Carnival Valor Enters Drydock for Upgrades in Spain

Earlier this month, Carnival Valor arrived in the Mediterranean for a scheduled drydock at the Navantia shipyard in Cádiz, Spain.

The ship made its way across the Atlantic after departing New Orleans in late April, offering a 16-night repositioning cruise. Along the way, guests visited ports in the Bahamas, Portugal, and Spain.

This transatlantic journey marked the ship’s first time calling at several destinations, including Funchal and Ponta Delgada. Prior to its arrival in Barcelona, Carnival Valor also stopped at Nassau, Málaga, and Alicante.

Now docked at Navantia’s drydock number four, the vessel—originally launched in 2004—is undergoing standard maintenance, along with technical upgrades and class certification checks.

Refurbishment efforts will include updates to public spaces and staterooms. These enhancements will involve replacing carpets, upgrading upholstery, and performing other general improvements.

One notable addition to the ship is the Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge, a military-themed venue being introduced across the Carnival fleet. The bar pays tribute to members of the Armed Forces and their families.

The lounge’s menu includes items that support a charitable organization providing rent-free housing to military families. As of now, the venue can be found on 14 other Carnival ships.

Once drydock work is complete, Carnival Valor is scheduled to reboard guests in Barcelona on June 11, 2025. From there, it will begin a 15-night transatlantic voyage back to New Orleans, with stops in Spain and Portugal along the way.

Upon returning to its homeport, the 2,974-passenger ship will resume its routine schedule of four- and five-night cruises to the Western Caribbean. These itineraries include visits to Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Progreso in Mexico.

Carnival Valor is the second ship in the Carnival fleet to be serviced at Navantia this year. It will be followed by Carnival Liberty, due to arrive at the facility later this May. Carnival Miracle, currently sailing European itineraries, also visited the shipyard earlier this month.