Royal Caribbean reveals huge upgrades coming to three cruise ships
Royal Caribbean is kicking its Royal Amplified program into high gear in 2026 following the successful amplification of Allure of the Seas in spring 2025.
The cruise line invested more than $100 million into a transformation of Allure of the Seas ahead of its summer season in Europe. The revamped ship is now sailing western Mediterranean cruises offering new experiences and enhancements on board, including a reimagined resort-style pool deck, thrilling new slides, and popular new restaurants and bars.
Related: Royal Caribbean gives casino gamblers a gift that benefits all cruisers
Now, three more Royal Caribbean ships will get their own makeovers in 2026 as part of Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplified fleet modernization program, which was first introduced in 2018.
To develop the Royal Amplified program, Royal Caribbean examined years of guest satisfaction ratings, venue utilization data and crew interviews to center its ship upgrades around key features and experiences that matter most to its passengers.
Following this next wave of amplifications, three fan-favorite Royal Caribbean ships will debut revamped pool decks and new nightlife, bars, and dining venues, as well as new accommodations to enhance passengers' onboard experiences.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.
Through the Royal Amplified program, elevated cruise experiences will come to Ovation, Harmony, and Liberty of the Seas in 2026.
The amplification of Ovation of the Seas will bring a refreshed pool deck with private casitas and a new whirlpool, plus enhanced nightlife including new venue Sound Cellar and an expanded Casino Royale.
Fan-favorite tiki bar Pesky Parrot will come to a Quantum Class ship for the first time on Ovation of the Seas through the modernization project. The ship's overhaul will also add new accommodations like the Ultimate Family Suite and Panoramic Suite.
Related: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises announce new reward benefits
Following its amplification, Ovation of the Seas will take vacationers to the Last Frontier on seven- to 13-night Alaskan adventures beginning in May 2026. After completing its 2026 Alaska cruise season, Ovation of the Seas will reposition to Los Angeles to sail Mexican Riviera cruises.
Like Ovation, Harmony and Liberty of the Seas will also debut their new enhancements just in time for the summer 2026 cruise season.
Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
As Allure of the Seas did this year, both Harmony and Liberty of the Seas will bring new onboard experiences to Europe cruise adventures in summer 2026.
Harmony of the Seas will sail from Barcelona with upgrades including a new Caribbean-inspired pool deck, refreshed Solarium, and new dining options The Lime & Coconut, El Loco Fresh, Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. Additionally, an expansion of the ship's Casino Royale will give Harmony of the Seas the largest casino in the fleet.
Related: Royal Caribbean cruisers sound off on reckless cruise port stunt
Following its summer in Europe, Harmony of the Seas will sail cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida, offering visits to Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. On cruises to Nassau, passengers will also have the opportunity to purchase day passes to Royal Caribbean's new all-inclusive Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.
Related: Royal Caribbean cruisers sound the alarm on a major ship problem
The amplified Liberty of the Seas will sail European cruises from Southampton, England in summer 2026, offering refreshed onboard spaces. The ship will also feature new experiences, including a transformed pool deck with The Lime & Coconut and new casitas, as well as a brand-new Royal Escape Room concept.
Liberty of the Seas' passengers will also enjoy new dining options including Mexican flavors at El Loco Fresh and Japanese cuisine and hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki. The ship's refresh will also add a new Starbucks café on board.
For the winter 2026-2027 season, Liberty of the Seas will sail western Caribbean cruises from Galveston, Texas, featuring opportunities to visit Royal Caribbean's new Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
CCL vs. RCL: Which Cruise Line Stock is the Smarter Buy Right Now?
