5 Cruise Ships Getting Major Makeovers in February 2026

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Several cruise ships are heading to shipyards this February for updates and routine maintenance. Here’s what you need to know about these drydock projects.

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas Gets a Tune-Up

The Radiance of the Seas is spending time at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport right now. The ship carries 2,142 guests and weighs in at 90,000 tons.

Built in 2001, the ship is getting routine technical work done. The maintenance period runs from January 20 to February 14, 2026. Guests will be back on board just in time for Valentine’s Day.

AIDAbella Receives Major Upgrades in France

AIDA Cruises is giving the AIDAbella a serious makeover. The ship arrived at Chantier Naval de Marseille in France for a seven-week transformation. This is part of the AIDA Evolution modernization program.

The 2008-built ship carries 5,224 guests. It weighs 182,700 tons, making it one of the larger vessels in dry dock this month.

The project includes upgrades to guest rooms and public spaces. New dining options are being added along with family-friendly entertainment. The work started January 21 and wraps up March 11, 2026.

MSC Poesia Prepares for Alaska Debut

MSC Cruises is giving the MSC Poesia a major facelift at Malta’s Palumbo Shipyard. The 2,550-passenger ship is part of the Musica-class fleet. The refurbishment runs from February 13 to April 6, 2026.

The ship will get new dining venues and a fresh sports bar. Wellness areas are being updated too. The MSC Poesia will also receive the Yacht Club, MSC’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept.

These upgrades prepare the vessel for MSC’s first-ever Alaska program. The ship will mark an important milestone for the cruise line.

Carnival Encounter Goes to Dry Dock

The Carnival Encounter heads to a Singapore shipyard for its first maintenance period under the Carnival Cruise Line flag. The ship joined Carnival’s fleet in early 2025.

Built in 2002, the 2,974-passenger ship weighs 110,000 tons. The drydock runs from February 16 to March 5, 2026. Technical work and class inspections will be completed during this time.

Carnival hasn’t released many details about what specific upgrades the ship will receive.

Star Navigator Gets Ready for Taiwan Season

The Star Navigator is currently at Yiu Lian Dockyards in Shekou, China. The StarDream Cruises ship is getting routine maintenance and technical work done.

The vessel was built in 1999 as the SuperStar Virgo for Star Cruises. It now carries 1,804 guests and measures 76,800 tons.

The drydock period runs from February 2 to February 17, 2026. The ship will welcome guests back in Keelung, Taiwan on February 17. It’s preparing for a homeporting season in Taiwan.

Why Drydock Matters to Cruise Passengers

These maintenance periods keep ships running safely and smoothly. They also bring fresh dining options and entertainment to enhance your cruise experience.

Ships need regular inspections and upgrades to meet safety standards. The work also helps cruise lines stay competitive with newer vessels.

If you’re booked on any of these ships during their drydock dates, your cruise line should have contacted you about alternative arrangements.