The cruise ship Costa Smeralda, operated by Costa Cruises, has docked this week at Chantiers Naval de Marseille in France to begin a planned dry dock. The 2019-built vessel — now over 6 years in service — will undergo its second major out-of-service overhaul since delivery.
During this maintenance period, inspectors from the classification society are to examine all principal safety and technical systems aboard the ship, to ensure compliance and seaworthiness.
In addition to regulatory inspections, the work schedule calls for upgrades and refurbishment: hull cleaning and repainting, renewal of flooring and furniture, and other improvements that cannot be carried out while the ship is in active operation.
According to Costa’s plans, all works are to be completed by December 11th, 2025, enabling the ship to resume its schedule on December 12th, from Savona, Italy.
Once back in service, Costa Smeralda is slated to return to its winter schedule of week-long cruises through the Western Mediterranean.