Carnival Valor completed a comprehensive refurbishment at Navantia Cádiz, combining technical maintenance, class inspections and general upkeep with major passenger-area improvements. A WaterWorks aqua park with twin slides and a Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge were added. Staterooms received USB connections and improved lighting, while the casino was expanded and reconfigured with new gaming options. The spa and gym were upgraded and rebranded as Cloud 9 Spa. A Dreams Studio and Carnival Adventures venue were introduced, and youth facilities were refreshed, including Camp Ocean's fleet-first LED feature wall and new gaming and karaoke experiences in Circle C and Club O2. Public-area carpeting was renewed, and accessibility improvements included enhanced pathways and facilities. The ship welcomed passengers in Barcelona on June 11 for its transatlantic return to New Orleans.

Carnival Valor completed a 21-day dry dock at Chantier Naval de Marseille as part of Carnival's preparations to return the vessel to service following the COVID-19 shutdown. The ship underwent scheduled technical maintenance, inspection and repair work and received Carnival's new red, white and blue hull livery, becoming the fourth ship in the fleet to receive the new design. The yard period prepared Carnival Valor for her eventual return to passenger operations from New Orleans in November 2021.