Carnival Spirit has returned to service following a month-long dry dock that introduced a range of upgrades and enhancements.
Guests who boarded the ship in Barcelona this past weekend are the first to experience the improvements as the ship begins a back-to-back journey—first crossing the Atlantic to Miami and then transiting the Panama Canal to Seattle, where it will reposition for the Alaska summer season.
Key Enhancements on Carnival Spirit
The most notable addition is the Heroes Tribute Bar, a venue honoring active-duty military personnel and veterans. This popular bar, now featured on 14 Carnival ships, is a space where service members and their families can gather and connect.
“The new Heroes Tribute Bar and all the other upgrades to Carnival Spirit are part of our ongoing effort to continually enhance our existing fleet with features we know our guests appreciate and enjoy,” said Lisa McCabe, Carnival’s vice president of refurbishments.
Other areas of the ship have been upgraded, including the Cloud 9 Spa, Fitness Center, and retail shops. The 2,124-passenger vessel also has a new Carnival Adventures Shop and Dreams Studio.
Meanwhile, the casino was refreshed with a new look, layout, and additional gaming machines, while the nightclub was moved to Deck 2, replacing the two-story venue on Deck 1. A dedicated space for Chef’s Table was added on Deck 1, and the main theater now includes stairs to the stage. All youth program spaces were also upgraded.
Additional Changes
Other improvements following the dry dock include:
- Removal of the casino bar
- New carpet, curtains, and mattresses in cabins, along with tableside lamps featuring USB ports and electrical outlets
- Updated carpet and paint throughout the ship
- Removal of the hot tub in the fitness area and spa
- Rebranded steakhouse
- More machines and weights in the gym
- Two Java Cafes, with the coffee shop now located next to the Serenity Bar
- ADA enhancements, including lifts for pools and hot tubs
Unique Itineraries Before Alaska Season
Carnival Spirit is currently sailing a 14-day voyage across the Atlantic, stopping in Malaga and Cadiz, Spain; Ponta Delgada, Portugal; and Bermuda before arriving in Miami on March 30. From there, it will embark on a 15-day journey through the Panama Canal, with stops in Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
The ship is scheduled to arrive in Seattle on April 14, where it will begin a series of week-long Alaska cruises, visiting destinations such as Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Victoria, Canada.
Part of Carnival’s Ongoing Fleet Enhancements
Carnival Spirit’s dry dock follows similar refurbishments completed last year on Carnival Legend and Carnival Panorama, both of which underwent enhancements to improve the guest experience.
With these updates and an exciting season ahead, Carnival Spirit is ready to welcome passengers.
