure this is what you're looking for but take a look for yourself.

https://sites.google.com/site/princesscruisesfaq/ships/fleet-drydock-schedule

Most of these seem to be of the minor variety. The next one mentioned for Crown is May 3-14, 2015 for "tuneups and freshening."

Yes, That is what I was looking for, Thank You. I will be sailing on the Crown next year. With all the complaints lately about the shape of the Crown I was hoping she was due for a major refurbishment. So I am a little disappointed, especially if she continues to deteriorate. :(

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