Carnival Valor Returns to the Water After Dry Dock

A refurbished Carnival Valor returns to the water

After emerging from dry dock, the refurbished Carnival Valor returns to welcome its first guests in Barcelona and is now heading across the Atlantic toward New Orleans. From there, it will offer 4- and 5-day Western Caribbean cruises that stop in destinations like Cozumel and Progreso.                                                              

The ship boasts several new features, including a WaterWorks aqua park and a Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge. The renovations also included accessibility upgrades throughout the vessel’s public areas. 

“Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge is a heartfelt salute to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country±and it’s fitting to have this popular venue now featured on Carnival Valor, a ship named in honor of our heroes,” says Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We’re proud that more military families choose Carnival for their well-deserved vacations than any other cruise line.”

Crews also upgraded the ship’s staterooms, refreshed the casino, rebranded the spa and gym facilities as a Cloud 9 Spa, added a Dream Studio for personalized photo sessions and created a new Carnival Adventures center for booking shore excursions.

Several of Carnival Valor’s spaces for kids and teens also got upgrades, including Camp Ocean, Circle “C” and Club 02. Other improvements include upgraded carpets and general refurbishments across all public areas.

Carnival Valor returned to service today after a comprehensive dry dock, with significant upgrades that elevate guest comfort and add new features, including a new WaterWorks aqua park and a Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge. The ship welcomed its first guests aboard in Barcelona, marking the debut of its enhancements, and will now sail home to New Orleans on a special Carnival Journeys transatlantic voyage.

Along with adding new features, the refurbishment also prioritized accessibility, with sweeping upgrades throughout public areas – from enhanced pathways to improved facilities. One of the ship’s most significant additions is the WaterWorks aqua park, featuring twin slides that promise excitement for thrill enthusiasts of all ages. This popular Carnival attraction transforms the ship’s top deck into a fun-filled paradise perfect for families. And on Deck 5, the addition of the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge creates a dedicated gathering space that honors the many active-duty military and veterans who sail with Carnival. The venue is now featured on 16 Carnival ships across the fleet.

“Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge is a heartfelt salute to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country – and it’s fitting to have this popular venue now featured on Carnival Valor, a ship named in honor of our heroes,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We’re proud that more military families choose Carnival for their well-deserved vacations than any other cruise line.”

Guests will also notice upgrades in staterooms across the ship, including new USB outlets and enhanced lighting for added convenience. The ship’s casino was refreshed and expanded, offering new gaming options and an improved layout. The ship’s spa and gym facilities were rebranded as a Cloud 9 Spa, creating a revitalized environment for wellness treatments and workout routines. A Dream Studio, for personalized photo sessions, was added on Deck 3, and guests can learn about and book shore excursions at the new Carnival Adventures on Deck 5. Younger cruisers will also enjoy refreshed spaces with amenities tailored to various age groups and interests, including Camp Ocean’s new fleet-first LED feature wall that offers engaging programming and multi-player video gaming for little ones, as well as new gaming and karaoke experiences in Circle “C” and Club 02 for older children and teens. Other improvements include upgraded carpets and general refurbishments across all public areas, creating a fresh, modern atmosphere that reflects Carnival’s commitment to continuous improvement.

Once home in New Orleans, Carnival Valor will continue its popular year-round itinerary schedule, sailing four- and five-day Western Caribbean cruises that feature stops in popular Mexican ports such as Cozumel and Progreso.

This article originally appeared in Travelpulse and on the Carnival website.

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