Carnival Corporation’s investment in the Queen Mary 2 is designed to keep the ocean liner generating strong returns well into the future, CEO Josh Weinstein said during the company’s third quarter earnings call.

Weinstein highlighted the upcoming refurbishment as part of Carnival’s selective fleet investment strategy, describing the Cunard flagship as the world’s only ocean liner providing regular transatlantic service.

“It is a one-of-a-kind asset, and our investment is designed to ensure it continues to generate attractive returns for decades to come,” he said.

The ship will enter drydock at Damen Shiprepair Brest on March 31, 2027, and return to service on May 9, 2027, ahead of the peak summer season.

The project will add 16 Princess Grill Suites and 15 Britannia-category staterooms, bringing the total to 31 new staterooms.

Every existing Grill Suite will be refreshed with new interiors, furnishings and finishes, along with newly designed bathrooms, while the Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants will also be refreshed and additional outdoor deck space added.

Other upgrades include expanded and redesigned kennels, a transformed Mareel Wellness & Beauty, new luxury retail and a major digital upgrade to the Illuminations planetarium.