Ovation of the Seas Enters Singapore Drydock for 40-Cabin Upgrade

Royal Caribbean International has sent Ovation of the Seas into drydock in Singapore for a month-long modernization under its Royal Amplified program, with the ship scheduled to return to guest service on April 17, 2026.

The 2016-built, 158,700-ton Quantum-class ship is the first of several Royal Caribbean vessels set for yard periods in 2026 that range from major refits to routine technical work. No official statement from Royal Caribbean International was included in available reports on the Ovation project.

What is changing on Ovation of the Seas in Singapore

Ovation of the Seas entered drydock on March 16, 2026, for an overhaul that adds new venues, refreshes public spaces, and increases accommodations as the ship prepares to reposition to North America for its Alaska season.

Among the planned additions are the Pesky Parrot tropical-themed bar concept, a new nightclub (described as a dance and music club in some reports), and a Starbucks venue. The refurbishment also removes the Bionic Bar, the ship’s robotic bartender venue.

Specialty dining is being reshuffled as Izumi Teppanyaki replaces Wonderland and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen takes over the space previously occupied by Jamie’s Italian. Public-area work is also tied to the pool deck, including a redesigned deck plan that features a new whirlpool, other whirlpool updates, and private casitas.

Capacity increase and space reconfiguration

A key scope item in the Singapore drydock is the addition of 40 new staterooms, created by converting a mix of former public and technical areas across decks 5 through 16. As part of the layout changes, the ship’s Suite Lounge and teens area are being relocated.

Repositioning voyage and Alaska deployment

Ovation of the Seas is scheduled to resume operations on April 17, 2026, beginning a multi-leg repositioning to North America. The first leg is a 14-night sailing from Singapore to Yokohama with calls in destinations across Vietnam, China, Taiwan, and Japan.

From Yokohama, the ship is set to continue on a 15-night voyage to Canada, arriving in Vancouver on May 15, 2026, ahead of its summer Alaska season.

For Alaska, Ovation of the Seas is slated to operate weeklong open-jaw itineraries between Vancouver’s Canada Place Cruise Terminal and Seward. Planned itinerary highlights include:

• Sitka, one of the scheduled port calls on the weeklong sailings between Vancouver and Seward.
• Ketchikan, another planned stop on the Alaska itineraries.
• Icy Strait Point, included among the listed calls for the summer season.
• Skagway, part of the ship’s planned rotation in Alaska.
• Scenic cruising at Hubbard Glacier, listed as an itinerary feature during the open-jaw voyages.

Other Royal Caribbean ships slated for 2026 yard time

Ovation of the Seas is part of a wider 2026 drydock calendar that includes two additional Royal Amplified refits and at least one routine maintenance period.

Harmony of the Seas: Royal Amplified overhaul in Cádiz

Harmony of the Seas, a 227,625-ton Oasis-class ship, arrived at Navantia Shipyard in Cádiz, Spain, on April 3, 2026, for a comprehensive six-week drydock and is scheduled to return to service on May 21, 2026.

Plans call for a Caribbean-themed pool deck and refreshed pool and solarium spaces, along with new food-and-beverage concepts that include The Lime & Coconut, Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, and El Loco Fresh. The overhaul also includes what is described as the fleet’s largest casino.

Harmony is also slated to add 91 new staterooms by repurposing former public areas, including the ship’s conference center, while the Wonderland restaurant is being removed. After its updates, the ship is set to sail spring Mediterranean itineraries before repositioning to Port Canaveral in August for two- to seven-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruises that include visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Liberty of the Seas: May return after Royal Amplified refit

Liberty of the Seas is also scheduled for a Royal Amplified drydock in 2026 and was reported as entering drydock on April 4. The ship is scheduled to return to service on May 29, 2026.

Among the additions planned is The Royal Escape Room, described as a high-tech escape-room concept that will replace the ship’s former cigar lounge.

Odyssey of the Seas and other recent work

Odyssey of the Seas has been in drydock at Chantiers de l’Atlantique for routine maintenance rather than a Royal Amplified overhaul and is scheduled to welcome guests back on April 16, 2026, ahead of summer itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean.

Royal Caribbean has also cycled other ships through yard periods, including Mariner of the Seas, which resumed operations from Galveston after completing a drydock in the Bahamas.

Royal Amplified, and what comes next

Royal Amplified is Royal Caribbean International’s fleet modernization initiative aimed at adding new features, updating venues and guest areas, and redesigning spaces across existing ships.

Alongside the 2026 refit schedule, Royal Caribbean is also preparing for the debut of Hero of the Seas, an Icon-class ship set to arrive in Miami in August 2027, with bookings opening in April 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the primary upgrades being made to Ovation of the Seas?

The Singapore drydock includes 40 new staterooms, new venues such as the Pesky Parrot tropical-themed bar, a new nightclub, and a Starbucks venue, plus refreshed public spaces. Dining is being reworked with Izumi Teppanyaki replacing Wonderland and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen replacing Jamie’s Italian, while the Bionic Bar is being removed; the project list also includes a redesigned pool deck with private casitas and whirlpool updates.

When will Ovation of the Seas return to service, and where will it sail next?

Ovation of the Seas is scheduled to return to guest service on April 17, 2026. It is set to sail a 14-night repositioning cruise from Singapore to Yokohama with calls across Vietnam, China, Taiwan, and Japan, then continue on a 15-night voyage to Canada, arriving in Vancouver on May 15, 2026, before beginning a summer Alaska season.

What is planned for Ovation of the Seas in Alaska?

After arriving on the West Coast, the ship is slated to operate weeklong open-jaw Alaska itineraries between Vancouver’s Canada Place Cruise Terminal and Seward. The listed itinerary elements include port calls such as Sitka, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and Skagway, plus scenic cruising at Hubbard Glacier.

What is the Royal Amplified program?

Royal Amplified is Royal Caribbean International’s fleet modernization program that updates ships through refits that can include new venues, redesigned public areas, and expanded accommodations, as well as other enhancements intended to refresh onboard experiences.

Are new ships being introduced alongside the refurbished fleet?

Yes. Royal Caribbean is preparing for the debut of Hero of the Seas, an Icon-class ship scheduled to arrive in Miami in August 2027, with bookings set to open in April 2026.