A cruise ship dry dock is a planned time when the ship is taken out of the water so it can undergo maintenance, repairs, and improvements to ensure it stays safe, functional, and enjoyable for passengers. Required by maritime law every three to five years, the Carnival dry dock schedule involves guiding the ship into a basin, draining the water, and resting it on blocks for full access to the hull and underwater parts. Crews then clean, repaint, service technical systems, and complete safety inspections. For guests, it is also when Carnival introduces new features like bars, restaurants, waterparks, and refreshed staterooms, ensuring ships remain safe, modern, and enjoyable.
Carnival Dry Dock Schedule 2025–2026
Carnival Cruise Line has multiple dry docks scheduled over the next few years to maintain and upgrade its ships. Although the dates may change, the list below shows the latest schedule for 2025 and 2026 as shared by the cruise line.
Carnival Dry Dock Schedule 2025
- Carnival Liberty – May to July 2025
- Carnival Miracle – March to May 2025
- Carnival Spirit – January to March 2025
- Carnival Sunshine – January to February 2025
- Carnival Valor – May to June 2025
- Carnival Conquest – August to September 2025
- Mardi Gas – September to October 2025
Carnival Dry Dock Schedule 2026
- Carnival Magic – April to May 2026 (rescheduled)
- Carnival Elation – January to February 2026
- Carnival Dream – February to March 2026
- Carnival Encounter – February to March 2026
- Carnival Glory – March to April 2026
- Carnival Pride – March to April 2026
- Carnival Paradise – April 9 to 30, 2026
- Carnival Legend – April to May 2026
- Carnival Horizon – May to June 2026
- Carnival Freedom – September to October 2026
- Carnival Radiance – September to October 2026
- Carnival Venezia – October to November 2026
- Carnival Luminosa – October to November 2026
Carnival Dry Dock Schedule 2025 and 2026 (Confirmed & Expected)
Here are some key 2025 dry docks for major ships:
- Carnival Miracle (March 30 to May 10, 2025): This dry dock is expected to include the addition of the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, replacing the existing SkyBox Sports Bar.
- Carnival Liberty (May 17 to July 05, 2025): After a delay due to a shipyard workers’ strike, the ship is expected to undergo technical maintenance and minor updates before resuming its regular schedule on July 13.
- Mardi Gras (September 27 to October 15, 2025): Since it is a newer ship, this dry dock will mainly focus on routine technical work, making sure all systems continue to run smoothly and efficiently.
- Carnival Magic (April 18 to May 24, 2026): The Carnival Magic, which debuted in 2011, was originally scheduled for a dry dock in late 2025. However, the upgrades have been moved to spring 2026. While exact details are not confirmed, the dry dock is expected to include routine maintenance, refreshed cabins, cosmetic updates, and possibly new features to enhance the onboard experience. The ship, which carries 3,690 guests and offers attractions like WaterWorks and SkyCourse, will get these upgrades to keep it modern and enjoyable for cruisers.
- Carnival Conquest (August 22 to September 30, 2025): The earlier planned dry dock was moved to this date, which led to more cruise cancellations.
Carnival Dry Dock Schedule 2024 (Ongoing & Completed)
It is useful to know which ships have recently finished their dry dock while booking a cruise ship.
- Carnival Glory: Carnival Glory’s dry dock 2024 schedule added a larger, redesigned casino, along with new carpets, mattresses, and bedside lamps with USB ports in the cabins.
- Carnival Legend: The ship underwent a dry dock in May 2024, just before beginning its European season. It received new features like the Heroes Tribute Bar and the Seaside Theatre.
- Carnival Horizon: The ship did not have a major dry dock in 2024, but its 2026 dry dock is confirmed and has led to the cancellation of a planned trans-Atlantic cruise.
