Labor Strike Forces Carnival Ship From Dry Dock Early

Carnival Cruise Line is seeking €4.5 million in compensation from Spain’s Navantia shipyard following a labor-related disruption that forced the early withdrawal of the Carnival Liberty from dry dock. The unexpected interruption upended a planned refurbishment and caused a ripple effect on the vessel’s scheduled operations.

The Carnival Liberty entered the Cádiz-based shipyard in early June to undergo technical maintenance and a comprehensive interior refit. However, soon after the project began, a strike organized by the regional metalworkers’ union led to widespread delays.

While the formal strike action was slated for June 18 and 19, further issues emerged as subcontractors withheld services and work slowed beyond the official stoppage, reportedly using the cruise ship as leverage in labor negotiations, according to local media.

By June 21, the situation had escalated to the point that Navantia was only able to assign around 20 workers to undock the vessel without the aid of subcontractors. Though this action prevented further deterioration of the conflict, it left the core issues unresolved. Carnival has now submitted a formal claim for financial damages, pointing to the operational setbacks and associated losses caused by the delay.

Ben Clement, Carnival’s Executive Vice President for Maritime and New Builds, traveled to Cádiz to meet directly with shipyard representatives. During discussions, Carnival stressed that the ongoing instability could jeopardize future collaborations. The company currently has plans for 11 more ship visits to the Cádiz yard, though none are firmly scheduled.

With the Cádiz portion of the refurbishment incomplete, the Carnival Liberty is now en route to Chantier Naval de Marseille in France, where the remaining work will be finished.

AIS data indicates the vessel is expected to arrive in Marseille on June 24, 2025. This move reflects a pattern Carnival has used before: earlier this year, Carnival Spirit was dry-docked in Marseille, while Carnival Miracle and Carnival Valor underwent similar work in Cádiz.

The labor unrest has had implications beyond the shipyard. As reported by media outlets, the Liberty's July 6, 2026 departure from New Orleans has been cancelled. Guests were notified by email on June 23—less than two weeks ahead of the scheduled cruise—citing the European delay and the work stoppage as the cause for the cancellation.