As consumer appetite for experiential travel continues to rebound, cruise operators like Carnival Corporation & plc CCL and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. RCL are vying for investor attention with strong brand portfolios and improving fundamentals. Both companies are capitalizing on elevated demand and pricing power, setting them up for differences in strategy, innovation, and operational discipline raise the question: which cruise stock stands out more favorably in the current climate?Let's see how these two cruise giants stack up. Carnival is leveraging its global scale and multi-brand strategy to deliver robust yield growth and operational momentum. Carnival recently exceeded its 2026 targets — 50% growth in EBITDA per berth and a 12% return on invested capital — 18 months ahead of schedule. It achieved its highest EBITDA margin in nearly two decades, supported by strong close-in ticket demand, onboard spending, and cost fiscal 2025, Carnival will debut Celebration Key, a flagship private Caribbean destination featuring the world's largest swim-up bar, expansive lagoons, and curated beach experiences. Additional upgrades to Half Moon Cay and Mahogany Bay (to be rebranded Isla Tropicale) further strengthen its 'Paradise Collection' strategy to attract and retain guests. Additionally, Carnival is revamping its fleet through the AIDA Evolution upgrade and moderate newbuild pipeline. It is also launching a new loyalty program — Carnival Rewards — in mid-2026, which ties benefits to overall spend and credit card use. This initiative, modeled after successful airline programs, is expected to boost guest engagement in the upcoming the financial side, Carnival refinanced $7 billion of debt so far in fiscal 2025 and improved its net debt-to-EBITDA ratio sequentially from 4.1x to 3.7x in the fiscal second quarter 2025. With limited new ship deliveries through 2029 and growing free cash flow, Carnival is focused on regaining investment-grade status while delivering long-term shareholder value. Royal Caribbean is executing on its 'Perfecta Performance' strategy by combining premium guest experiences, moderate capacity expansion, and disciplined cost management to drive strong financial growth. In the first quarter of 2025, the company reported yield growth of 5.6% and a 35% EBITDA margin — up 360 basis points year over year — fueled by exceptional close-in demand, pricing power, and elevated onboard spending. The company continues to expand its exclusive destination portfolio with the upcoming Royal Beach Club in Nassau, designed to complement its popular Perfect Day at CocoCay. The club will feature curated beach experiences, elevated dining, and expanded guest capacity, intended to deepen guest engagement and boost ancillary Caribbean's growing digital footprint is another key differentiator. Its mobile app, now widely adopted across the fleet, is driving higher levels of direct booking and pre-cruise purchases. Loyalty program integration and frictionless trip planning are central to the company's efforts to improve revenue capture and increase repeat the company may face near-term pressure related to ship deployment timing and elevated expenses tied to destination rollouts and dry dock activity. Cost growth is expected to vary across quarters, primarily influenced by the scheduling of dry docks, ship deliveries, and the ramp-up of expenses tied to the Costa Maya port acquisition and other destination investments. The second and third quarters are expected to have higher costs, with the third quarter particularly affected, facing a 280-basis-point impact from these timing-related factors. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Carnival's fiscal 2025 sales and earnings per share (EPS) suggests year-over-year increases of 5.4% and 38%, respectively. In the past 60 days, earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 have risen 3.8%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Royal Caribbean's 2025 sales and EPS suggests year-over-year increases of 9.4% and 30.7%, respectively. In the past 60 days, earnings estimates for 2025 have increased 6%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Carnival stock has rallied 31.7% in the past three months, significantly outpacing its industry and the S&P 500's rise of 15.8% and 10.1%, respectively. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean shares have risen 42.6% in the same time. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Carnival is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 12.92X, below the industry average of 18.59X over the last year. RCL's forward 12-month P/E multiple sits at 17.92X over the same time frame. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Based on short-term price targets offered by 23 analysts, Carnival's average price target represents an increase of 10.7% from the last closing price of $26.17. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Based on short-term price targets offered by 24 analysts, RCL's average price target represents a decline of 7.1% from the last closing price of $295.89. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Given their contrasting strategies, Carnival presents a more attractive near-term buying opportunity than Royal Caribbean. While RCL continues to deliver premium experiences and superior margins, it faces near-term cost pressures related to destination rollouts and dry dock activity. Carnival, on the other hand, is delivering operational efficiency and financial gains through disciplined execution, fleet upgrades, and destination-led brand differentiation. Its early achievement of long-term margin and sustainability targets, coupled with attractive valuation and rising earnings estimates, highlights a clear edge. With a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and momentum on its side, Carnival offers a compelling entry point for investors seeking near-term gains and long-term value. Meanwhile, RCL, carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), may warrant a wait-and-see approach. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Carnival Corporation (CCL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Yahoo
Make James Bond an ‘Alcoholic, a Drug Addict. He Hates Women': Matthew Goode's ‘Really Dark' 007 Pitch Got Him Dropped From ‘Casino Royale' Auditions
