Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified: Ultimate Guide

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The amplified Navigator of the Seas offers something for every traveler

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Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified project is more than any ordinary fleet upgrade.

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?

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Royal Amplified is an ambitious fleet modernization project by Royal Caribbean. Older vessels receive significant upgrades and dozens of new amenities, activities, bars, cabin categories, and more through the program.

The $1 billion project spans ten vessels, including the famous Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the seas and the Freedom and Voyager-class ships.

The program aims to keep the Royal Caribbean fleet fun and exciting for passengers, even on older vessels.

“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.”

Amplified ships offer tremendous value for passengers. Guests can enjoy the features and activities offered on Royal Caribbean’s newest vessels at a much lower price.

The program focuses on three areas of customer experience:

  • Pool Deck & Attractions: Royal Caribbean has long been known for delivering the “WOW factor” on their cruise ships. From rock climbing to surf simulators, their ships are always a top choice for thrill seekers. The reimagined pool deck includes more ways to lounge and brings several waterslides to amplified ships. Other exciting attractions include Sky Pad, Laser Tag, and an Escape Room.
  • Bars and Nightlife: Amplified ships feature new bars and lounges to 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 stepped up its dining experience with a diverse selection of foods. New dining experiences include seafood, Mexican, and Italian menus and fast, casual options. New restaurants include Hooked, El Loco Fresh, and Jamie’s Italian.

Royal Amplified Ships

Royal Caribbean International plans to “Amplify” ten cruise ships:

  • Freedom of the Seas
  • Oasis of the Seas
  • Voyager of the Seas
  • Navigator of the Seas
  • Mariner of the Seas
  • Independence of the Seas
  • Allure of the Seas
  • Explorer of the Seas
  • Adventure of the Seas
  • Liberty of the Seas

Below is a list of the significant updates and changes to each ship in the Royal Amplified program.

Freedom of the Seas

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Freedom of the Seas completed her $116 million bow-to-stern renovation in early 2020.

The program added several new features and redesigns, including a reimagined pool deck, water slides, laser tag, and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade

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

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Oasis of the Seas is arguably one of the most popular cruise ships in the world.

The cruise ship completed a $165 million upgrade. Among other new features, Oasis’ amplification includes the addition of Ultimate Abyss slides, Splashaway Bay, Sugar Beach candy shop, Bionic Bar, and a Caribbean-themed pool deck.

“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

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In October 2019, Royal Caribbean International completed a 41-day, $97 transformation for Voyager of the Seas.

The cruise ship received several new features, such as a reinvigorated Vitality Spa and Fitness Center, updated kids and teen spaces, 72 new inside and balcony staterooms, and The Perfect Storm waterslides.

New on Voyager of the Seas

  • The Perfect Storm waterslides
  • Battle for Planet Z laser tag
  • Reinvigorated Vitality Spa and Fitness Center
  • Updated kid’s and teens spaces
  • 72 new inside and balcony staterooms
  • and more

Navigator of the Seas

amplified Navigator of the Seas at royal Caribbean private islandPin
(Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

Navigator of the Seas completed her amplifications in February 2019. The $115 million project included saw a ship-wide refurbishment.

Navigator received several new amenities, including The Lime & Coconut pool bar, a reimagined Caribbean-themed pool deck, Starbucks, laser tag, and more.

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 Kid’s and Teens Spaces
  • Revitalized Solarium
  • Laser tag: Battle for Planet Z
  • Starbucks
  • and more

Mariner of the Seas

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Royal Caribbean spent $120 million bringing new features to Mariner of the Seas.

The full-ship renovation included a bungee trampoline, laser tag, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, and The Bamboo Room.

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

Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas cruise ship docked at the port of Malaga city, Costa del Sol, Malaga Province, Andalucia, Spain, Western EuropePin

The $100 million project brought several new and exciting features to Independence of the Seas, including Panoramic Oceanview Staterooms, Sky Pad, waterslides, a reimagined pool deck, and an escape room.

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

Liberty of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Amplified Liberty of the Seas Cruise Ship being towed by a tub boatPin

Liberty of the Seas was the first ship to undergo amplification. In 2016, the vessel debuted several new features, including Tidal Wave, Splashaway Bay, Perfect Storm, and Sabor Mexican restaurant.

What’s new on Liberty of the Seas

  • The Perfect Storm trio of water slides
  • Tidal Wave boomerang style slide
  • Splashaway Bay
  • Sabor
  • Giovanni’s Table
  • R Bar
  • and more

Allure of the Seas

The aft of the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Allure of the Seas docked in a Caribbean cruise portPin

After years of delays, Royal Caribbean has announced Allure of the Seas’ upcoming renovations planned for 2025.

What’s Coming to Voyager of the Seas

  • Ultimate Abyss: Adding the longest dry slide at sea, offering a thrilling multi-level experience.
  • The Perfect Storm: Installing three water slides for more fun and excitement.
  • Refreshed Pool Deck: Updating the pool area with new designs and features, including more loungers and shaded areas.
  • Adventure Ocean: Revamping the kids’ area with new activities and interactive spaces.
  • Teen Spaces: Enhancing the teen areas with updated lounges and social spots.
  • Dining Options: Introducing new dining venues and updating existing ones for a fresh culinary experience.
  • Spotlight Karaoke: Adding a new venue for karaoke lovers to sing their hearts out.
  • Music Hall: Incorporating a new venue for live music and entertainment.
  • Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen: Enhancing these exclusive areas for suite guests with updated décor and amenities.
  • Stateroom Updates: Refurbishing staterooms with modern designs and improved comfort.
  • Technology Upgrades: Implementing new tech features, including faster internet and interactive wayfinding.

Explorer of the Seas

Like Allure of the Seas, Explore of the Seas had its Royal Amplification process first delayed and then postponed.

There hasn’t been word on when the project will take place.

But we know that the $110 million amplification will include a reimagined pool deck, transformed kids and teens spaces, Chops Grille, and Playmakers Sports Bar & Lounge.

What’s Coming to Explorer of the Seas

  • The Perfect Storm racer waterslides
  • Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
  • Reimagined pool deck
  • The Lime & Coconut bar
  • Transformed kid’s and teens spaces
  • Izumi
  • Chops Grille American Steakhouse
  • Boleros Latin lounge
  • Schooners Bar
  • Playmakers Sports Bar & Lounge

Adventure of the Seas

Like the previous ships, Adventure of the Seas has her $61 million amplification postponed.

Royal Caribbean has not provided news of when it may receive the amplification.

Article by

Marcello De Lio