Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is to spend $900 mill on fleet refurbishments in the next four years.
Called the ‘Royal Amplified’ programme, it involves 10 ships being upgraded in four years, including ‘Oasis’ and ‘Allure of the Seas’, as well as all ‘Freedom’ and ‘Voyager’ class ships.
The programme has been put together to introduce a wide range of features and new experiences that will further build on Royal Caribbean’s global vacation offering, the company said.
In developing the programme, RCI analysed multiple years of guest satisfaction ratings, venue usage data and crew interviews to focus the major investment on key features and experiences that matter most to travellers.
Full details on each ship’s new amenities will be revealed on a continuous basis in the next three years, RCI said.
“Royal Amplified is built on our passion for innovation, relentless attention to detail and commitment to always exceeding our guests’ expectations,” said Michael Bayley, RCI President and CEO. “We sail with more than five million guests worldwide each year, and recognise the need to always innovate and stay ahead of the curve. We have designed this programme to wow our loyal guests, while also attracting the next generation of adventurers.”
Outside decks will be redesigned. From pools specifically designed for family fun and relaxing spa-like environments, to lively activities day and night, to more specialised pool spaces catering for diverse preferences. Upper decks will also be redesigned with exciting new attractions, such as Sky Pad, a virtual reality, bungee trampoline experience, along with waterslides, and waterparks.
Royal Caribbean will also introduce more speciality dining concepts, including more of the cruise line’s recently unveiled experiences, including Hooked Seafood, Royal Caribbean’s New England-style restaurant; Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, and family-friendly El Loco Fresh with popular Mexican fare. Additional casual, grab-and-go eateries to keep guests fed between their adventures will also be fitted on board.
In addition to new bars and night spots like The Bamboo Room, and a signature outdoor Caribbean Bar will be included. Other new concepts include a music hall, a karaoke area, and a lounge-style nightclub.
’Royal Amplified’ per ship involves –
⦁ Freedom Class – ‘Independence of the Seas’ will be the first ship in the programme to undergo multimillion-dollar upgrades, including Sky Pad, Battle for Planet Z, a glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience; The Perfect Storm trio of waterslides and a new Escape Room: The Observatorium challenge, where competitors can solve a series of riddles to unravel a mystery, plus the addition of new dining venues, from Fish and Ships to Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Izumi Hibachi and Sushi and Sugar Beach. ‘Freedom of the Seas’ will be up next, gaining new features in 2020, followed by ‘Liberty of the Seas’ in 2021.
⦁ Voyager Class – In summer 2018, the transformation of Royal Caribbean’s short Caribbean cruises will begin with the $90 mill refurbishment of ‘Mariner of the Seas’. The programme will continue in 2019 on sistership ‘Navigator of the Seas’, which also will be redesigned to specifically cater to those who seek a quick getaway.
⦁ Oasis Class – ‘Oasis of the Seas’ will be completely redesigned in Autumn 2019, 10 years after her debut. She will be followed by ‘Allure of the Seas’ in spring 2020.
