Three Carnival-Owned Cruise Ships Set for Major Makeovers Before 2026 Season

Three of Carnival Corporation’s most popular ships are heading into dry dock for big transformations ahead of a packed 2026 cruise season. Each ship, from Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and P&O Cruises, will receive major upgrades that go far beyond routine maintenance.

Here’s a look at what’s happening across these three well-loved ships, and what cruisers can expect once they return to service.

Carnival’s Mardi Gras Gets Her First Major Makeover

Carnival Cruise Line’s flagship, Mardi Gras, is currently undergoing her first major dry dock since entering service in 2021. The 5,200-passenger ship arrived at the Chantier Naval de Marseille shipyard in France after crossing the Atlantic from Port Canaveral.

The project includes routine maintenance, class inspections, and a full repaint featuring Carnival’s refreshed hull livery. Crew members are also tackling smaller updates throughout the ship, from upgraded public areas to refreshed interior details that will keep the Fun Ship experience feeling new.

Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald has hinted that additional updates may be revealed soon, adding an element of mystery for loyal guests eager to see what’s next.

Once the work is complete, Mardi Gras will return to service on October 16, 2025, sailing a 14-night repositioning voyage from Barcelona to Port Canaveral. The itinerary includes calls in Málaga, Cádiz, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, plus a visit to Carnival’s new private destination, Celebration Key. From there, she’ll resume her popular Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries through 2026.

Sapphire Princess Shows Off Two Brand-New Restaurants

Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess has wrapped up a two-week dry dock in Portland, Oregon, and she’s come out looking better than ever. The 2,670-passenger ship received a refreshed interior along with two brand-new specialty dining venues that bring some of Princess’s most popular concepts to more of the fleet.

Makoto Ocean now takes over the former Internet Café on Deck 7, offering Chef Makoto Okuwa’s signature Edomae-style sushi. Guests can expect dishes like truffle salmon, toro tartare, and snow crab hand rolls. On Deck 5, the Savoy Dining Room has been transformed into a full Crown Grill, serving premium steaks, chops, and seafood. The restaurant carries a $60 per person charge, or it’s included for those with the Princess Premier package.

Beyond the culinary additions, Sapphire Princess received a range of technical and interior updates to prepare her for a busy few years of globe-trotting itineraries. She’ll spend the coming seasons sailing the Mexican Riviera, South America, and Europe before heading to Canada and New England in fall 2026.

A highlight comes in 2027, when she reunites with sister ship Diamond Princess for a dual Japan season – the first time both Japan-built ships will sail together from Tokyo since their launch.

P&O Cruises’ Iona Finishes First Big Refit in Rotterdam

P&O Cruises’ Iona has entered dry dock in Rotterdam for her first major refit since debuting in 2021. The 183,900-ton LNG-powered ship is undergoing a full round of maintenance and technical work to keep her running efficiently for the busy years ahead.

To accommodate the schedule, two sailings originally planned for October 2025 were cancelled. Passengers affected by the change received full refunds and a £100 onboard credit toward future bookings. Iona is set to return to service on October 23, 2025, ready to kick off a winter season of Northern Europe and Canary Islands voyages.

Looking further ahead, Iona will operate a mix of short and long cruises from Southampton, including a 35-night Caribbean adventure in early 2026 with stops in Barbados, Antigua, Grenada, and Tenerife.

While she primarily caters to the UK market, Iona shares Carnival’s popular Excel-class platform with ships like Mardi Gras, giving her a familiar feel for American cruisers who love the brand’s design and layout.

Continued Investment Across Carnival’s Global Fleet

These three dry docks highlight Carnival Corporation’s continued effort to modernize and enhance its global fleet. Each project varies in scope, but all share a common goal: improving guest comfort, energy efficiency, and onboard experiences.

From upgraded dining and refreshed spaces to behind-the-scenes technical improvements, the changes are part of a larger plan to keep the company’s ships performing at their best.

Carnival has also been expanding its Excel-class platform, which has become the foundation for several brands in its portfolio. For Carnival Cruise Line, the next generation includes Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale, both scheduled to arrive in 2027 and 2028.

These ships will build on the popular design seen across Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee, offering more variety and flexibility for future itineraries.

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