The cruise line which builds the world’s largest ships, Royal Caribbean has signalled its plans to revamp 10 of its cruise ships as well as scouting for private islands in Australia.
“Royal Caribbean is always on the look-out for new opportunities to deliver guests exceptional destination experiences, and we are currently considering multiple locations for the Perfect Day concept around the world,” said a RCCL spokesperson.
The line will be spending US$900 million – starting with Independence of the Seas as well as Mariner of the Seas.
The ‘Royal Amplified’ program will affect every part of the passenger experience on all Freedom-class and Voyager-class ships as well as Oasis and Allure of the Seas. This includes specialised pools for families as well as the VR bungee trampoline experience called Sky Pad.
Independence of the Seas will be the first to get the refresh and is getting the Sky Pad, laser tag, The Perfect Storm trio of slides, a new escape room as well as new dining venues like Fish and Ships, a seaside seafood eatery which serves favourites like fish and chips, Izumi Hibachi and Sushi serving Japanese delicacies as well as Sugar Beach.
Mariner of the Seas will be getting a $90 million refurbishment which includes the Sky Pad as well as laser tag, a new dining option called The Bamboo Room as well as Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade.
The line will also be refurbishing Oasis of the Seas in 2019, 10 years after her debut with new pools, activities, bars as well as new restaurants and onboard experiences similar to that of Symphony of the Seas. Allure of the Seas will also be getting a refreshed look in 2020.
“Royal Amplified is built on our passion for innovation, relentless attention to detail and commitment to always exceeding our guests’ expectations,” Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International told Cruise Critic.
“We sail with more than five million guests worldwide each year, and recognize the need to always innovate and stay ahead of the curve.”
Here are some of the big things to expect from Royal Caribbean over the next four years.
Private islands
Aside from the 10 ships, Royal Caribbean also announced it would be developing its private islands around the world in other destinations like Asia, Australia and the Caribbean. The ‘Perfect Day Island Collection’ includes the relaunch of the line’s private Bahamian private island Coco Cay in September. RCCL said it spent US$200 million refurbishing the island where guests will find a pair of water towers with 13 slides including the 135-foot Daredevil’s Peak. The Thrill water park will have the Caribbean’s largest wave pool as well as a kid friendly obstacle course pool. Another new attraction is Up, Up and Away, a helium balloon which soars up to 450 feet. The Chill Island will be for those who want to rest and relax with cabanas, daybeds as well as activities like glass-bottom kayaking, zorbing as well as volleyball. The upscale Coco Beach club will offer guests the first overwater cabanas.
Dining
RCCL are debuting three new dining options onboard Symphony of the Seas – Hooked, Playmakers Sports Bars & Arcade as well as El Loco Fresh. But the line said there will be more casual eateries. Mariner of the Seas will be getting a Polynesian-themed Bamboo Room and a Caribbean themed bar. There will be other new outlets like a music hall, karaoke spot and lounge-style nightclub. Other new food outlets include Fish and Ships, Sugar Beach as well as Izumi Hibachi and Sushi.
Pool deck
There will be lots of new pools as well as public spaces designed for couples who want to relax, or families looking for some fun. There will be new spas as well as cool waterslides like The Perfect Storm. The upper decks will also be dedicated to areas like the Sky Pad, bungee trampoline experience as well as the Planet Z laser tag course.
