Cruise Ships Scheduled for Drydock in March
Cruise ships don’t just sail — they also need regular tune-ups to stay in top shape. Here’s a look at some major drydock projects happening in March 2026.
What Is a Drydock?
A drydock is when a cruise ship is taken out of service for maintenance, repairs, or upgrades. Think of it like a car going in for a big service appointment. Some drydocks are routine check-ups, while others involve major makeovers.
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March 2026 Cruise Ship Drydock Roundup
Azamara Journey Gets a Quick Tune-Up
The Azamara Journey wrapped up a short but important drydock stay in early March 2026. The ship spent eight days at the Cernaval shipyard in Algeciras, Spain. This was part of the ship’s regular maintenance schedule. The 718-guest ship is now back in action, sailing to the Canary Islands, Morocco, and the Western Mediterranean.
Quick Facts:
- Cruise Line: Azamara
- Guest Capacity: 718
- Drydock: March 1–9, 2026
- Shipyard: Algeciras, Spain
Carnival Dream Heads to France for Maintenance
The Carnival Dream took a two-week break from the Caribbean to visit a shipyard in Marseille, France. The ship arrived in late February and spent 14 days getting technical work and scheduled maintenance done. The 3,650-guest ship is one of Carnival’s larger vessels, weighing in at 130,000 tons. It is now back to sailing after completing its stay on March 21, 2026.
Quick Facts:
- Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
- Guest Capacity: 3,650
- Drydock: March 4–21, 2026
- Shipyard: Marseille, France
Wind Star Gets a Big Makeover
The Wind Star is currently in the middle of a major refurbishment at the Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain. This is Phase 2 of Windstar’s “Setting Sail” upgrade program. The small, 148-guest sailing ship is getting redesigned public spaces, along with refreshed suites and staterooms. The work is expected to wrap up on April 7, 2026, just in time for the ship’s European summer season.
Quick Facts:
- Cruise Line: Windstar Cruises
- Guest Capacity: 148
- Drydock: March 9–April 7, 2026
- Shipyard: Cadiz, Spain
Holland America’s Koningsdam Heads to the Bahamas
The Koningsdam is getting its routine maintenance done at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas. The nearly 100,000-ton ship is undergoing technical overhauls, class inspections, and general upkeep. After its drydock wraps up in late March, the ship will return to Caribbean sailings. It will then head north to join Holland America’s Alaska summer lineup.
Quick Facts:
- Cruise Line: Holland America Line
- Guest Capacity: 2,660
- Drydock: March 15–29, 2026
- Shipyard: Freeport, Bahamas
Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas Gets Amplified
The Ovation of the Seas is undergoing one of the biggest upgrades on this list. The ship entered drydock in Singapore on March 16, 2026, for a month-long refurbishment. This is part of Royal Caribbean’s “Royal Amplified” program, which adds new features and refreshes older ships. Guests can expect new onboard additions, extra cabins, and updated public spaces when the ship returns on April 17, 2026 — right around its 10th anniversary.
Quick Facts:
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
- Guest Capacity: 4,204
- Drydock: March 16–April 17, 2026
- Shipyard: Singapore
Why Does This Matter for Cruisers?
Drydocks are good news for cruise passengers. They mean ships are well-maintained and regularly updated. Whether it’s a quick routine check or a full renovation, these projects help keep your cruise experience safe and enjoyable. If one of these ships is on your radar, it’s worth knowing it’s coming back fresher than ever.