How Dry Docks Affect the Carnival Cruise
A dry dock is planned only when the ship is out of service, so passengers never sail on a ship while it is in dry dock. The effects of Carnival Cruise on travellers are:
- Cancellation: If a Carnival cruise line dry dock schedule affects a sailing, Carnival contacts passengers directly and offers options like a full refund or rebooking on another cruise.
- Improved Experience: The main purpose of a dry dock is to improve and upgrade the ship. Guests can look forward to updated spaces, new amenities, and a smoother overall experience. While schedule changes may be inconvenient, the upgrades usually make the wait worthwhile.
Tips: Passengers can explore more about the Carnival Cruise drink package.
Carnival Ships Undergoing Renovations (By Ship)
Carnival schedules dry docks as part of its ongoing effort to keep the fleet modern, comfortable, and enjoyable for passengers.
- Carnival Liberty: This ship has recently completed a major dry dock, bringing exciting new amenities and upgrades. Carnival Liberty dry dock 2025 schedule included refreshed staterooms, updated public areas, new dining venues, enhanced lounges, and upgraded entertainment spaces. Features like WaterWorks, Cloud9 Spa, and specialty bars make the ship feel modern and more fun for guests of all ages.
- Carnival Miracle: The Carnival Miracle is set for a dry dock in mid-2025, during which it is expected to receive routine maintenance, updated cabins, and accessibility improvements. These improvements aim to make the ship more comfortable and accessible for all travellers, while also keeping the public areas and dining options fresh and inviting.
- Carnival Breeze, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Miracle, and Other Ships: These vessels regularly undergo renovations during their dry docks. Past Carnival dry dock schedule updates have included popular dining additions like Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, refreshes to bars and lounges such as the Alchemy Bar, and family-friendly features like WaterWorks waterparks. Cosmetic upgrades, including new carpets, lighting, decor, and exterior livery paint, also help keep the fleet looking modern and well-maintained.
Quick Comparison Table – Carnival Dry Dock Schedule at a Glance
| Cruise Ship | Dry Dock Dates | Key Updates |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival Liberty | May to July 2025 | WaterWorks, Cloud9 Spa, new bars, etc. |
| Carnival Miracle | March to May 2025 | Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge |
| Carnival Spirit | January to March 2025 | – |
| Carnival Sunshine | January to February 2025 | – |
| Carnival Valor | May to June 2025 | – |
| Carnival Glory | March to April 2026 | – |
| Carnival Magic | April to May 2026 | – |
| Carnival Horizon | May to June 2026 | – |
| Mardi Gras | September to October 2025 | Routine technical maintenance |
| Carnival Luminosa | October to November 2026 | Routine technical maintenance |
Final Thoughts – Planning Around Carnival Dry Docks
Carnival’s dry dock schedule may cause minor schedule changes, but they help Carnival keep its ships safe, modern, and fun. Knowing when a ship is in dry dock makes planning easier and ensures guests enjoy updated amenities and refreshed spaces. Whether it’s a first cruise or a return trip, sailing after a dry dock often means a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
To stay updated on Carnival deals and dry dock schedules, safest cruise lines, check the ship’s availability before booking and cruise with confidence!
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
A dry dock is when a Carnival ship is taken out of the water for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to keep it safe and modern.
Older vessels typically every 3 years; newer ones roughly every 5 years
Carnival cruise dry dock schedule usually lasts a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the type of maintenance and upgrades needed.
If your sailing is during a ship’s dry dock, Carnival will notify you and offer options like a refund or rebooking.
Upgrades may include refreshed staterooms, new dining options, entertainment areas, pool deck improvements, and cosmetic updates.
Yes, dry docks ensure ships are safe, clean, and modern, giving passengers a better cruising experience.
No, ships are out of service during dry dock, so passengers cannot board at that time.
No, upgrades vary by ship and may include technical maintenance, cabin updates, new features, or cosmetic improvements.
If your cruise overlaps the dry dock period, the cruise line can cancel it. But Carnival offers rebooking, travel credits, or full refunds in such cases.