Royal Caribbean International said it will invest approximately $300 million over the next three years to upgrade its fleet and add innovations introduced on its Oasis-class ships. The revitalizations will include new onboard dining and entertainment options, as well as Wi-Fi, iPod docking stations and more.
The investment effectively expands Royal Caribbean’s Royal Advantage project, which began with Radiance of the Seas in May and will be followed by Splendour of the Seas in November. With the expansion, revitalizations now are scheduled for Vision-class ships, including Rhapsody of the Seas in March and Grandeur of the Seas in May, followed by Radiance-class Serenade of the Seas in November 2012. Each ship will enter dry dock for about a month.
Among the additions will be new technology, including Wi-Fi, interactive flat-panel televisions in staterooms and electronic mustering. Digital way-finding systems will allow guests to get customized directions and routing at new plasma and LCD touch-screen signs throughout the ships. Oversized outdoor LED video screens will be installed on the pool decks. Nurseries will be added to care for babies and tots ages six through 36 months. In addition, new levels of accommodations, including staterooms ideal for families, will be added.
Additional dining options will include Chef’s Table, an intimate wine pairing dinner of five courses hosted by the executive chef and sommelier; Izumi, a pan-Asian restaurant with a sushi bar and hot-rock cooking; Chops Grille, the line’s steakhouse; the casual Park Café; Rita’s Cantina, a Mexican eatery; and Boardwalk Doghouse, which serves brats, links, wieners and dogs.
In 2013 and 2014, additional Royal Advantage revitalizations will take place on Vision-class ships, including Legend of the Seas and Vision of the Seas; four Voyager-class ships – Navigator of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas – and the Radiance-class Brilliance of the Seas. Less extensive renovations are planned for Freedom-class Independence of the Seas, Voyager-class Mariner of the Seas, and Vision-class Enchantment of the Seas.
