Royal Caribbean’s 2016 Ship Is Getting a Major Luxury Glow-Up

Meghann Foye

Tue, March 17, 2026 at 11:10 AM UTC

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It's hard to believe that 2016 was a full decade ago. At the time, Ovation of the Seasdidn't just join the Royal Caribbean fleet ; it redefined what a "SmartShip" could be.

As the third installment in the revolutionary Quantum Class—not to be confused with the massive Oasis Class —Ovation arrived with "first-at-sea" tech that felt like science fiction: robotic bartenders, the North Star glass observation capsule and the RipCord skydiving simulator.

But in the world of cruising, 10 years is a lifetime. What was "revolutionary" in 2016 is now the baseline, and as part of Royal Caribbean's multi-year, billion-dollar Royal Amplificationprogram, Ovation has officially entered dry dock in Singaporefor a $100 million transformation.

While you might already know that Ovation is one of three ships (alongside Harmony and Liberty ) getting the "Amped" treatment this year, the specifics for this particular vessel are a personal gift to the savvy cruiser.

The most notable change? The Bionic Bar—once the pinnacle of 2016 tech—is being retired to make way for the Pesky Parrot. This tiki-style lounge first debuted on Utopia of the Seas and has quickly become a fan-favorite for its laid-back, high-end island vibes.

The upgrade isn't just about the bar, though. Royal is leaning into the "expanded luxury" trend by replacing the traditional Music Hall with two distinct levels: a massive Casino Royaleexpansion on the bottom and a high-energy dance venue called the Sound Cellaron top.

The pool deck, once a standard open-air space, is being completely revamped to include private casitas. These shaded, cabana-style retreats are a personal gift to the savvy traveler who wants to be "at the pool" without having to fight for a lounge chair at 8:00 a.m.

This "Premium Economy" shift continues into the staterooms. Royal Caribbean is finally bringing the Ultimate Family Suiteto Ovation. This isn't just a room; it's a two-story playground featuring an in-suite slide, a private cinema, and an air hockey table. For those who want luxury without the legos, the addition of Panoramic Suitesoffers floor-to-ceiling views that will be a total game-changer for the ship's upcoming Alaska season.

Foodies will also notice the "Jamie's Italian" era has officially ended, replaced by the more polished Giovanni's Italian Kitchen, alongside the addition of Izumi Teppanyaki. These aren't just new menus; they are the signature brand anchors that bring the ship in line with the ultra-luxury Icon Class.

By the time Ovation returns to service on April 17, 2026, for its Alaskaseason, it will have shed its "2016 tech-heavy" skin for something far more refined. It's the ultimate smart move for travelers who want the "new ship" feel and the latest eateries without the "new ship" price tag.

This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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