Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified project changes the game far beyond a simple fleet upgrade. It transforms ships with dazzling new features and thrilling experiences that make every trip unforgettable. Imagine cruising with decks that shine new light on fun, and activities that pump excitement through every wave. Fans who love adventure and luxury find themselves in a floating paradise revamped to surprise and delight. Data shows passengers love the upgrades, boosting satisfaction and trips booked. This makeover turns ordinary voyages into epic journeys, making it clear why anyone serious about cruising should pay close attention. Keep reading to discover what secrets make these ships stand out on the high seas.
The cruise line is on a mission to up the “WOW factor” on older ships and brings them in line with their newest and most innovative cruise ships.
It’s a project so bold that they don’t call it a fleet modernization. It’s Royal Amplified – The Future of Adventure!
What is Royal Amplified?
Royal Amplified is an ambitious fleet modernization project by Royal Caribbean to breathe new life into its older ships. The $1 billion program started in 2018 and is all about adding fan-favorite features from newer ships, such as wild water slides, specialty restaurants, and fun nightlife spots, while updating cabins, lounges, and pool decks.
The program aims to keep the Royal Caribbean fleet fun and exciting for passengers, even on older vessels.
Amplified cruise ships add new amenities and experiences to older ships, bringing them up to the standard of new vessels. Booking a cruise on an amplified ship is an excellent deal, because you get many new and modern amenities, but cruise fares tend to be lower due to the ship’s age.
“Royal Amplified is built on our passion for innovation, relentless attention to detail and commitment to always exceeding our guests’ expectations,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “We sail with more than five million guests worldwide each year and recognize the need to always innovate and stay ahead of the curve. We have designed this program to wow our loyal guests while also attracting the next generation of adventurers.”
If you’re eyeing a cruise and want value without sacrificing excitement, an Amplified ship is a great pick. You get a modern, high-energy vacation at a better price—and that’s hard to beat.
The program focuses on three areas of customer experience:
- Pool Deck & Attractions: Royal Caribbean has long been known for delivering the “WOW factor” on its cruise ships. From rock climbing to surf simulators, their ships are always a top choice for thrill seekers. The reimagined pool deck offers more lounging options and features several waterslides on amplified ships. Other exciting attractions include Sky Pad, Laser Tag, and an Escape Room.
- Bars and Nightlife: Amplified ships feature new bars and lounges where you can grab a drink and meet up with friends. New venues like The Bamboo Room and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade provide great vibes and a fun atmosphere.
- Dining Mission: Royal Caribbean has enhanced its dining experience with a diverse selection of food options. New dining experiences include seafood, Mexican, and Italian menus, as well as fast and casual options. New restaurants include Hooked, El Loco Fresh, and Jamie’s Italian.
Royal Amplified Cruise Ships
Below is a list of the significant updates and changes to each ship in the Royal Amplified program.
Freedom of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas was amplified in 2020 with $116 million worth of improvements. The cruise line added The Perfect Storm water slides and gave the pool deck a lively Caribbean-style makeover. The Lime & Coconut bar is my go-to spot for a poolside drink.
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and El Loco Fresh were added for better food variety, while kids got a boost with an updated Adventure Ocean and a slick new teen lounge. There’s also laser tag and an updated spa, so there’s something new for everyone on board.
New on Freedom of the Seas
- Resort-style Caribbean poolscape
- The Lime & Coconut pool bar
- Splashaway Bay kids’ aqua park
- The Perfect Storm – a trio of waterslides
- Renewed adults-only Solarium
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
- El Loco Fresh
- Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
- Clash for the Crystal City Laser Tag
- Revamped Adventure Ocean
- New Social033 teen club
- and more
Oasis of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas got its $165 million makeover in 2019. As the first Oasis-class ship to be Amplified, it set the tone with significant upgrades. The Ultimate Abyss dry slide and The Perfect Storm slides added a thrill factor to the ship’s already huge size.
New spots like Portside BBQ and Playmakers Sports Bar joined refreshed versions of Windjammer and the kids’ Splashaway Bay. They also added the Music Hall and revamped teen areas. The whole vibe feels much fresher and more fun, with lots of updated spaces to chill, eat, or play.
“To see a 63-day, $165 million effort come to life on a ship as iconic as Oasis of the Seas is remarkable,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “Our guests–new and fans alike–are in for an Oasis that takes family vacations to the next level. With exciting, new adventures and signature experiences, this ship is every bit as original as the day she debuted ten years ago, almost to the day.”
New on Oasis of the Seas
- Reimagined Caribbean pool deck
- Splashaway Bay
- The Lime & Coconut
- Portside BBQ
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
- Bionic Bar by Makr Shakr
- El Loco Fresh
- Sugar Beach
- Aqua80
- Spotlight Karaoke
- Music Hall
- All-New Adventure Ocean
- Social298
- Glow in the Dark Laser Tag
- Royal Escape Room – Mission Control: Apollo 18
- and more
Voyager of the Seas
Voyager of the Seas completed a 41-day, $97 million upgrade in October 2019. The changes added more action and entertainment, making the ship feel fresh without losing its classic charm.
The cruise ship received several new features, including a reinvigorated Vitality Spa and Fitness Center, updated kids’ and teen spaces, 72 new inside and balcony staterooms, and The Perfect Storm waterslides. The Perfect Storm duo of waterslides brought extra energy to the pool deck, and the new Battle for Planet Z laser tag gave families something new to enjoy together.
