Carnival’s 2026–2027 Dry Dock Schedule Announced

Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed a fresh round of shipyard visits that will keep some of its most popular vessels out of service over the next two years. The lineup stretches well into 2027, and several ships have longer timeframes than many cruisers might expect. Anyone with a sailing booked during these windows may want to take a closer look at the dates to see how their plans could be affected.

The image displays the 'Carnival Elation' cruise ship, easily recognizable by its distinctive red funnel and white-and-blue hull, sailing on a serene blue ocean under a clear sky. Perfect for a vacation getaway theme.

Which Ships Are Heading to Dry Dock in 2026

Carnival’s 2026 schedule is packed with both short maintenance visits and longer upgrade periods. Here is the full year laid out in an easy list so you can quickly spot your ship’s dates.

January to February

Carnival Elation: January 15 to February 8
Carnival Conquest: February 2 to February 20

Late Winter to Early Spring

Carnival Encounter: February 16 to March 4 (wet dock)
Carnival Glory: March 2 to April 10
Carnival Dream: March 3 to March 20
Carnival Pride: March 15 to April 8

Spring Shipyard Period

Carnival Paradise: April 9 to April 30
Carnival Magic: April 18 to May 25
Carnival Legend: April 29 to May 19

Fall Dry Docks

Carnival Freedom: September 1 to October 8
Carnival Radiance: September 12 to October 2
Carnival Luminosa: October 23 to November 29

With so many ships rotating through maintenance in 2026, cruisers booked near these dates should check their reservations occasionally. Dry dock timing can shift and may affect itineraries or repositioning plans.

The Carnival Sunrise cruise ship sails on a calm ocean, its red funnel iconic against the vast blue sky scattered with white clouds, embodying a sense of adventure on the high seas. — The now Carnival Sunrise

Carnival’s 2027 Dry Docks: What to Know

Carnival has confirmed several shipyard visits for 2027, and many of them fall during busy sailing seasons. Here is the full list for the year.

Winter Shipyard Period

Carnival Sunrise: January 9 to January 26
Carnival Adventure: February 10 to February 26 (wet dock)
Carnival Breeze: February 26 to March 16

Spring Shipyard Period

Carnival Celebration: April 4 to April 23
Carnival Horizon: April 25 to May 16

Late Summer

Carnival Splendor: August 15 to August 31

In the warm glow of sunset, the Carnival Splendor cruise ship journeys across the calm sea, its distinctive red funnel marking a striking contrast against the serene twilight sky.

What Usually Happens During a Carnival Dry Dock

Dry docks are more than routine maintenance, and Carnival often uses these windows to refresh both the look and feel of each ship. Mechanical work is always a priority, including hull inspections, propulsion checks, and updates that keep the vessel running smoothly for years to come. These essential tasks are required for every cruise ship at regular intervals.

Cosmetic upgrades are also common and can make a noticeable difference for guests once the ship returns to service. Carnival typically installs new carpeting, fresh wall coverings, upgraded lighting, and updated tile work throughout public areas. Cabins may receive additional power outlets, refreshed décor, or small layout adjustments that improve functionality.

Depending on the age and layout of the ship, Carnival sometimes takes the opportunity to add new dining venues or enhance guest flow. Older vessels may see the biggest changes since these updates help align them with the newer ships in the fleet. While not every dry dock brings flashy additions, even routine projects often leave the ship feeling cleaner, brighter, and more modern.

Ships With No Scheduled Dry Dock Yet

A large cruise ship, the Carnival Firenze, majestically sails on a calm blue ocean under a clear sky.

While many ships already have confirmed dates, several Carnival vessels currently do not appear on the 2026–2027 schedule. Some of these ships visited the shipyard recently, so it is not unusual for them to go a few more years before their next maintenance period. Others simply have not had their dates announced yet.

Carnival Firenze and Carnival Venezia are the two ships with no listed dry dock information at this time. Carnival Jubilee also has no scheduled visit, which makes sense since it is one of the newest ships in the fleet and has not required a dry dock yet. Several other vessels have completed recent shipyard periods, including Carnival Liberty in May through July 2025, Carnival Miracle in May 2025, and Carnival Sunshine in early 2025.

A few more ships have undergone their most recent dry dock within the last couple of years. Carnival Panorama went in during September and October 2024, Carnival Spirit visited between January and March 2025, and Carnival Valor completed its work in May and June 2025. Mardi Gras also had a dry dock in late 2025. Although these vessels are not currently on the new schedule, Carnival may update the list as operational plans evolve.