Tag Archives: drydock

Scenic Eclipse in Drydock for Azipod Replacement

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According to an update shared by Scenic Cruises, the Scenic Eclipse is currently in drydock in Galveston, Texas, for the installation of a new Azipod.

The new propulsion unit will replace one that is currently inoperable, the company explained in a social media post.

Scenic added that it’s working closely with its partner ABB Group to get the work completed in time for the vessel’s next cruise.

The replacement Azipod will be delivered to Texas via a specially chartered Antonov 124 aircraft, one of the world’s largest cargo planes, the company said.

Captain James Griffiths, Scenic Group’s general manager of ocean operations; Jason Flesher, director of discovery operations; and Darko Caput, director of marine & technical operations,, are on-site to ensure all work is completed and that the Scenic Eclipse is certified for full operations.

The 2019-built vessel is scheduled to resume guest service on Nov. 27, 2024, kicking off a winter schedule of expeditions to Antarctica and South America.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming our guests on board to create memories to last a lifetime in the white continent,” Scenic said.

In September, the company cancelled three cruises onboard the Scenic Eclipse due to an issue with one of the vessel’s ABB Azipod propulsion units.

At the time, Scenic said that the problem was affecting the propulsion capacity of the 228-guest vessel, forcing it to navigate at lower speeds.

While the ship was still sailing safely, it was necessary to secure a dry dock to carry out important maintenance work onboard, the company added.

The affected cruises were scheduled to sail to the Caribbean and South America between Oct. 24, 2024, and Nov. 27, 2024.

Built by the Uljanik Shipyard in Croatia, the Scenic Eclipse originally entered service for Scenic Cruises in mid-2019.

The 16,500-ton vessel was later followed by a sister ship, the Scenic Eclipse II, which debuted in April 2023.

Disney Dream Enters Drydock in France

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Disney Dream in the historic city of Liverpool, Photo credit Spacejunkie2 Flickr Images

The Disney Dream is currently in drydock at the Damen Shipyard in Brest, France, to undergo a series of significant upgrades.

After completing its summer program in Europe, the Disney Cruise Line vessel arrived at the facility on September 16, 2024.

In addition to routine maintenance, technical work and class items, the Disney Dream will see refurbishment of its public areas during the month-long dry dock.

As part of the project, the 2011-built ship is getting a new funnel suite, as well as revamped youth spaces, a refreshed spa, and additional dining options.

Named the Dream Tower Suite, the duplex funnel suite is being created on the vessel’s forward funnel and pays homage to Walt Disney Animation Studio’s Fantasia movie.

According to Disney Cruise Line, the stateroom will feature Art Deco motifs, celestial-inspired designs and a chandelier reminiscent of a scene from the movie.

The Disney Dream is also receiving a new Concierge Lounge inspired by Disney Animation’s Hercules and its Mount Olympus.

Other new features include a new Mexican cantina restaurant, a revamped spa, which is receiving more treatment rooms, and a new check-in room.

The youth areas onboard will also undergo renovations, with Edge, the tween club for guests aged 11-14, moving to Deck 5 and getting an outdoor deck equipped with a ball pit and more.

After completing the work, the Disney Dream is set to welcome guests back in Southampton for a trans-Atlantic crossing.

Sailing from England to Fort Lauderdale, the 13-night repositioning voyage will depart on October 20, 2024.

Starting in early November, the ship will offer a series of three- to five-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, departing from Port Everglades.

In addition to Castaway Cay, the itineraries feature visits to Disney’s new private island destination of Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Carnival Splendor Returns to Sydney with Upgrades After Drydock

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The Carnival Splendor is set to return to Sydney on September 9, showcasing a range of new upgrades after undergoing a drydock in Singapore, according to a press release.

The ship now features enhanced dining venues, refurbished staterooms and a new red, white, and blue hull design that includes a Southern Cross motif—an element familiar to P&O Cruises Australia ships that will soon join the Carnival fleet.

Kara Glamore, Carnival Cruise Line Australia vice president, said: “From her beautiful new look outside to the upgraded amenities and new entertainment onboard, Carnival Splendor has more fun to offer our guests sailing from Sydney than ever before.”

Among the ship’s new offerings are the new and updated menus from grill restaurant Mad Sizzle, the Indian restaurant Masala Tiger and other dining venues, such as Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.

Refurbishment extends to the staterooms, where balconies have been fully upgraded and suites now feature new whirlpool tubs.

Wellness amenities have also seen improvements, with updates to the basketball court, jogging track and gym equipment, as well as a refreshed Thalasso therapy pool at Cloud 9 Spa.

Families will find new excitement in the revamped Carnival waterpark, featuring waterslides and the Splashy Cove children’s play area. The mini-golf course has also been fully refreshed, and Camp Ocean and Club 02 now offer new video gaming areas.

The casino and retail shops have been refreshed for more entertainment. Carnival Splendor has also introduced the new Playlist Productions show, “Dear Future Husband,” which premiered in Australia earlier this year. The interactive pop musical follows a wedding adventure onboard a Carnival cruise. After the show, guests are invited to join the cast for a wedding reception-themed party.

By March 2025, the ship will be joined by Carnival Luminosa and two additional sister ships, the Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter, which will be renamed the Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter following their transition from P&O Cruises Australia.