Three Royal Caribbean cruise ships undergoing major upgrades
Royal Caribbean is making major upgrades to three cruise ships this spring as part of its Royal Amplified fleet modernization program. Last spring, the cruise line invested more than $100 million into a transformation of Allure of the Seas ahead of its summer season in Europe.
This year, Royal Caribbean will level up summer vacations in multiple regions as it revamps three cruise ships with upgrades shaped by guest satisfaction scores, venue utilization data, and crew interviews pinpointing features and experiences that matter most to passengers.
"The Royal Amplified program gives our guests the best of Royal Caribbean with new-to-class culinary options and experiences, entertainment and thrilling adventures, paired with the hospitality and service Royal Caribbean is known for," Royal Caribbean Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider said in a press release. "After seeing incredible success and guest satisfaction with the amplification of Allure of the Seas, we're excited to bring three new amplifications to our fleet in 2026."
Following their amplifications, two of the Royal Caribbean ships will sail summer cruises in Europe while the third takes vacationers on adventures through Alaska.
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Ovation of the Seas gets revamp ahead of Alaska cruise season
Prior to beginning its Alaska cruise season in May, Ovation of the Seas is getting a major makeover this spring that will bring a new look to its pool deck, enhanced nightlife, and fleet-favorite specialty dining venues.
The amplified pool deck will feature a bigger pool, a new whirlpool, and private casitas. Nightlife enhancements include the addition of Sound Cellar, an all-new venue for late night music, and the expansion of the ship's Casino Royale.
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Additionally, Ovation of the Seas' amplification will add Royal Caribbean's popular tropical tiki bar, Pesky Parrot, and specialty dining restaurants Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Izumi Teppanyaki. Ship upgrades also include new accommodations like the Ultimate Family Suite and Panoramic Suite.
From May through September, Ovation of the Seas will sail seven-night Alaskan adventures between Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia, which passengers can combine with a pre- or post-cruise land tour for deeper exploration. Following its Alaska cruise season, Ovation of the Seas will sail Mexican Riviera cruises from Los Angeles.
Harmony and Liberty of the Seas to debut upgrades in Europe
Like Allure of the Seas did last summer, Harmony of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas will bring elevated experiences to Royal Caribbean's Europe cruises in summer 2026.
Beginning in May, Harmony of the Seas will sail Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona with enhanced onboard spaces including a new Caribbean-inspired pool deck with The Lime & Coconut bar, an updated adults-only Solarium, and an expanded Casino Royale. New dining options coming to Harmony of the Seas include El Loco Fresh, Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade.
After spending the summer in Europe, Harmony of the Seas will return to the U.S. to sail cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida.
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Liberty of the Seas will receive similar updates this spring before beginning a summer season of European cruises from Southampton, England in late May. The ship will debut a revamped pool deck featuring The Lime & Coconut and new casitas, and an expanded Casino Royale, plus a new Royal Escape Room concept. Dining additions include El Loco Fresh and Izumi Teppanyaki as well as a Starbucks café.
From late May through October, Liberty of the Seas will sail a variety of itineraries across Europe, including Norwegian Fjords cruises and sailings around Spain and Portugal, before heading to Galveston, Texas to sail western Caribbean getaways.
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This story was originally published April 7, 2026 at 10:59 AM.