Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas Returns After Drydock Upgrades

Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas is back in action after a major shipyard visit. Here’s what cruisers need to know about where this ship is headed next.

Mariner of the Seas Returns to Galveston

The Mariner of the Seas spent nearly a month at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport. After that drydock period, the ship returned to service on March 17, 2026. It kicked things off with a four-night Western Caribbean cruise out of Galveston, Texas. That sailing included a stop in Cozumel and two days at sea.

Short Cruises from Texas This Spring

Over the next few months, the Mariner will keep sailing short trips from Galveston. Four- and five-night itineraries will visit both Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico. These quick getaways are a great option for cruisers in the Texas area.

A Longer Western Caribbean Option

If you want more ports, there’s a ten-night Western Caribbean sailing departing Galveston on March 31, 2026. This itinerary covers a lot of ground, hitting five destinations. Stops include Falmouth (Jamaica), Cozumel, George Town (Cayman Islands), Belize City, and Roatán (Honduras).

Moving to New Orleans in November

In November 2026, the Mariner will reposition to New Orleans for weeklong Caribbean sailings. From Louisiana, the ship will carry its 3,138 passengers to ports across the Western Caribbean. Destinations include Cozumel, George Town, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios.

Mariner Returns to Europe in 2027

After a years-long break, the Mariner of the Seas is heading back to Europe in 2027. The ship will sail out of Southampton, England, from May through October. Itineraries will cover Scandinavia, Western Europe, and the North Sea.

Ovation of the Seas Gets a Big Upgrade

In related news, another Royal Caribbean ship is getting some exciting updates. The Ovation of the Seas recently entered drydock in Singapore for a major refurbishment. The work is part of Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified program.

What’s New on Ovation of the Seas

The 2016-built Quantum-class ship will come out with several fresh features. Guests can look forward to a revamped pool deck and a new Pesky Parrot tiki bar. New dining options like Izumi Teppanyaki are also on the way, along with 40 additional staterooms.