Cruise Industry News looks into some of the key drydock projects that are set to take place in February 2026.
Radiance of the Seas
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
Capacity: 2,142 guests
Tonnage: 90,000
Year built: 2001
Drydock Period: Jan. 20 to Feb. 14, 2026
Shipyard: Grand Bahama Shipyard (Freeport, the Bahamas)
The Radiance of the Seas is currently undergoing a routine drydock at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport.
Spending the winter in the Bahamas, the ship is expected to undergo technical work and scheduled maintenance before welcoming guests back onboard on Feb. 14, 2026.
AIDAbella
Cruise Line: AIDA Cruises
Capacity: 5,224 guests
Tonnage: 182,700
Year built: 2008
Drydock Period: Jan. 21 to Mar. 11, 2026
Shipyard: Chantier Naval de Marseille (Marseille, France)
The AIDAbella is the latest ship to undergo a drydock as part of the AIDA Evolution modernization program.
During its major refurbishment project, the 2008-built ship is set to remain at the Chantier Naval de Marseille in France for seven weeks.
The project includes upgrades to public areas and staterooms, as well as the addition of new dining venues, family-friendly entertainment options and more.
MSC Poesia
Cruise Line: MSC Cruises
Capacity: 2,550 guests
Tonnage: 93,300
Year built: 2008
Drydock Period: Feb. 13 to Apr. 6, 2026
Shipyard: Palumbo Shipyard (Valletta, Malta)
Starting in mid-February, the MSC Poesia is set to undergo a major refurbishment at Malta’s Palumbo Shipyard.
As part of a series of refits being carried out onboard MSC’s Musica-class vessels, the 2,550-passenger ship will introduce new dining options, a new sports bar and updated wellness areas.
Ahead of marking MSC’s debut in Alaska, the MSC Poesia will also get the company’s ship-within-a-ship concept, the Yacht Club.
Carnival Encounter
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
Capacity: 2,974 guests
Tonnage: 110,000
Year built: 2002
Drydock Period: Feb. 16 to Mar. 5, 2026
Shipyard: TBD (Singapore)
The Carnival Encounter is set to undergo its first drydock after being transferred to Carnival Cruise Line in early 2025.
The drydock will also include technical work and class inspections before being completed on Mar. 5, 2026. Further details have yet to be released.
Star Navigator
Cruise Line: StarDream Cruises
Capacity: 1,804 guests
Tonnage: 76,800
Year built: 1999
Drydock Period: Feb. 2 to Feb. 17, 2026
Shipyard: Yiu Lian Dockyards (Shekou, China)
The Star Navigator is currently undergoing a routine drydock at China Merchant’s Yiu Lian Dockyards in Shekou, China.
Set to kick off a homeporting season in Taiwan later this month, the 1999-built ship is undergoing scheduled maintenance, as well as technical and statutory work.
Originally built for Star Cruises as the SuperStar Virgo, the 76,800-ton vessel will welcome guests back in Keelung on Feb. 17, 2026.
