With the summer cruising season now over, several vessels are undergoing drydocks before starting their winter programs.
Here are some of the key projects taking place this month:
MSC Fantasia
Cruise Line: MSC Cruises
Capacity: 3,300 guests
Tonnage: 133,500
Year built: 2008
Drydock Period: September 23 to October 13
Shipyard: Palumbo Shipyard (Valletta, Malta)
The MSC Fantasia was just drydocked at Palumbo Shipyard in Valletta, Malta. Set to spend the winter in Europe, the 2008-built vessel went through regular maintenance and class work, in addition to routine upkeep and punctual hotel upgrades.
Following the work, the Fantasia resumed service on October 13, kicking off a series of week-long cruises in the Western Mediterranean.
Disney Wonder
Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line
Capacity: 1,750 passengers
Tonnage: 85,000
Year built: 1999
Drydock Period: September 17 to October 3
Shipyard: Victoria Seaspan (Victoria, Canada)
Following a summer program in Alaska, the Disney Wonder sailed to one of the drydocks of the Victoria Shipyads Seaspan in Victoria, Canada.
During a two-week shipyard stay, the 1999-built vessel underwent technical work, which included regular maintenance and hotel upkeep. Now sailing a repositioning cruise to the Pacific, the Wonder is scheduled to mark Disney’s debut in Australia and Zealand later this year.
Ruby Princess
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
Capacity: 3,100 guests
Tonnage: 116,000
Year built: 2008
Drydock Period: September 24 to October 22
Shipyard: Vigor Industrial (Portland, United States)
The Ruby Princess is currently undergoing a scheduled drydock at the Vigor Industrial Shipyard in Portland, Oregon. During the shipyard visit, the ship is receiving regular maintenance, in addition to technical overhaul and class work.
Following a summer program in Alaska, the Princess Cruises vessel is getting ready for its winter season in the Caribbean and Central America.
Carnival Freedom
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
Capacity: 2,974 guests
Tonnage: 110,000
Year built: 2007
Drydock Period: October 4 to October 23
Shipyard: Navantia (Cadiz, Spain)
After crossing the Atlantic in late September, the Carnival Freedom is undergoing a drydock at Navantia.
In addition to regular maintenance, hotel upkeep and class work, the Carnival Cruise Line vessel will see its funnel – which was damaged during a fire incident last year – being rebuilt to its original form. After returning to North America, the ship will resume its regular schedule from Port Canaveral in early November.