Cruise Lines Leverage Drydocks to Add Capacity to Existing Ships

Cruise Lines Leverage Drydocks to Add Capacity to Existing Ships

Cruise lines continue to add a significant number of staterooms to existing ships during routine drydocks, as highlighted in the new 2026 Drydock Report from Cruise Industry News.

The additional capacity generally fills in under utilized public areas, with revenue that flows right to the bottom line.

Among upcoming programs, the 2016-built Ovation of the Seas will see the addition of 40 new staterooms, which will take over space currently occupied by various public areas.

Also included in the company’s modernization effort, the Harmony of the Seas is set to enter drydock in April for a refit that will include the creation of 91 additional staterooms.

A third ship is also getting a significant capacity increase with 68 new staterooms: the Liberty of the Seas.

Silversea’s Silver Muse saw a seven percent increase in 2025.

After entering drydock in November, the 2017-built vessel returned to service with 18 smaller staterooms replacing its original larger suites.

Norwegian Cruise Line continued to expand its ships’ capacities in 2025 by adding 26 additional staterooms to the Norwegian Bliss. The increase followed similar projects carried out onboard the Norwegian Joy and the Norwegian Encore in 2024.

A second ship, the Pride of America, saw the addition of 26 new staterooms during a drydock on the West Coast in May.

Other key capacity addition projects:

  • Celestyal Discovery – 47 new staterooms
  • Carnival Miracle – 5 new staterooms
  • Holland America’s Zuiderdam – 11 new staterooms
  • Norwegian Epic – 8 new staterooms

MSC Cruises Unveils Yacht Club Experience at Miami Grand Prix

MSC Cruises Unveils Yacht Club Experience at Miami Grand Prix

MSC Cruises will unveil a new MSC Yacht Club experience for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix from May 1 to 3, according to a press release.

The all-new hospitality centerpiece will deliver elevated luxury and immersive design for guests across five decks of a lifelike yacht and is set to become the highlight of the Marina on the inside of Turns 5 to 9.

“MSC Cruises’ partnership with Formula 1 continues to grow and evolve, and the MSC Yacht Club at the Miami Grand Prix is a perfect expression of who we are as a brand—combining innovation, luxury hospitality and world-class experiences in one extraordinary setting,” said Suzanne Salas, executive vice president of marketing, e-commerce and sales for MSC Cruises.

“Formula 1 represents the very best in performance, spectacle and international appeal, which makes this the perfect venue for MSC Cruises to offer fans the seamless blend of European style and American comfort guests enjoy onboard our ships.”

The MSC Yacht Club will become the highlight of the Marina presented by MSC Cruises at the Miami International Autodrome. The lifelike super yacht will measure 264 feet in length, have a width of 96 feet and will be 50 feet tall at its highest point.

Positioned at one of the circuit’s most dynamic sections, the MSC Yacht Club will place guests directly alongside one of the most exciting corners on the track’s layout, delivering dramatic views of up to five turns.

The MSC Yacht Club at the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix is inspired by MSC Cruises’ luxury ship-within-a-ship onboard experience, also named the MSC Yacht Club.

The Miami Grand Prix version will feature five levels totaling 32,000 square feet, with each deck offering a different guest experience.

At the heart of the experience is a culinary program curated by Bagatelle, the hospitality brand. Bagatelle sets the tone for dining throughout the weekend.

“From the very beginning, the Marina presented by MSC Cruises has been one of the defining features of our race,” said Katharina Nowak, president of the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix.

“In creating the MSC Yacht Club, we wanted to elevate that iconic space by providing something even more immersive, refined and connected to racing.”

The structure is the event’s biggest new offering since 2023 when a new Paddock Club building was constructed.

The reimagined Marina presented by MSC Cruises will also feature a new general admission area with an elevated viewing platform inside Turn 7.

Magnifica to Take Over MSC’s 2027 World Cruise

Magnifica to Take Over MSC’s 2027 World Cruise

MSC Magnifica under the Forth Bridge, photo credit Spacejunkie2, Flickr Account

The MSC Magnifica will take over MSC Cruises’ 2027 World Cruise, which was initially set to take place onboard the MSC Musica.

According to a press release, the 2,550-guest ship will embark on the global voyage after undergoing a major refurbishment in late 2025.

Departing from ports in Italy, Spain and France in early January 2027, the 121-night cruise is set to visit 45 destinations in 25 countries.

According to MSC, the itinerary is highlighted by seven overnight stays in key ports of call, including Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Buenos Aires in Argentina, Sydney in Australia and Tahiti in French Polynesia.

With the ship getting a new MSC Yacht Club during its refit, the 2027 World Cruise will also mark the first time that the global voyage offers the company’s upscale suite enclave.

Set to debut onboard the vessel in early 2026, the VIP area will include 63 new suites, as well as an exclusive solarium and a private lounge.

Guests staying in a Yacht Club suite will also be able to dine in a dedicated restaurant, which will serve a premium menu.

Built in 2010, the MSC Magnifica will be the first Musica-class ship to offer the suite enclave, which was first introduced by MSC’s Fantasia class in 2008.

During its refit, in addition to the MSC Yacht Club, the vessel is also getting an updated spa and a new fitness centre.

Then set to take place onboard the MSC Musica, MSC’s 2027 World Cruise was initially announced in late 2024.

As the first ship in the company’s namesake class, the 2006-built ship was scheduled to operate the global voyage for the first time.

The MSC Magnifica is also scheduled to offer MSC’s 2026 World Cruise, which departs from Europe next January.

Set to start operations ahead of the ship’s following summer season, the MSC Yacht Club won’t be available for guests sailing on the 119-night global voyage.