Royal Caribbean Have Announced Upgrades to Three Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean has just dropped some cruise news, and if you’ve sailed on certain fan-favourite ships, you’ll want to pay attention. A wave of changes is on the horizon.

We’re talking serious upgrades, long-awaited improvements, and some surprising twists that are already stirring conversation among loyal cruisers. Curious which ships are getting the spotlight, and what’s being added (or quietly removed)? Let’s take a look.

What’s Royal Amplified, and Why It Matters

Royal Amplified isn’t just a fancy marketing phrase, it’s Royal Caribbean’s promise to breathe new life into its older ships. Launched in 2018, the initiative was all about bringing popular features from newer vessels (think water slides, rooftop bars, and immersive entertainment) to ships that were starting to show their age.

But it’s not just cosmetic. These upgrades genuinely change the onboard experience, from what you eat to how you relax to where you party. And while the programme hit pause during the cruise shutdown, it’s now back in full swing, and some very familiar ships are next in line.

Now let’s take a look at the three ships being amplified:

1. Ovation of the Seas

Set for amplification in April 2026, Ovation of the Seas is getting more than just a polish. While it’s one of the newer ships in the fleet, Royal Caribbean clearly sees room to dial things up. A reimagined pool deck is on the way, complete with private casitas and a whirlpool, hinting at a more upscale, resort-style vibe.

New venues are also joining the lineup: Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Izumi Teppanyaki, the tropical Pesky Parrot bar, and a nightlife spot called Sound Cellar. The casino’s getting a size boost too, and for those who like to cruise in style, expect new suites including the headline-stealing Ultimate Family Suite and panoramic options.

2. Harmony of the Seas

Harmony of the Seas is getting its turn in the drydock spotlight in April 2026, and this one feels personal. While she’s a fan favourite in many ways, some design choices have left cruisers scratching their heads, especially the adults-only Solarium, which famously lacked a proper pool. That might finally be changing.

Royal Caribbean is teasing a redesigned Solarium, a refreshed Caribbean-style pool deck with Lime & Coconut, and the return of Samba Grill, a Brazilian steakhouse that’s been quietly making a comeback. Add in the Ultimate Family Suite and the biggest Casino Royale in the fleet, and Harmony is shaping up to feel less like the awkward middle child of the Oasis Class, and more like a bold reintroduction.

3. Liberty of the Seas

It’s been a long time coming, but Liberty of the Seas is finally getting the upgrade she deserves. Originally scheduled for refurbishment in 2021, her amplification was shelved during the cruise shutdown. Now, she’s back on the list, and cruisers who’ve been loyal to Liberty for years are breathing a sigh of relief.

Expect a reimagined pool deck, a brand-new Royal Escape Room, and fresh food options including El Loco Fresh, Izumi Teppanyaki, and (yes) Starbucks. She’ll sail from Southampton in summer 2026 before heading to Galveston for Caribbean cruises in the winter. If you’ve sailed her before, you’ll likely recognise the bones, but the vibe is going to be completely different.

Why These Upgrades Matter

Cruise ships are like floating time capsules, each one reflects Royal Caribbean’s best ideas at the time it launched. But as newer ships raise the bar, older ones can start to feel… well, dated. That’s where amplification comes in.

These upgrades aren’t just about shiny new bars or bigger casinos, they’re a strategy. Royal knows that refreshed ships attract higher fares, better reviews, and repeat bookings. In fact, past amplifications (like those on Allure of the Seas) led to measurable bumps in guest satisfaction and revenue. In short, when Royal invests in its ships, cruisers tend to return the favour.

What’s Missing, And What Cruisers Are Saying

While the upgrade news has been met with excitement, seasoned cruisers have questions and a few complaints. Why no waterslides on Ovation? Why isn’t Playmakers Sports Bar being added, especially since it’s a fan favourite on other ships? And why does Starbucks keep turning up, despite concerns that it replaces included options for loyalty members?

Guests are also hoping Harmony’s Solarium finally gets a proper pool, not just another misting system, something many called one of Royal’s “biggest design flops.” There’s love for the return of Samba Grill, though some remain sceptical after seeing it half-empty on other ships.

Still, the buzz is strong. From speculation about what’s being removed to make room for new venues to debates about which ships really deserved an upgrade first, the cruise forums are lighting up. Let’s just say Royal’s decisions aren’t going unnoticed.

Final Thoughts

With three more ships now set for major transformations, it’s clear Royal Caribbean is doubling down on its promise to modernise the fleet. And while Ovation, Harmony, and Liberty are first up, this likely isn’t the end. The cruise line has hinted that more amplifications are on the way, especially for ships that missed out during the 2020–2021 pause.

If you’re eyeing a cruise in 2026 or beyond, now might be the time to start tracking drydock dates and booking early. Sailing just after an amplification means you’ll get that “brand new ship” feel without the price tag of a launch. The only question now is: which ship do you hope they upgrade next?

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