January is turning out to be robust month for the cruise ship drydocks, with numerous vessels undergoing a variety of projects.
Cruise Industry News highlights some of the key projects scheduled for the month, including routine maintenance jobs, conversion projects and more.
Carnival Sunshine
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
Capacity: 2,984 guests
Tonnage: 101,509
Year built: 1996
Drydock Period: Jan. 4 to Feb. 11, 2025
Shipyard: Chantier Naval de Marseille (Marseille, France)
After marking the end of Carnival Cruise Line’s operations in Charleston, the Carnival Sunshine sailed to a drydock in France.
As part of the routine shipyard stay, the 1996-built ship is set to undergo scheduled maintenance, as well as class work and general upkeep.
The Sunshine is also expected to undergo minor hotel updates before kicking off a year-round deployment in Norfolk in mid-February.
Celebrity Summit
Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
Capacity: 2,216 guests
Tonnage: 91,000
Year built: 2001
Drydock Period: Jan. 4 to Jan. 28, 2025
Shipyard: Grand Bahama (Freeport, Bahamas)
The Celebrity Summit is currently undergoing a scheduled drydock at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport.
Set to resume service in late February, the 91,000-ton ship is undergoing regular maintenance, as well as technical overhauls and class work.
After completing the project, the Summit is scheduled to welcome guests back in Fort Lauderdale for a series of charter cruises.
Freedom of the Seas
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
Capacity: 3,923 guests
Tonnage: 160,000
Year built: 2006
Drydock Period: Jan. 6 to Feb. 16, 2025
Shipyard: Navantia (Cádiz, Spain)
After undergoing a major refurbishment in Navantia in early 2020, the Freedom of the Seas is returning to the Spanish facility this month.
Undergoing technical maintenance and general upkeep, the ship is set to remain out of service for nearly six weeks.
Upon crossing the Atlantic Ocean with no guests onboard, the Freedom of the Seas is scheduled to welcome guests back in Fort Lauderdale on Feb. 16, 2025.
Norwegian Spirit
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Capacity: 2,000 guests
Tonnage: 78,309
Year built: 1999
Drydock Period: Jan. 5 to Jan. 9, 2025
Shipyard: Seatrium Admiralty Shipyard (Singapore)
The Norwegian Spirit recently visited the Seatrium Admiralty Shipyard in Singapore for a short routine drydock.
After undergoing a large refit in early 2020, the 1999-built ship underwent hull inspections and general maintenance before resuming service on Jan. 9, 2025.
Sailing from Singapore and Keelung, the Spirit is now offering a series of ten- and 11-night cruises to the Far East and Southeast Asia.
National Geographic Gemini
Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions
Capacity: 96 guests
Tonnage: 2,329
Year built: 2001
Drydock Period: Jan. 8 to Mar. 14, 2025
Shipyard: ASTIBAN (Balboa, Panama)
After being acquired by Lindblad Expeditions in 2024, the former Celebrity Xpedition is currently undergoing conversion work at the ASTIBAN Shipyard in Panama.
Expanding Lindblad’s presence in the Galapagos, the 96-guest vessel will be renamed National Geographic Gemini before embarking on its maiden voyage on Mar. 14, 2025.
As part of its drydock, the expedition vessel is set to receive a new livery, in addition to updates to its public areas, technical systems and staterooms.
