Carnival Valor Is Returning to New Orleans for Caribbean Cruises With a New Look — and a Waterpark 

Carnival Valor resumed operations on Thursday after an extensive dry-dock that added a WaterWorks aqua park, a Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge and a series of ship-wide accessibility and amenity upgrades.

The 2,980-guest ship welcomed its first post-refit passengers in Barcelona and is now sailing a one-time Carnival Journeys transatlantic voyage that will reposition the vessel to its year-round homeport of New Orleans.

Carnival Cruise Line said the refurbishment balanced new attractions with behind-the-scenes improvements designed to enhance guest comfort. The top-deck WaterWorks complex features twin slides, while the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge on Deck 5 becomes the 16th such venue in the fleet, honoring active-duty military members and veterans.

“Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge is a heartfelt salute to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country — and it’s fitting to have this popular venue now featured on Carnival Valor, a ship named in honor of our heroes,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, in a statement.

Staterooms received new USB outlets and upgraded lighting, the casino was expanded and reconfigured, and the spa and gym were rebranded as a “Cloud 9” Spa. Other additions include a Dream Studio for private photo sessions on Deck 3 and a Carnival Adventures shore-excursion desk on Deck 5.

Public areas across the vessel were refreshed with new carpeting, lighting and improved accessibility pathways, while youth spaces — Camp Ocean, Circle “C” and Club O2 — added updated gaming walls, LED features and karaoke zones.

Once in New Orleans, Carnival Valor will resume its schedule of four- and five-day Western Caribbean cruises featuring calls at Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico.