Carnival Ship Shines Brighter Than Ever After Exciting Upgrades

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Cruise ships typically enjoy a lifespan of 20-30 years or even longer, yet with thousands of passengers each week, they can start to appear aged and less appealing after only a few years.

This necessity for upkeep is why ships undergo regular maintenance in dry docks, and the Carnival Radiance has certainly emerged more stunning than ever following its latest refurbishment.

The ship, weighing in at 101,509 gross tons and known previously as Carnival Victory, entered dry dock on September 8, 2024. It underwent comprehensive updates over the next 15 days, before returning to service on September 24.

The youth facilities on the ship, including Camp Ocean, Club O2, and Circle C, located forward on Deck 12, have been completely revitalized to provide fresh and enjoyable environments for younger guests to connect with new friends.

The sprightly sports amenities have also seen upgrades, featuring the dynamic Sport Square on Deck 11, which includes a ropes course and basketball court, alongside a tropical-themed miniature golf course on Deck 12.

Those seeking mementos from their unforgettable cruise experience will be pleased to find the gift shops have been modernized with the latest Carnival merchandise, ranging from upscale jewelry and watches to Carnival-branded items, all available tax and duty free. The Fun Shops can be found forward on Deck 5, Promenade Deck.

For travelers eager to make lasting memories at each port of call, the enhancements to the Carnival Adventures desk will be especially beneficial, as this is the spot where travelers can arrange their shore excursions and maximize their experiences in various destinations.

Tours can be arranged via the Carnival Hub app or online prior to departure. Once onboard, guests can visit the Carnival Adventures desk located at the front on the port side of Deck 3, also known as the Lobby Deck.

For those looking to try their luck, the casino is available midship on Deck 5, Promenade Deck. This newly revamped space features upgraded flooring, improved lighting, and a selection of thrilling new games that promise larger jackpots and an enticing gaming experience for all guests.

Besides these exciting enhancements for Carnival Radiance, various public areas have undergone general refurbishments and touch-ups as needed. Accessibility updates compliant with the ADA have also been implemented in public spaces and certain staterooms to guarantee everyone can enjoy their cruise.

Additionally, important technical updates behind the scenes ensure that the ship’s systems are working optimally, allowing for safe and smooth sailing as it prepares to welcome passengers once again.

Carnival Radiance is based year-round out of Long Beach, California, featuring 3- and 4-night cruises to Baja Mexico, where it stops at Ensenada for the shorter journeys and includes both Ensenada and Catalina Island for the longer excursions.

The ship also schedules special 5- and 6-night voyages to the Mexican Riviera, making stops at Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, a sought-after location at the southern end of the Baja Peninsula.

Notably, Carnival Radiance features extended Carnival Journeys cruises, which are 14-night adventures from Long Beach to Hawaii, including stops at Maui, Honolulu, Kauai, and Hilo. The upcoming Hawaii voyage is scheduled for Sunday, October 13, 2024, with another Carnival Journeys departure set for December 1.

In addition, the ship will be providing these much-desired, once-in-a-lifetime journeys in 2025 and 2026, with several departures throughout the year to ensure that every traveler has a chance to experience the Aloha State in the unique Carnival flair.

Carnival Radiance has the capacity to accommodate 2,984 passengers at double occupancy, with a maximum of 3,873 guests when fully booked. The ship boasts over 1,100 international crew members dedicated to providing exceptional service to all onboard.

This most recent dry dock marks the first since Carnival Radiance began operations after its extensive transformation from Carnival Victory in 2021. During this period, the vessel underwent a remarkable $200 million refurbishment that led to its renaming and rechristening as a new member of the fleet.

The significant renovation featured the introduction of a new red, white, and blue hull design, along with the addition of 110 new staterooms and suites, expanded retail areas, and an array of popular Carnival amenities, including the Java Blue Cafe, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Big Chicken eatery, Cucina Del Capitano, and much more.

Read Also: Free Carnival Cruise Dining Options You’ll Want to Know (With Menus!)

In the past, the vessel known as Carnival Victory was launched in 2000 and regularly received dry dock maintenance every three to five years, based on its requirements and scheduling.

The next maintenance period for Carnival Radiance is tentatively set for September 2026, although this timeframe may change due to the needs of the fleet, urgent repairs, availability at the shipyard, and other priorities.

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