Drydocking season may not be the highlight of a cruise line’s calendar from a guest perspective, but for ship managers and operations teams, it’s a pivotal time of the year. This is when we press pause on itineraries to give our vessels the attention they need — whether that’s overhauling technical systems, refreshing guest-facing areas, or introducing next-generation sustainability upgrades.
At COLUMBIA cruise services we know that the work behind the scenes is a masterclass in precision planning, logistics, and execution — all in readiness for when cruise line guests will see the post-drydock glow. Here, some insights about the drydocking process.
The Strategic Art Of Scheduling
Every cruise line operates with a fine balance between revenue-generating sailings and the mandatory maintenance periods required by international maritime regulations. Class societies typically mandate drydockings every five years, but we often take the opportunity to align these windows with brand refreshes and mechanical upgrades.
Scheduling drydock periods is a long-term exercise — usually planned two to three years in advance. We evaluate:
- Itinerary gaps or shoulder seasons to minimise disruption.
- Yard availability and regional suitability (for example, Asia-based ships may drydock in Singapore or China, while Caribbean vessels often go to Europe or the U.S. East Coast).
- Scope of work and whether the ship can be floated in/out or needs a full docking.
This isn’t just a matter of logistics — it’s a financial and reputational balancing act. Every day in drydock is a day not earning revenue, so we aim to execute our plans with military precision.
The Drydock Itself: Controlled Chaos
Once the vessel enters the yard, the clock starts ticking. Ship managers coordinate hundreds of contractors, technical teams, and shipboard crew in a tightly choreographed schedule that may span 10 to 21 days. In that time, we address:
- Hull cleaning and painting
- Propulsion system overhauls
- HVAC and plumbing system upgrades
- New equipment installation (galley, laundry, bridge systems)
- Guest area refurbishments — everything from carpet and lighting to full restaurant redesigns
Drydocks are often the only window when we can complete “hot work” (welding, cutting, structural changes) without impacting guests. That opens the door for ambitious enhancements — think new lounges, upgraded pool decks, or hybrid power systems.
Crew Involvement: A Fleet-Wide Effort
Shipboard crew play an essential role in drydock success. Many stay on board to assist contractors, maintain systems, and prepare the ship for relaunch. We also bring in brand specialists, marine engineers, hotel operations teams, and even corporate leadership to supervise and support.
For larger projects, a temporary project office is set up dockside to oversee workstreams, run safety briefings, and manage around-the-clock schedules. Communication is constant — and every hour counts.
Upgrades That Matter
Guests may not always notice a new azipod system or ballast water treatment upgrade, but they’ll feel the difference in smoother sailing, improved air quality, and faster tender operations. More visible changes — like refreshed staterooms, new culinary venues, or tech-enabled stateroom controls — help us stay competitive in an increasingly sophisticated market.
We also use drydock as a chance to advance our ESG commitments. That means installing shore power connections, retrofitting scrubbers, optimising energy systems, and introducing circular waste solutions. These aren’t just upgrades — they’re strategic steps toward a more responsible, resilient fleet.
Planning For The Next Decade
Fleet modernisation doesn’t stop with a single drydock. Each session feeds into a longer-term lifecycle plan. Our management teams continuously monitor wear, guest feedback, fuel efficiency, and system diagnostics to prioritise future investments. As new regulations emerge and technologies evolve, our drydocks become more than maintenance — they become milestones.
To the outside world, drydock season may look like a break — but for us in cruise operations, it’s go-time. It’s where engineering, hospitality, design, and logistics intersect with a shared goal: keeping our ships safe, modern, and unforgettable.
And when those gangways reopen and the ship sets sail looking and performing better than ever? That’s when we know the planning paid off.
