Amp it up. Royal Caribbean knows how important it is to add “wow” features on its new ships. And many of the features they’ve added to their newest ships are so popular, they’re going to add them to the other ships in the fleet.
That doesn’t come cheap. The Royal Amplified program is going to cost $900-million to upgrade attractions and guest experiences on 10 ships in its fleet—including the giant Oasis and Allure of the Seas. But it’s money well spent, said Royal Caribbean International president and CEO Michael Bayley at the announcement in New York. “We sail with more than 5-million guests worldwide each year, and recognize the need to always innovate and stay ahead of the curve, We’ve designed this program to “wow” our loyal guests while attracting the next generation of adventurers.”
The company analyzed years of guest feedback and surveys of features that will bring passengers back for more. Here’s what’s coming:
Iconic Pools and Attractions
With Royal Amplified, outside decks will be reimagined for thrill seekers to discover everything they want under the sun and stars. From pools specifically designed for family fun and relaxing spa-like environments, more specialized pool and activity spaces will cater to diverse preferences. Upper decks will be given more thrills with new innovative attractions such as Sky Pad, a virtual reality, bungee trampoline experience, along with waterslides, and waterparks.
More options for dining
Guests crave cornerstone cuisines, like Italian, seafood and Mexican, so Royal Caribbean will deliver with the introduction of more experiential dining concepts. Travelers also will see experiences recently unveiled on the new Symphony of the Seas, 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 satisfied between their adventures will also make their debut.
Adding more life in the night
Distinctive new bars and nightlife spots are coming to add what Royal Caribbean has found customers crave: unique drinks, tasty food and lively entertainment. This means more multi-dimensional nightlife venues like The Bamboo Room, and a signature outdoor Caribbean Bar. Other new concepts include a world-class music hall, a go-to spot for karaoke, and a lounge-style nightclub.
When ships will be amplified
Freedom Class
Independence of the Seas will be the first ship in the Royal Amplified program to reveal multimillion-dollar upgrades, beginning in May, 2018. They include 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 high-tech riddles to unravel a mystery.
For dining, Fish and Ships – a seaside seafood spot with freshly battered fish and chips and other guest favorites – to Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Izumi Hibachi and Sushi and Sugar Beach.
Freedom of the Seas will be up next, debuting new features in 2020, followed by Liberty of the Seas in 2021.
Voyager Class
In summer 2018, Mariner of the Seas will get Sky Pad and laser tag; The Bamboo Room, a retro lounge with a tiki-chic décor; and the Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. The program will continue in 2019 on sister ship Navigator of the Seas, which also will be redesigned to specifically cater to those who seek a quick three or four-night getaway.
Oasis Class
Oasis of the Seas will be completely reimagined in fall 2019, 10 years after her revolutionary debut. The ship will gain new thrill rides, pools, bars and introduce the new restaurants and onboard adventures found on the newest Oasis Class ship, Symphony of the Seas. These enhancements will cascade to sister Allure of the Seas in spring 2020.
There will be more upgrades, even on ships that are still being built, including the Shanghai-based Quantum Ultra 2 in 2019, Oasis 5 in 2021 (its region has yet to be determined), and the brand-new Icon Class that will debut in 2022 and 2024 — though Royal Caribbean is keeping its details strictly under wraps at the moment.
