Carnival Freedom has completed a 35-day dry dock at Chantier Naval de Marseille in Marseille, France, and is returning to service with significant upgrades. The refurbishment includes a new whale tail funnel with a reduced height to provide access to additional ports. The ship’s casino has been redesigned, adding over 100 new gaming machines. Other enhancements installed during the dry dock feature a refreshed video arcade, updated retail areas, and improved accessibility measures throughout the vessel. Carnival Freedom also received Carnival Cruise Line’s new “From Sea to Shining Sea” bow crest, symbolizing the company as America’s cruise line.
New 2028/29 Itineraries from Norfolk Open for Booking
Carnival Cruise
Line has opened reservations for Carnival Freedom’s itineraries through the 2028 and 2029 seasons departing from Norfolk, Virginia. These new sailings vary between six and eight days and travel to destinations including The Bahamas, Bermuda, the Eastern Caribbean, and Canada. Specific ports on the itineraries include Celebration Key, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove. Passengers booking these voyages will experience the ship’s enhanced amenities such as the expanded casino and revitalized entertainment and retail venues.
Post-Refurbishment Sailings Starting Late 2026
Carnival Freedom is scheduled to arrive in Barcelona, Spain, on October 9, 2026. The ship will embark on an eight-day Mediterranean cruise
departing that day, followed by a 13-day transatlantic voyage under Carnival Journeys. The vessel will then reach Port Canaveral, Florida, on October 30, 2026, and will remain homeported there through May 2027. After that period, Carnival Freedom will reposition to Norfolk, Virginia, to begin the new sailing season.