The teen lounge and Adventure Ocean kids’ spaces were completely redesigned, while the spa and fitness center also got a makeover. Dining saw some welcome additions, including the debut of Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, plus refreshed bars and lounges throughout the ship. Voyager now offers a mix of fun, comfort, and value that’s hard to beat.
New on Voyager of the Seas
- The Perfect Storm waterslides
- Battle for Planet Z laser tag
- Reinvigorated Vitality Spa and Fitness Center
- Updated kids and teens’ spaces
- 72 new inside and balcony staterooms
- and more
Navigator of the Seas
Navigator of the Seas went through a $115 million upgrade in February 2019, and it’s now one of the most fun midsize ships at sea. The big headline is The Blaster, a one-of-a-kind, two-person aqua coaster that zips over the side of the ship, and Riptide, a headfirst mat slide.
Food and drinks also saw significant changes. El Loco Fresh, Hooked Seafood, and The Lime & Coconut gave the ship a whole new flavor. The pool area turned into a colorful, laid-back hangout spot with cabanas and hammocks, great for both couples and families.
New on Navigator of the Seas
- The Perfect Storm waterslides
- Reimagined pool deck
- The Lime & Coconut pool bar
- Hooked Seafood
- The Bamboo Room
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
- Jamie’s Italian
- Upgraded Windjammer decor
- El Loco Fresh
- Reinvigorated Vitality Spa and Fitness Center
- Redesigned Kids and Teens Spaces
- Revitalized Solarium
- Laser tag: Battle for Planet Z
- Starbucks
- and more
Mariner of the Seas
Mariner of the Seas got a $120 million refresh in 2018, and it shows. Royal Caribbean packed in thrills, like the Perfect Storm slides and Sky Pad, a now-removed bungee trampoline with optional virtual reality. It’s perfect for families who want action but also space to relax.
Dining got a significant upgrade, too.
Royal Caribbean added Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Jamie’s Italian, and Izumi Hibachi & Sushi. The pool deck was redone with a bold, beachy vibe. Plus, there’s glow-in-the-dark laser tag and an updated teen space to keep kids happy.
New on Mariner of the Seas
- Sky Pad bungee trampoline experience
- The Perfect Storm waterslides
- Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z
- Escape Room: The Observatorium
- FlowRider surf simulator
- The Bamboo Room
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
- Jamie’s Italian
- Izumi
- and more
Independence of the Seas
Independence of the Seas was the first ship to receive an Amplified update, with a $110 million upgrade in 2018. As the first amplified cruise ship, Independence set the tone for the rest of the program.
The Perfect Storm water slides and the Sky Pad added energy and action to the top deck, while Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and Fish & Ships add new dining experiences.
Kids and teens got updated lounges, and the Splashaway Bay water play area made sea days more fun for younger cruisers. The upgrades gave this Freedom-class ship new life, making it a solid pick for family vacations.
New on Independence of the Seas
- The Perfect Storm waterslides
- Sky Pad bungee trampoline
- Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z
- New escape room
- New lounges
- New Panoramic Oceanview staterooms
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
- Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
- Fish & Ships poolside eatery
- Sugar Beach candy shop
- and more
Allure of the Seas
After years of pandemic-related delays, Allure of the Seas finally received a $100 million upgrade in April 2025. Royal Caribbean brings the same winning features from other Amplified ships onboard, with over 35 food and drink venues, new waterslides, and an upgraded pool scene.
The cruise line also improved kids’ areas, tech, and entertainment to match what cruisers now expect. Allure is already a massive ship, but after the Amplification, it’ll feel fresh again, making it a solid pick for families, groups, and anyone looking for variety without booking one of the newest ships.
What’s New to Allure of the Seas
- Ultimate Abyss: A 10-story dry slide, the longest at sea, with a thrilling descent through an anglerfish-themed entrance.
- The Perfect Storm: Three water slides, including racing slides and a champagne bowl slide, added to the pool deck.
- Refreshed Pool Deck: Redesigned pool area with Caribbean-inspired décor, new seating, updated hot tubs, and The Lime & Coconut bar.
- Adventure Ocean: Revamped kids’ area with new facilities, including a theater, craft workshops, a play area, and a sports zone.
- Teen Spaces: Updated dedicated spaces offering more engaging and interactive environments for teens.
- Dining Options:
- The Mason Jar: Southern-style restaurant with brunch, dinner, and live country music.
- Pesky Parrot: Tropical tiki bar on the Royal Promenade.
- El Loco Fresh: Complimentary Mexican eatery on the pool deck.
- Spotlight Karaoke: A new venue dedicated to karaoke enthusiasts.
- Music Hall: Venue for live music and entertainment, offering an energetic atmosphere.
- Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen: Enhanced exclusive areas for suite guests with modern décor and amenities.
- Stateroom Updates: Refurbished staterooms with contemporary designs and upgraded comfort features.
- Technology Upgrades: Faster internet connectivity and interactive wayfinding systems to improve guest navigation and online experience.
Postponed Renovations
While many of Royal Caribbean’s fleet now sport Amplified makeovers, Liberty and Adventure of the Seas, are still playing the waiting game.
Liberty has gotten some love over the years with updates like the Perfect Storm slides and Splashaway Bay, but she’s still missing that full-blown transformation of her sisters Independance and Freedom. The shipyard scheduling shuffle has kept pushing back her complete makeover date.
Adventure’s in the same boat (pun intended). The ships amplification keeps sliding further down the calendar, though Royal Caribbean insists they are still planned for future updates.
