Royal Caribbean Plans Major 2026 Upgrades for Ovation, Harmony, Liberty

Royal Caribbean has confirmed that three of its popular vessels, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas, will enter dry dock in 2026 for significant refurbishments under the Royal Amplified program. The initiative, launched in 2018, aims to modernize older ships with upgraded dining, entertainment, and amenities so they align with the line’s newest offerings while retaining each ship’s distinctive layout and class-specific strengths.

Royal Amplified Program and Vision

“Royal Caribbean continues to raise the bar on delivering the best of every vacation,” said Jay Schneider, the company’s chief product innovation officer. “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.”

The Royal Amplified program began with the refurbishment of ships like Allure of the Seas, drawing positive feedback for blending new attractions, updated dining, and hallmark hospitality. Upcoming enhancements to Ovation, Harmony, and Liberty of the Seas further demonstrate the line’s commitment to revitalizing its fleet while positioning these vessels for popular deployments in Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Ship-by-Ship Upgrades

Ovation of the Seas

Launched in 2016, Ovation of the Seas will enter dry dock in Singapore starting in March 2026. Its modernization plans focus on a revamped pool deck featuring private casitas and a new whirlpool, as well as expanded dining venues. Additions will include Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Izumi Teppanyaki, and the Pesky Parrot tiki bar. A new entertainment venue called the Sound Cellar and an enlarged Casino Royale are also in the works. Accommodations will grow to feature the Ultimate Family Suite and a Panoramic Suite.

Once renovations conclude, Ovation of the Seas will return to Alaska in spring 2026, offering seven- to thirteen-night itineraries. It will become the first Quantum-class ship to provide land-based Cruisetour packages for guests seeking extended explorations of the region.

Harmony of the Seas

Harmony of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean’s largest vessels, begins its dry dock in Cádiz, Spain, in early March 2026. The upgrades center on a Caribbean-inspired pool deck anchored by The Lime & Coconut, plus a reimagined adults-only Solarium. Culinary additions will include Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, El Loco Fresh, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, and what Royal Caribbean describes as the largest Casino Royale in its fleet. An Ultimate Family Suite will also be added.

Following refurbishment, Harmony of the Seas will sail in Europe for summer 2026 before relocating to Port Canaveral, Florida, for winter Caribbean cruises. These voyages will encompass five- to seven-night itineraries calling at destinations such as Perfect Day at CocoCay and the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (opening in late 2025).

Liberty of the Seas

Beginning in late April 2026, Liberty of the Seas will undergo its Amplified makeover at a shipyard in Brest, France. Planned enhancements include a redesigned pool deck featuring shaded casitas, The Lime & Coconut bar, and new entertainment experiences like the Royal Escape Room. Dining offerings will expand with Izumi Teppanyaki and El Loco Fresh, while a Starbucks outlet will be introduced.

Liberty of the Seas will launch summer cruises from Southampton to the Norwegian fjords and other Northern European destinations. In the winter season, it will reposition to Galveston, Texas, for Western Caribbean voyages that incorporate calls at the forthcoming Royal Beach Club Cozumel.

Dry Dock Locations and Schedule

Ovation of the Seas is slated for refurbishment in Singapore beginning in early March 2026. Harmony of the Seas will enter dry dock at Navantia in Cádiz, Spain, also around early March. Liberty of the Seas will arrive at the shipyard in Brest, France, from late April 2026. Each overhaul is expected to align older tonnage with features guests appreciate on newer Royal Caribbean ships, such as expanded dining, fresh nightlife venues, and family-friendly accommodations.

Deployment Highlights and Broader Expansion Plans

Once upgraded, the ships will target diverse regions to broaden Royal Caribbean’s presence. Ovation of the Seas returns to Alaska with extended itineraries and Cruisetour land packages, while Harmony of the Seas will split its time between European sailings in the summer and Caribbean escapes from Port Canaveral in the winter. Liberty of the Seas will focus on Northern Europe from Southampton before moving to Galveston for Western Caribbean routes. Beyond these refurbishments, Royal Caribbean has signaled ongoing expansion in private destinations, including Perfect Day Mexico, slated to open in 2027, and continued development of new beach club concepts in popular ports.

The amplifications underscore the company’s strategy of blending modern amenities, such as the Ultimate Family Suite and large-scale casino spaces, with classic shipboard entertainment and activities, ensuring that each vessel remains competitive while preserving the unique experiences that define each class of ship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which Royal Caribbean ships are being upgraded in 2026?

Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas are scheduled for extensive refurbishments under the Royal Amplified program.

What new features are being added to Ovation of the Seas?

Ovation will receive a refreshed pool deck with private casitas, a new whirlpool, expanded dining (including Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Izumi Teppanyaki, and the Pesky Parrot), an entertainment venue called the Sound Cellar, an enlarged Casino Royale, and new suites like the Ultimate Family Suite and a Panoramic Suite.

What changes are planned for Harmony of the Seas?

Harmony will introduce a Caribbean-themed pool deck with The Lime & Coconut, a renovated adults-only Solarium, dining spots such as Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, El Loco Fresh, and the largest Casino Royale in the fleet. An Ultimate Family Suite will also be added.

What upgrades will Liberty of the Seas receive?

Liberty is set to gain a redesigned pool deck with shaded casitas and The Lime & Coconut, a new Royal Escape Room, dining additions like Izumi Teppanyaki and El Loco Fresh, plus a Starbucks. It will also incorporate the Royal Amplified program’s signature family-friendly and entertainment enhancements.

When and where will the dry docks take place?

Ovation of the Seas will be refurbished in Singapore starting in early March 2026, Harmony of the Seas will head to Cádiz, Spain, around early March 2026, and Liberty of the Seas will go to Brest, France, in late April 2026.