Are you considering a Royal Caribbean cruise and curious about which ships have experienced the Amplification program? This fleet-wide project is designed to rejuvenate older vessels by adding new features and refreshing existing ones, ensuring that each passenger enjoys the best possible cruise experience. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide detailing the Amplification program, the updated ships, and what to expect onboard.
Unveiling the Royal Caribbean Amplification Program
The Royal Caribbean Amplification program is an initiative aimed at enhancing the cruise experience by refurbishing older ships and introducing new onboard amenities. The goal is to breathe new life into the older vessels, ensuring that the entire fleet offers an unparalleled cruise experience to every guest.
Meet the Amplified Royal Caribbean Ships
Six Royal Caribbean ships have undergone the Amplification program thus far, each receiving unique renovations:
- Independence of the Seas (Freedom Class, launched 2008) – amplified in 2018
- Mariner of the Seas (Voyager Class, launched 2003) – amplified in 2018
- Navigator of the Seas (Voyager Class, launched 2002) – amplified in 2019
- Voyager of the Seas (Voyager Class, launched 1999) – amplified in 2019
- Oasis of the Seas (Oasis Class, launched 2009) – amplified in 2019
- Freedom of the Seas (Freedom Class, launched 2006) – amplified in 2020
While there are some similarities within the classes, the upgrades are tailored to each individual ship.
Independence of the Seas: Upgrades and Attractions
Independence of the Seas received its Amplification in 2018, introducing various new features and amenities. Some of the exciting onboard additions include:
- Splashaway Bay water park
- Sky Pad virtual reality bungee trampoline
- Escape Room: The Observatorium
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
- Izumi Hibachi and Sushi restaurant
- Fish & Ships seafood shack
- Sugar Beach candy store
Mariner of the Seas: Upgrades and Attractions
Mariner of the Seas experienced its Amplification in 2018, bringing new features and amenities to the vessel. Some of the fresh onboard attractions include:
- Sky Pad virtual reality bungee trampoline
- Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z
- FlowRider surf simulator
- Perfect Storm waterslides
- Bamboo Room Polynesian-themed bar
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
Navigator of the Seas: Upgrades and Attractions
Navigator of the Seas underwent its Amplification in 2019, adding new features and amenities to the ship. Some of the thrilling onboard additions include:
- The Blaster, the longest waterslide at sea
- Riptide, the industry’s only headfirst mat racer waterslide
- To Dry For, the first standalone blow dry bar at sea
- Jamie’s Italian restaurant
- Hooked Seafood restaurant
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
Voyager of the Seas: Upgrades and Attractions
Voyager of the Seas received its Amplification in 2019, introducing new features and amenities to the ship. Some of the latest onboard attractions include:
- The Perfect Storm waterslides
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar restaurant
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
- Battle for Planet Z Laser Tag
- Escape Room: The Observatorium
- FlowRider FlowRider surf simulator
Oasis of the Seas: Upgrades and Attractions
Oasis of the Seas underwent its Amplification in 2019, adding new features and amenities to the ship. Some of the innovative onboard attractions include:
- Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea
- The Perfect Storm waterslides
- Music Hall live music venue
- El Loco Fresh Mexican restaurant
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
- Splashaway Bay water park
Freedom of the Seas: Upgrades and Attractions
Freedom of the Seas received its Amplification in 2020, introducing new features and amenities to the ship. Some of the fantastic onboard additions include:
- Splashaway Bay water park
- Perfect Storm waterslides
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar restaurant
- Izumi Hibachi and Sushi restaurant
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
- Sugar Beach candy store
Upcoming Amplifications: The Scheduled Ships
Four Royal Caribbean ships were scheduled for Amplification before the program was paused:
- Adventure of the Seas (Voyager Class, launched 2001)
- Explorer of the Seas (Voyager Class, launched 2000)
- Liberty of the Seas (Freedom Class, launched 2007)
- Allure of the Seas (Oasis Class, launched 2010)
The Amplification program was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Royal Caribbean has not confirmed when it will resume or if it will be replaced by another initiative.
Planned Upgrades for Explorer of the Seas and Allure of the Seas
Some of the upgrades planned for Explorer of the Seas include:
- The Perfect Storm waterslides
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen restaurant
- A re-imagined pool deck
- The Lime & Coconut bar
- Transformed kids and teens spaces
- Izumi restaurant
- Chops Grille American Steakhouse restaurant
- Boleros Latin lounge
- Schooners Bar
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Lounge
Some of the upgrades planned for Allure of the Seas include:
- Ultimate Abyss dry slides
- The Perfect Storm waterslides
- Revamped Adventure Ocean and teens spaces
- Expanded Splashaway Bay
- Lime & Coconut Bar
- Laser Tag: Clash in the Crystal City
- The Royal Escape Room – Apollo 18: Lunar Landing
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar restaurant
- Portside BBQ restaurant
- El Loco Fresh restaurant
- The Sugar Beach candy store
- Bionic Bar
- Spotlight Karaoke
- Music Hall
Royal Caribbean Ships Excluded from Amplification
Royal Caribbean has no plans to Amplify the newer Oasis-class ships, Quantum, and Quantum Ultra classes. These vessels are too new to require extensive renovations and may only receive servicing dry docks in the future. Additionally, there are no plans to renovate the Radiance Class and Vision Class ships to the same extent.
The Future of the Amplification Program
The Amplification program is currently on pause, and Royal Caribbean has not confirmed when it will resume or if it will be replaced by another initiative. While the Amplification program successfully updated several older ships in the fleet, the pandemic has caused a pause in its progress.
Nevertheless, Royal Caribbean continuously seeks to innovate and enhance the cruising experience for its passengers. The cruise line has several new ships on the horizon, including the last Oasis-class ship, Utopia of the Seas, and the upcoming Icon Class. These state-of-the-art ships will likely offer the most cutting-edge features, amenities, and technology, and will not require an Amplification program in the near future.
In the meantime, the existing amplified ships continue to provide an exceptional cruise experience for their guests. With refreshed amenities, exciting attractions, and unique dining options, Royal Caribbean remains a top choice for cruise enthusiasts seeking a memorable and enjoyable vacation at sea.