From routine maintenance to major refits, Cruise Industry News looks into some of the key drydock projects that are taking place in December 2025.
MSC Magnifica
Cruise Line: MSC Cruises
Capacity: 2,516 guests
Tonnage: 89,600
Year built: 2010
Drydock Period: Oct. 29 to Dec. 12, 2025
Shipyard: Palumbo (Valletta, Malta)
The MSC Magnifica arrived at the Palumbo Malta shipyard in late October for a major refurbishment project.
During its long drydock, the 2010-built ship will see the addition of MSC’s suite enclave, the Yacht Club, as well as the debut of new public areas and features.
The 89,600-ton vessel is also getting technical upgrades, including a new ducktail, before welcoming guests back in the Western Mediterranean in mid-December.
Costa Smeralda
Cruise Line: Costa Cruises
Capacity: 5,224 guests
Tonnage: 182,700
Year built: 2019
Drydock Period: Nov. 24 to Dec. 12, 2025
Shipyard: Chantier Naval de Marseille (Marseille, France)
The Costa Smeralda is currently at one of the drydocks of the Chantier Naval de Marseille in France for routine maintenance.
The LNG-powered ship arrived at the facility in late November for technical work and class inspections, in addition to upkeep of its hotel areas.
Following its drydock, the Costa Smeralda is set to resume service in late December, kicking off a winter season in the Western Mediterranean.
Star Legend
Cruise Line: Windstar Cruises
Capacity: 312 guests
Tonnage: 12,995
Year built: 1992
Drydock Period: Nov. 28 to Dec. 13, 2025
Shipyard: Navantia (Cadiz, Spain)
Windstar Cruises’ Star Legend is another ship undergoing a scheduled drydock at a European shipyard in December.
The 312-guest ship arrived at the Spanish port of Cadiz in late November for a two-week drydock at the Navantia shipyard.
Set to spend the winter in the Mediterranean, the vessel is undergoing technical work and maintenance before welcoming guests back on December 13, 2025.
Crown Princess
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
Capacity: 3,100 guests
Tonnage: 116,000
Year built: 2006
Drydock Period: Nov. 29 to Dec. 19, 2025
Shipyard: Seatrium Tuas Boulevard Yard (Singapore)
The Crown Princess is undergoing a routine drydock at the Seatrium Tuas Boulevard shipyard in Singapore.
Currently sailing from Australia on a year-round basis, the 3,100-guest ship is expected to undergo regular maintenance, in addition to technical overhauls and class inspections.
The Princess vessel is set to welcome guests back on Dec. 19, 2025, for a repositioning cruise that sails from Singapore to Sydney.
Zuiderdam
Cruise Line: Holland America Line
Capacity: 1,900 guests
Tonnage: 82,305
Year built: 2002
Drydock Period: Nov. 22 to Dec. 6, 2025
Shipyard: Grand Bahama Shipyard (Freeport, Bahamas)
The Zuiderdam arrived at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport for a routine drydock in late November.
As part of its shipyard stay, the Holland America Line vessel underwent scheduled maintenance, in addition to technical work and hotel upkeep.
The 2002-built ship resumed service on Dec. 6, 2025, welcoming guests for a series of seven- to 11-night cruises from PortMiami.