Matthew Goode recently appeared on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast and clarified rumors about him auditioning for James Bond. Before Daniel Craig was cast in 2006's 'Casino Royale,' a handful of actors such as Henry Cavill, Rupert Friend and Sam Worthington all went out for the part. But Goode, a relative newcomer at the time with credits like the Mandy Moore rom-com 'Chasing Liberty' and Woody Allen's 'Match Point' under his belt, never got to actually audition because he bombed his meeting with 007 franchise producer Barbara Broccoli. 'I didn't audition. I went in and met Barbara [Broccoli],' Goode said. 'It was quite a funny one because — and she's gorgeous and just a lovely, lovely person — she was like, 'So what's your idea for Bond?' And I was like, 'My idea for Bond. We've gotta take it back to the books, you know? Really, we absolutely have to make this guy an alcoholic, a drug addict. He hates himself. He hates women. He hates a lot of people. He's in deep pain. He's brilliant at killing people.''Goode continued, 'I think by the end of the interview, she was like, 'Mhmm. Next.' I wanted to make it really dark, but what I should have said was, 'But also incredibly charming.'' More from Variety What's Next for Denis Villeneuve's Bond Movie? Amazon's Wishlist Includes Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland and Harris Dickinson Denis Villeneuve to Direct James Bond Film at Amazon Mads Mikkelsen Reprises James Bond 'Casino Royale' Villain Le Chiffre for 'Hitman'-'007 First Light' Video Game Crossover Cavill did it make into the audition room but was considered too young to the play the role. Craig was ultimately chosen, kick-starting a new Bond era on the big screen that would reach an all-time franchise high with 2012's 'Skyfall' ($1.1 billion grossed worldwide). Craig exited 007 in 2021's 'No Time to Die.' Broccoli and co-producer Michael G. Wilson are no longer running the Bond franchise after they shockingly sold creative rights to Amazon MGM Studios earlier this year. Amazon recently announced that Denis Villeneuve has been hired to direct the next 007 movie, although no actor is currently attached to play the new Bond. In a new report from Variety, insiders said that Amazon is seeking a British actor under the age of 30 for to assume the 007 mantle. Per the report: 'Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland and Harris Dickinson are at the top of the list. Elordi is Australian, but that would not be a deal-breaker as far as Amazon is concerned; remember Aussie George Lazenby starred in 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service.'' Watch Goode's full. interview on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast in the video below. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean cruisers react to Carnival cruise loyalty shakeup
Royal Caribbean cruisers react to Carnival cruise loyalty shakeup originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. As Carnival Cruise Line revealed details of its overhauled cruise loyalty program on June 18, it wasn't just Carnival cruisers who recoiled. Carnival Rewards, a spend-based rewards program set to roll out in June 2026, has many cruisers reeling, even some who don't sail with the cruise new program appears to require passengers at the highest tiers to spend tens of thousands of dollars each year to maintain their elite status, and it could open the door for other cruise lines to do the same. Carnival's new spend-based loyalty program isn't a completely new concept — most airlines and hotels already follow this type of model, but the cruise industry has been slow to evolve. What do Royal Caribbean cruisers think about the new program and what it could mean for the cruise industry? Many "loyal to Royal" cruisers made their opinions clear in a discussion in the Royal Caribbean community on Reddit.'The new program Carnival announced yesterday rewards money over loyalty. Do you think this is something Royal and the other lines will try to adopt?' Redditor oOoOsarahOoOo asked fellow Royal Caribbean cruisers. 'If so, would cruisers stay loyal to Royal, or would this be a reason to try other brands?' A number of cruisers reasoned that Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines will likely follow suit in a few years, if Carnival reports that the change increases revenue. 'I think the other cruise lines are going to wait to see how this affects Carnival's business. If there's not too much of a difference, or somehow Carnival's earnings go up with this reward program? You will 100% see other cruise lines adopt this model,' CricketCapital4095 other travel loyalty programs increasingly reward travelers based on their spending, it's not surprising that cruise lines would follow. 'This is an extremely logical move for [Carnival] to make, despite how many people are deep in their feels about it, and I'd bet the cost of my next cruise that other lines will follow suit within a couple of years of Carnival's first earnings call after this goes into effect,' baltinerdist added. Commenters also pointed out that if the industry moved in this direction, cruisers may be more inclined to sail with multiple cruise lines rather than stay loyal to one in order to gain status.'If there is no loyalty program, then why be loyal,' Routine_Day_1276 questioned. 'That's the entire reason for it. Granted, you don't get a lot for being loyal, but anything that isn't an insult is better than nothing. In my opinion, what Carnival did is an insult to everyone who has been loyal. So no, if Royal went that route, I would not be loyal to them anymore.' Royal Caribbean cruisers don't want the cruise line to change its popular Crown & Anchor loyalty program. Like Carnival's current VIFP Club, Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor program rewards cruisers based on nights sailed.'I very much hope Royal realizes that by having the best loyalty program in the industry, they would have the most to lose by making drastic changes to Crown & Anchor,' xAdray commented. Still, if the Carnival Rewards program proves successful, Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines would likely begin to incorporate spending-based rewards into their loyalty programs in some way. 'Even if other cruise lines don't adopt the Carnival-specific model, I wouldn't be surprised if an 'onboard spending' category was added as a way to retain top-tier status. It's all about capturing dollars on board for the cruise lines,' CricketCapital4095 pointed out. 'If you're top-tier status but don't spend much on board, why would a cruise line much care about your loyalty status? More than likely those customers cost cruise lines money in some capacity,' CricketCapital4095 added. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
