Three Royal Caribbean Ships Getting Major Upgrade In 2026

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Cruise fans can look forward to a “wave” of enhanced experiences next year as Royal Caribbean has confirmed it will amplify three of its most beloved ships in time for the 2026 cruise season.

Aerial shot of the world's largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas.

Announced on 18th June 2025, the refurbishments are part of the line’s long-running Royal Amplified programme, which began in 2018 to modernise and elevate older ships in the fleet.

The upgrades will see the vessels – Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas – receive new dining venues, entertainment concepts, upgraded staterooms, redesigned pool areas, and other improvements tailored to their upcoming regional deployments.

“After seeing incredible success and guest satisfaction with the amplification of Allure of the Seas, we’re excited to bring three new amplifications to our fleet in 2026,”

Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer at Royal Caribbean.

What’s Coming to Each Ship?

Ovation of the Seas – Alaska, Spring 2026

The 4,182-guest Ovation of the Seas will return to Alaska with new upgrades that include:

  • A redesigned pool deck with whirlpools and private casitas
  • Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Izumi Teppanyaki
  • A new Pesky Parrot tiki bar, first introduced on Utopia of the Seas
  • The all-new Sound Cellar music venue
  • Larger Casino Royale
  • Upgraded accommodation options including the Ultimate Family Suite and Panoramic Suites

Notably, Ovation of the Seas will also become the first Quantum-class ship to offer land-based Cruisetours, combining cruise sailings with guided overland experiences in Alaska.

Harmony of the Seas – Europe to Florida

One of Royal Caribbean’s largest ships, the 6,687-guest Harmony of the Seas, will be revamped before spending summer 2026 in Europe and returning to Port Canaveral, Florida for Caribbean itineraries. New features include:

  • A refreshed Caribbean-style pool deck and Solarium
  • New dining options such as Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse
  • Additional nightlife venues
  • Expanded Casino Royale – the largest in the fleet
  • Introduction of the Ultimate Family Suite

Her Caribbean sailings will include stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay and the new Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island, opening in 2025.

Liberty of the Seas – UK to Texas

The 3,798-passenger Liberty of the Seas will begin her 2026 season after her upgrades with 7-night Northern Europe cruises from Southampton, visiting ports in Norway, Belgium, and Denmark, before repositioning to Galveston, Texas for Western Caribbean routes. Key upgrades include:

  • A modernised pool deck with The Lime & Coconut bar and shaded lounging areas
  • A new Starbucks location
  • The addition of a Royal Escape Room
  • Dining enhancements including El Loco Fresh and Izumi Teppanyaki

Once in Texas, Liberty of the Seas will call at the new Royal Beach Club in Cozumel, set to open in late 2026.

More Ships, More Memories

This latest announcement underscores Royal Caribbean’s continued investment in its aging yet still immensely popular ships, ensuring they remain competitive alongside new-builds like Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.

“Royal Caribbean continues to raise the bar on delivering the best of every vacation with revolutionary ships and top-rated exclusive destinations,” said Schneider.

With 28 ships in its fleet and more set to launch soon, Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified initiative is creating refreshed experiences for loyal guests while helping attract new cruisers with expanded dining, entertainment, and suite options across multiple price points.

As 2026 approaches, passengers booking Ovation, Harmony, or Liberty of the Seas can look forward to brand-new features while enjoying the ships they already love – in destinations ranging from Alaska to the Bahamas and northern Europe to Mexico.

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Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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