As the summer cruising season winds down, several prominent cruise ships are undergoing vital maintenance, refurbishments, and upgrades during drydock periods. Cruise lines use this time to ensure their ships are in top condition for future sailings, implementing routine class inspections, technical updates, and even aesthetic enhancements. September 2024 is particularly busy for the cruise industry, with multiple vessels entering drydock to prepare for the upcoming months of cruising.
This article highlights some of the most notable cruise ship drydocks in September 2024, showcasing how each ship is being prepped for future itineraries.
Carnival Panorama: First Major Drydock for a Modern Favorite
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
Capacity: 4,000 guests
Tonnage: 135,000
Year Built: 2019
Drydock Dates: September 10 to October 12, 2024
The Carnival Panorama, one of Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ships, entered drydock in Singapore in September 2024. This drydock marks the first major maintenance and upgrade period for the 2019-built vessel. After offering a trans-Pacific voyage in August, the ship is undergoing technical maintenance, including routine inspections and a class survey. Carnival is also introducing several upgrades to improve the guest experience and the ship’s energy efficiency.
One of the most notable changes during this drydock will be the installation of Carnival’s signature new livery, which features a dark blue hull complemented by vibrant red and white accents. Additionally, the Panorama will receive upgrades under Carnival’s “Service Power Package 2.0,” designed to enhance the ship’s energy efficiency, ensuring it operates in a more sustainable manner.
Once drydock work is complete, the Carnival Panorama will resume service on the West Coast, offering cruises from Long Beach, California, starting in November 2024.
Island Princess: Routine Maintenance in the Mediterranean
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
Capacity: 1,950 guests
Tonnage: 88,000
Year Built: 2003
Drydock Dates: September 4 to September 25, 2024
Shipyard: Fincantieri (Palermo, Italy)
The Island Princess is undergoing routine maintenance at the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo, Italy. This 1,950-passenger vessel, which has been a favorite for longer itineraries, including world cruises, is receiving regular class inspections, technical maintenance, and other routine repairs.
When the drydock concludes at the end of September, the Island Princess will resume its schedule, embarking on a series of ten-night Mediterranean cruises. These itineraries will take passengers to beautiful destinations such as Spain, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom, offering a chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of these regions.
This maintenance period ensures the Island Princess remains in top shape to continue providing exceptional cruising experiences for its guests, particularly as demand for Mediterranean itineraries remains high.
Vidanta Elegant: A Mysterious Refurbishment in Mexico
Cruise Line: Vidanta Cruises
Capacity: 300 guests
Tonnage: 15,396
Year Built: 1990
Drydock Dates: August 20 to September 8, 2024
Shipyard: ISP Baja (Ensenada, Mexico)
The Vidanta Elegant has completed its drydock at the ISP Baja shipyard in Ensenada, Mexico. Although Vidanta Cruises has not yet disclosed specific details about the work conducted, the drydock is part of the company’s broader efforts to launch new itineraries in the near future. The Vidanta Elegant, originally built in the 1990s, has had a long and varied career, serving under several different cruise lines, including Commodore, Cunard, Phoenix Reisen, and Voyages of Discovery.
The Vidanta Elegant’s drydock indicates that Vidanta Cruises is preparing for a relaunch, possibly with a focus on boutique-style cruises that cater to small groups of passengers. With its intimate size and rich history, this vessel could offer a unique cruising experience for those seeking personalized, luxurious travel experiences.
Azamara Journey: Technical Overhaul for a Boutique Cruiser
Cruise Line: Azamara
Capacity: 718 guests
Tonnage: 30,200
Year Built: 2000
Drydock Dates: September 9 to September 13, 2024
Shipyard: Elefsina Shipyards (Elefsis, Greece)
The Azamara Journey underwent a short but significant drydock in Greece this month, marking the continuation of Azamara’s 2024 fleet-wide refurbishment plan. During its stay at Elefsina Shipyards, the 718-passenger ship underwent technical work that included a complete overhaul of its main engines, hull cleaning and repainting, and underwater inspections of critical components like stabilizers, rudders, propellers, and bow thrusters.
Once back in service, the Azamara Journey will embark on its fall itineraries, which include sailings in the Mediterranean, the North Atlantic, and scenic voyages through Canada and New England. These enhancements ensure that the boutique-style cruise ship is fully prepared to offer an immersive experience that is synonymous with Azamara’s brand of destination-focused cruising.
Disney Dream: Major Upgrades for an Iconic Vessel
Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line
Capacity: 2,500 guests
Tonnage: 128,000
Year Built: 2011
Drydock Dates: September 15 to October 20, 2024
Shipyard: Damen (Brest, France)
The Disney Dream entered drydock in mid-September 2024 at the Damen shipyard in Brest, France, for a major refurbishment. Known for its family-friendly offerings and Disney magic, this ship is undergoing significant upgrades that will enhance its guest experience.
During this period, the Disney Dream will receive updated youth spaces, a refreshed spa, new dining venues, and the addition of a luxurious funnel suite. The funnel suite, which is housed within one of the ship’s iconic red funnels, is expected to offer a premium experience with unique views of the ocean.
In addition to these enhancements, the ship will receive routine maintenance and class work to ensure it remains in optimal condition. Once the drydock period is complete, the Disney Dream will sail across the Atlantic before offering short cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas from its new homeport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Cruise Ship Drydocks in September 2024 Prepare for the Future
September 2024 is a busy month for cruise ship drydocks, as several vessels undergo crucial maintenance, technical work, and guest experience upgrades. Whether it’s Carnival Panorama’s first major drydock or Disney Dream’s exciting new additions, these projects are key to ensuring that these ships continue delivering world-class experiences to passengers. The updates, both technical and aesthetic, highlight the cruise industry’s commitment to safety, innovation, and luxury, ensuring that each ship is ready for its next voyage.
As we look ahead to the remainder of the year, these ships will return to the seas refreshed and ready, offering travelers unforgettable experiences across the globe.
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