Royal Caribbean plans major upgrades for three cruise ships in 2026
- Royal Caribbean plans upgrades for Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas in early 2026.
- Each ship will receive significant enhancements, including new pools, dining venues, and entertainment options.
- These refurbishments aim to improve passenger experience and maintain competitiveness in the cruise market.
In early 2026, Royal Caribbean will upgrade three of its popular cruise ships, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas. Ovation of the Seas, launched in 2016, will have a major refit in Singapore starting from early March. Key enhancements include a new pool deck featuring private casitas, a whirlpool spa, and several popular dining options such as Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and a new nightlife venue called Sound Cellar. This ship will operate Alaska sailings from spring 2026. Harmony of the Seas, which can accommodate 5,479 passengers, will undergo dry dock improvements in Navantia, Cadiz, also starting in early March 2026. Enhancements will include the addition of Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, El Loco Fresh, and the Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse. Furthermore, there will be the largest Casino Royale on the ship, making it an attractive destination for gaming enthusiasts. Harmony plans to resume Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona in May and shift to Port Canaveral for Caribbean cruises in winter 2026. Liberty of the Seas, launched in 2007 and one of the older vessels in the fleet, will be refurbished in Brest, France, commencing late April 2026. Its last refit occurred in 2011, making these upgrades crucial to modernizing the ship. Changes will include a revamped pool deck with The Lime & Coconut and wooden casitas, a Royal Escape Room, and dining options featuring Izumi Teppanyaki and El Loco Fresh, along with the introduction of a Starbucks. After the refurbishment, Liberty will cater to UK passengers during sailings from Southampton in the summer of 2026. Royal Caribbean's chief product innovation officer, Jay Schneider, emphasized the company's commitment to enriching customer experiences and responding to passenger feedback following successful enhancements to the Allure of the Seas earlier this year. These upcoming amplifications aim to enhance onboard offerings, attract more guests, and maintain Royal Caribbean's competitive edge in the cruising industry.