114 REPORT Laura Hyde reports on a selection of 2026 refurbishment projects covering everything from guest experience enhancements to sustainability upgrades across the global fleet of passenger ships A new lease of life Today’s cruise and ferry passengers expect modern accommodation, contemporary dining concepts and an array of onboard wellness facilities and entertainment experiences, as well as reliable connectivity and digital services. Refurbishment programmes enable operators to refresh their vessels to incorporate these amenities without the capital expenditure associated with commissioning newbuild vessels. Regularly investing in fleet renewal is also essential for operators to remain competitive and compliant with increasingly strict regulations and environmental standards. Scheduled drydocks provide the opportunity to go beyond routine maintenance and install technologies and equipment designed to reduce emissions and lower operating costs. CFR showcases various refit projects selected shipyards have completed so far in 2026, as well as notable refurbishments taking place in the months ahead. Completed Three Carnival Cruise Line ships, Carnival Glory, Carnival Magic and Carnival Legend, spent 12 days, 35 days and 16 days respectively in drydock at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, The Bahamas, in early 2026. Carnival Legend and Carnival Magic became the first ships in the fleet to feature the brand’s new ‘From Sea to Shining Sea’ bow crest, which will be rolled across the fleet (except on Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Tropicale). The crest “celebrates the landscapes and oceans Carnival shares with guests”. In March 2026, Tallink’s ferry Victoria entered drydock at the Naantali shipyard in Finland for scheduled maintenance work, including cleaning Carnival Legend and Carnival Magic (pictured) now feature Carnival Cruise Line’s new ‘From Sea to Shining Sea’ bow crest Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=