Carnival Radiance Returned to Long Beach After Drydock

The 101,509-ton cruise ship has resumed year-round sailing operations from the Port of Long Beach.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Cruises

Screen-print poster illustration of a large cruise ship bow docked at a harbor, evoking a vintage travel aesthetic. — The Carnival Radiance cruise ship resumed year-round service from the Port of Long Beach on Tuesday following a two-week maintenance drydock in Canada. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Following a 15-day drydock period at a shipyard in Victoria, Canada, the Carnival Radiance returned to its home port of Long Beach on October 3, 2026. The vessel completed interior refreshes and upgrades to its jewelry boutique.

Why it matters

The maintenance ensures the vessel remains equipped for its year-round service, which reached a 25-year milestone in August 2026. Additionally, the ship now features a new bow crest in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary.

The 101,509-ton ship completed its 15-day drydock period before arriving in Long Beach. The vessel serves the region with four- and five-day cruises to Baja Mexico and select 14-day journeys to Hawaii.

The players

Carnival Radiance

This is a 101,509-ton cruise ship that offers year-round sailings to Mexico and Hawaii from its home port.

Seaspan

This is the shipyard operator located in Victoria, Canada, that performed the 15-day drydock maintenance.

The details

The ship underwent comprehensive refreshes across its interior and open deck spaces to improve the guest experience. The project also introduced a new 'From Sea to Shining Sea' bow crest, a design set to be implemented across the cruise line's U.S. fleet in future drydocks.

August 2026 marked 25 years of service for the vessel.
The ship arrived back in Long Beach on October 3, 2026.

Travel Outlook

The introduction of the new bow crest aligns the vessel's branding with the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. This follows a long-standing tradition of cruise lines updating ship aesthetics to reflect major national milestones or historical themes.

Travelers looking to book cruises to Baja Mexico or the Mexican Riviera can now access the updated amenities on board the Carnival Radiance. Passengers interested in longer 14-day journeys to Hawaii should check the current schedule for specific departure dates.

The takeaway

Regular drydock maintenance is essential for keeping large vessels operational and comfortable for guests over multi-decade lifespans. Travelers benefit from these upgrades through improved cabin interiors, refreshed deck spaces, and modernized onboard boutiques.