Cruise lines advance fleet refurbishments in 2026
Shipyard projects in the Bahamas and Europe brought scheduled maintenance, modernized interiors and new onboard features to several cruise ships and a ferry.
Carnival Cruise Line sent three ships to Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, the Bahamas, in early 2026. Carnival Glory spent 12 days in drydock, while Carnival Magic and Carnival Legend stayed for 35 and 16 days, respectively. Magic and Legend became the first ships in the fleet to receive the new From Sea to Shining Sea bow crest. Carnival plans to apply it across the fleet except Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Tropicale.
Tallink's Victoria entered Finland's Naantali shipyard in March for scheduled maintenance, including underwater hull cleaning and repainting and the renewal of seawater pipes and valves. Construction of a deck-seven entrance will enable the ferry to change berths at the renovated West Harbour in Helsinki.
Windstar Cruises completed an extensive renovation of Wind Star at Navantia Shiprepairs in Cádiz, Spain, in April. The 148-guest yacht received refreshed staterooms, upgraded technology, Starlink connectivity and changes to its Amphora restaurant. Under Windstar's multi-year Setting Sails initiative, final updates for Wind Surf and Wind Spirit are scheduled for December 2026 and March 2027, respectively.
Navantia Shiprepairs also hosted Royal Caribbean International's 5,479-guest Harmony of the Seas from April 3 to May 17 for maintenance, modernization and refurbishment. Norwegian Gem received improvements to guest and crew areas at Chantier Naval de Marseille in May, with Gerolamo Scorza handling design, manufacturing and installation.
In June, Seabourn completed an interior update of the 458-guest Seabourn Quest at T. Mariotti in Genoa. Changes included new mattresses and wool carpets in suites, updated veranda furniture in penthouse and premium suites, and club-area improvements.