Carnival Cruise Line has returned Carnival Valor to service following a dry dock that introduced several upgrades, including the addition of a WaterWorks aqua park and a Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge.

The ship welcomed its first guests aboard in Barcelona and will now reposition to New Orleans on a transatlantic Carnival Journeys voyage.

The refurbishment included both new features and accessibility improvements, with enhanced pathways and upgraded public facilities. One of the major additions is the WaterWorks aqua park on the top deck, featuring twin slides and a redesigned space geared toward family recreation.

On Deck 5, the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge provides a dedicated space for active-duty military and veterans. This venue is now available on 16 ships across the fleet.

“Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge is a tribute to those who have served and continue to serve,” said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line. “It’s fitting to have this venue on Carnival Valor, a ship named in honour of our heroes.”

Elsewhere on board, staterooms were updated with new USB outlets and improved lighting. The ship’s casino was expanded and modernised with new gaming options.

The spa and gym facilities were rebranded as a Cloud 9 Spa, with refreshed spaces for treatments and workouts.

A new Dream Studio for personalised photo sessions was added on Deck 3, and the Carnival Adventures shore excursion desk has been introduced on Deck 5.

Youth spaces were also overhauled. Camp Ocean now includes a fleet-first LED feature wall for interactive programming and multi-player games, while Circle “C” and Club 02 offer new gaming and karaoke experiences tailored for teens and older children. Additional improvements include new carpets and general refurbishments throughout public areas, contributing to a more modern onboard environment.

Carnival Valor will resume its regular year-round schedule from New Orleans, sailing four- and five-day Western Caribbean itineraries with calls in Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico.