Navigator of the Seas undergoes US$115M refit

Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas' refurbishment includes installing the world’s longest waterslide at sea

Royal Caribbean International has revealed plans to install the world's longest waterslide at sea on its ship Navigator of the Seas. 

The ship will relaunch on 24 February after a US$115M refit.

The waterslide – called The Blaster – will propel a two-person raft through more than 244 m of hills, drops and straightaways including a section that extends over the side of the ship.

"Each Royal Caribbean ship brings a new adventure uniquely designed to deliver on our guests' preferences from A to Z," said Royal Caribbean International president and chief executive Michael Bayley. Every detail matters and we've mapped out an unmatched combination of innovative features and experiences for this top-to-bottom transformation of Navigator of the Seas."

Navigator of the Seas' multi-million dollar makeover also includes:

• To Dry For, the first standalone blow-dry bar at sea.
• Planet Z glow in the dark laser tag.
• The Observatorium, Royal Caribbean's escape room.
• The Lime and Coconut two-level signature cocktail bar.
• New restaurants, bars and coffee shop.

Navigator of the Seas will be the first in the Royal Caribbean fleet to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, the debut destination in the cruise line's recently announced private island collection, opening in May 2019.

Reimagined Navigator of the Seas Will Introduce New Onboard Adventures

PHOTO: Perfect Storm pool deck on Navigator of the Seas (photo courtesy Royal Caribbean)

A newly modernized Navigator of the Seas will debut February 24, 2019, and, onboard, passengers will find a number of new adventures available.

Royal Caribbean’s $115 million upgrade includes a new Caribbean poolscape, two waterslides, a new blow-dry bar, and Insta-worthy nightlife and dining opportunities.

"Each Royal Caribbean ship brings a new adventure uniquely designed to deliver on our guests' preferences from A to Z," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "After launching our Royal Amplified modernization program with Independence of the Seas and then redefining short getaways with Mariner of the Seas, we are challenging ourselves to take it to the next level. Every detail matters, and we've mapped out an unmatched combination of innovative features and experiences for this top-to-bottom transformation of Navigator of the Seas."

Top Deck

A pair of new waterslides dominates the newly refurbished top deck of Navigator of the Seas. The Blaster is the cruise line's first-ever aqua coaster and the longest waterslide at sea, and the Riptide is the industry's only headfirst mat racer.

The entire poolscape has been modernized with a Caribbean theme and includes a Splash Pad for children, as well as signature Royal Caribbean features like the FlowRider surf simulator and a rock-climbing wall.

Guests can also enjoy Lime and Coconut, a two-level signature bar that offers sunset views, live music and cocktails. Grab-and-go dining also features Mexican street fare at El Loco Fresh and American fare at Johnny Rockets Express.

New Dining and Nightlife

Guests will be able to grab drinks and a bite to eat at several new establishments. The Polynesian-inspired Bamboo Room, which made its debut on Mariner of the Seas, will be serving up kitschy-cool cocktails onboard. Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is the place to catch the game. There will be 50 big-screen TVs, tabletop games, tournaments, trivia, a new Owner's Box VIP room, and a menu of classic bar fare with a twist alongside ice-cold brews.

For good eats, passengers can visit Jamie's Italian for a taste of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's rustic Italian dishes. New England-inspired dishes like lobster, crab claws, local fish and just-shucked oysters can be found at Hooked Seafood.

Coffee-lovers will be happy to note that there will also be a Starbucks onboard for pick-me-ups.

Amped-up Family Adventure

Families will have a lot to look forward to when it comes to sailing onboard the Navigator of the Seas. Royal Caribbean hits such as glow-in-the-dark laser tag with Battle for Planet Z in Studio B, mini-golf and the Royal Escape Room: The Observatorium will keep kids busy.

A reimagined Adventure Ocean youth program includes an open, free play space with organized activities. Teen areas have a hidden entrance and include a living room-style hangout as well as outdoor areas.

When the Navigator arrives in Miami, she will sail five- and nine-night Caribbean itineraries before offering three-night and four-night sailings to the Bahamas, including Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, starting in May.

Oriana refit in focus

Oriana refit in focus

We talk to P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Paul Ludlow about why Oriana holds a special place in so many guests’ hearts and why it’s time for her to undergo a refit

This cross-section shows the areas of the ship that will feature in the refit

Why do you think Oriana is so well loved, with such a loyal following?

Oriana is a unique ship with an incredible character; I think that’s what guests love about her. She’s exclusively for adults and offers all of the traditions and charms of cruising with an intimate atmosphere and a calm elegance. Also, one of the many benefits of a cruise on Oriana is the fantastic range of itineraries available. She has such a loyal following of guests who come back every year, more so than any of our other ships.

Oriana has a long history, how does this contribute to her popularity today?

Oriana was named by HM The Queen on 6 April 1995, so next year marks 22 years of loyal service. There are many things during this time that have made her so special and popular. Oriana still holds the prized Golden Cockerel Trophy, awarded to the fastest ship in the fleet, with a maximum speed of 30 knots. When she entered service, Oriana was also one of the largest cruise ships in the world (so you can see how times have changed!). However, size is not everything and Oriana’s tradition and charm remains throughout. The refit at the end of this year will not alter this but will just refresh her beauty.

What makes Oriana different to the other ships in the fleet?

Oriana offers traditional cruising at its best and brings to life everything about the luxuries of being at sea. Her signature tiered stern decks are reminiscent of ocean liners of the past, and the broad teak promenade and lido decks add a rich, classic feel to the ship. Her most recognisable feature is the stunning atrium with the Art Deco Tiffany glass ceiling. Coming on board Oriana is like stepping into the golden age of cruising, but with many contemporary touches and dining choices – a combination that is unique to Oriana.

The plans for the refit have taken into consideration guest feedback. Why do you think this is so important?

At every stage of a guest’s journey with us, from consideration through booking to the holiday itself, we aim to go above and beyond expectations. That’s why it’s so important for us to know what our guests are thinking – they are the whole reason our ships sail the world over, so their feedback is invaluable. We know that it’s time to give Oriana the attention she deserves. Her refit will take into consideration guest feedback on all aspects of the ship, from the public spaces and bars to the cabins, bathrooms and much more. We want Oriana’s guests, both returning and new, to feel that they are sailing on the most elegant and charming ship in the fleet. From what our guests have told us, we know that retaining these traditional elements that are unique to Oriana is as important as rejuvenating the ship. So that’s what we’re aiming to do.

Artist’s impression of the spa refit on board Oriana

Focusing on the public areas and cabins, how will the refit be balanced between the need to modernise and the desire to retain Oriana’s much-loved classic cruise feel? What added touches of luxury will there be?

We’ll be rejuvenating the public areas and cabins with a range of subtle upgrades that will have a big impact without losing Oriana’s unique charm. New carpets will enhance Oriana’s elegance while improved lighting designs will add to the atmosphere of traditional cruising. We’ll also be upgrading furniture and making changes to cabin bathrooms to ensure they meet the standards for P&O Cruises guests.

What’s most important, though, is that none of the changes will take away any of what makes Oriana so special. In fact, all of our plans aim to emphasise her unique and traditional charm – from the furniture choices to the fabric for our new soft furnishings and the chosen carpet designs, everything has been selected to complement and emphasise Oriana’s traditional feel.

One of the main changes in recent years is the wide range of dining available on Oriana. What further changes will there be?

Significant changes will be noticeable in the Conservatory buffet restaurant,which will become a much brighter, modern space where guests will be able to enjoy casual all-day dining. We will also be refurbishing the space of our hugely popular Beach House restaurant, which offers relaxed evening dining at great value.

The Peninsular and Oriental main restaurants will also have fresh new looks, with specially designed carpets and new furniture throughout giving these popular dining experiences a new lease of life in keeping with the tradition of Oriana.

For those all-important holiday cocktails and refreshing beers, Oriana’s pubs and bars will be upgraded to ensure there is something to match every mood. The quintessential British sports bar, Lord’s Tavern, will have new carpets and furniture, and the plans for Anderson’s include replacing old furniture as well as introducing new lamps and stylish new carpets and rugs, all with the intent of retaining and upgrading Anderson’s classic elegance.

Of course, holidays are about relaxation and pampering too, so to offer guests the best in salon treatments we’re planning to upgrade salon equipment such as the washbasins and treatment beds, as well as refurbishing the spa and relaxation areas to rival your favourite spa on dry land. We’ll be uplifting the sauna, steam-room, whirlpool and changing areas with new tiling, modern furniture and contemporary equipment. An improved layout will mean that guests can focus on pounding the pounds in the gym area, while the relaxation areas are all about escaping to a calming retreat with soothing natural décor such as a living plant wall.

Where will Oriana be going next year?

In 2017, Oriana has a wide range of itineraries, all sailing from Southampton. Highlights include the 50-night Caribbean & Amazon Adventure, which includes 13 different countries and covers over 14,000 nautical miles. This includes two full days in New Orleans to explore Bourbon Street and really pick up the musical vibe of this diverse city; two full days in Manaus in Brazil on the Amazon; an overnight stay in Fort Lauderdale; and extended time in Bermuda to relax on the pink sand beaches. There are also two Northern Lights cruises, which are always very popular, an Iceland cruise and seven long Mediterranean cruises. If you are short on time, then you could see the Iberian coast instead or have a quick chocolate, shopping and foodie break to Bruges or Amsterdam.

Royal Caribbean loosens restraints on Empress cabins

Empress of the Seas

Inventory for Empress of the Seas will not be released a few months at a time in 2017 as it has been in 2016, Royal Caribbean International president Michael Bayley said on Friday.

The Empress has been sailing short itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean since it returned to Royal Caribbean's fleet in June. It had been at a cost of $50 million with the intent to use it on itineraries to Cuba.

However, Royal Caribbean has yet to gain approval from Cuban authorities to begin those cruises.

"We really were holding it late and hoping for the itinerary change," Bayley said during Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s third-quarter earnings call.

With cabins available only a few months ahead of time, travel agents have difficulty making group bookings that typically require longer to organize than individual ones.

Empress cruises are currently available through April 2017.

Royal Caribbean was also delayed in launching the Empress into Caribbean service by unexpected construction obstacles after the ship was returned from Royal's Spanish subsidiary Pullmantur.

During the call, Royal Caribbean said projected earnings in the current fourth quarter have been pared by an estimated $13 to $15 million by the delay in getting Empress sailing again and the resulting lost sales momentum.

For the third quarter, RCCL reported net income of $693.3 million on revenue of $2.56 billion. Results are not directly comparable with last year's third quarter because of a huge write-down on Pullmantur.

Executives said the company is in a better booked position for next year than it was last year at this time, with both loads and pricing ahead of pace. North American demand for Europe is returning in the absence of recent terrorism incidents, they said, although Europe will account for 15% of Royal's overall capacity in 2017, down from 20% this year.

The Caribbean will rise to 50% of overall capacity with the addition of Harmony of the Seas, which will not sail in Europe next summer as it did this year, and the shift of Celebrity Equinox from Europe to the Caribbean year-round.

After a pause in bookings following Hurricane Matthew, Royal Caribbean began some promotions to restart consumer demand. 

Shipyard visit the MS Artania in the Lloyd Werft

Shipyard visit the MS Artania in the Lloyd Werft: Details & pictures for major rebuild

First details and background information on the major rebuild of MS Artania in the Lloyd Werft

Saturday afternoon, 04 October 2014, the sun shines from the azure sky, the cry of gulls lies in the warm autumn air and before us is the white hull of the MS Artania of Phoenix Reisen. One might even think of being in a picturesque harbor somewhere in the Mediterranean. But there's something wrong in this idyllic setting. The more we approach the pretty cruise ship, the clearer it will be seen, at which place we find ourselves - in the Lloyd shipyard in Bremerhaven. In the 335 m long and 40 m wide Kaiserdock II is just the 1984-built, 230 meters long and 44,588-gt, at the time of Princess Diana as the "Royal Princess" baptized MS "Artania" undergone an extensive renovation and modernization - the biggest in its 30-year life history. The total amounts to around 45 million euros, of which a large part attributable to the 4 new main engines.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Even the abbreviated list of renovation and reconstruction reads spectacular and impressive, you then takes a look at the seven-page "Time Schedule", then the layman can only imagine with imagination that not later than 06 December 2014, the first Guests will check in again on board. Overall, the Lloyd Werft has to deal with 76 days time to the seemingly endless list of tasks to be performed. So in order list are also extensive renovations to the electronics, the alarm and fire detection systems and the exchange of engines for the Davids of the lifeboats.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

The "Artania" is at Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven no unknown, because already in 2006 built the renowned shipyard on the River Weser to the then "Royal Princess" for the British shipping company P & O Cruises for "Artemis". The Lloyd Werft also took place after the reconstruction of the "Artemis" to "Artania" in 2011 and has correspondingly extensive detailed knowledge of this beautiful cruise ship.

Is headed this spectacular renovation project of Norbert Jepsen (Project Management Phoenix travel), Lino Calzolari (Project Management V.Ships) and Silvia Cattarini Mastelli (Project Management Re-engining). Besides Captain Jens Thorn is 400 regular crew members and workers throughout the shipyard time aboard the MS Artania, 150 employees of different companies in alternate layers on board and from 300 shipyard workers also perform in shifts their work on the ship.

No stop in the hotel sector

The hotel continued operation during construction work in full swing, as the shipyard workers want lodging, and the cabins are cleaned. Hotel Manager Thomas Appenzeller has controlled the situation under control and coordinate all processes routinely and professionally. Despite enormous pressure of time is hectic and stress no trace visible.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

MS "Artania", an exciting and emotional construction site

We took a look at the 04 October aboard the "Artania" and brought some impressions. Since we almost since their youth as "Royal Princess" know "Artania" and in 1988 for the first time were on board, this visit has also an emotional side to us.The main alterations are summarized here, with pictures and described for the cruise guest who otherwise rarely moves on ships under construction, detail.

We go on deck 4 in the Promenade on board. Where else comfy loungers available and stroll cruise guests relaxed on the teak decks, now working in protective clothing walk around on worn-out carpets between containers and cables. The wood railing is also taped with old carpets and thus protected from damage.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Where else comfortable lounge chair in the Phoenix Bar invite you to a delicious cappuccino or a leisurely afternoon with hot waffles, now compressors, motors, dumpster and roll stand with cover on thick wooden plates which protect the underlying wood decks. The entire teak decks outside are completely redesigned at the end of the shipyard time and partly renewed. Actually, the state is in comparison to other cruise ships still very good, but Phoenix Travel continues its high quality faithful and leaves the ship again polished to a high gloss.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Deck 2 - Standard cabins - Cat. I2 / ZI / J1 / J2:

- The cabins received new carpets, curtains, and new upholstery on the chairs.

Deck 2 - Standard  cabins - Kat I2 / ZI / J1 except 2200 + 2201 / J2.

- Complete renovation and redesign of the bathroom, including installing a shower instead of a bath.

Deck 2 - Lobby

- Decorative remodeling including new carpet.

The Lobby on Deck 2 looks at the moment almost as if the last guest just left only. If not already a part of the carpet missing, then one would book the next shore excursion smooth on the idea board in travel agency.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Deck 2 - Restaurant Four Seasons:

- Complete renovation and redesign of the entire restaurant.

If you open the doors to the restaurant four seasons, then you can get a loud "Whoa!" Barely suppress. "Everything is out" would be the short description for the entire state of the current conversion status. The carpets are removed, unscrewed the tables, the counters smash partly in items, only the candlestick on the ceiling are still left. But it is eerily quiet and you close your eyes, and so it is not difficult to remember cozy nights in this restaurant.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

If the "Artania" stands to sea again in a few weeks, then the cruise guest will expect a completely new atmosphere. If you look at a map on the wall, then this increases the voltage to what is created here. Soon blowing a "fresh wind" by the Four Seasons Restaurant and it will fit in the harmonious overall picture already renovated areas.

Deck 4 - Standard cabins

- All cabins received new carpets, curtains and new upholstery on the chairs.

Deck 5 - Standard cabins - Cat H1 / H2 / M2 / XRL.:

- All cabins received new carpets, curtains and new upholstery on the chairs.

Deck 6 - Standard cabins - Cat C3 / H1 / H2 / H3 / O2 / O3.:

- All cabins received new carpets, curtains and new upholstery on the chairs.

Deck 6 - Standard cabins - Cat C3 / H1 / H2 except 6609 / H3 / O2 except 6608, 6611 / O3.:

- Complete renovation and redesign of the bathroom, including installing a shower instead of a bath.

Currently the old baths have been completely removed, the toilets are also renewed in this context.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Deck 6 - Superior cabins - Kat PG2 / ZG / Q1 / Q2.:

- Complete renovation and redesign of the bathroom, including installing a shower instead of a bath.

The next photo shows the view from the cabin aisle behind the wall paneling of two cabins to the drains of the vacuum toilets. The photo illustrates certainly very good, so basically in all vacuum toilets only the thin toilet paper should be thrown! The diameter of the vacuum pipes is significantly lower than conventional toilets, which is the case on all cruise ships.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Deck 7 - Superior cabins - Kat Q1 / R2 / PG2 / ZG.:

- Complete renovation and redesign of the bathroom, including installing a shower instead of a bath.

- New Pullman beds and bedsteads, new carpets, curtains, Neupolsterung of chairs.

Deck 7 - Junior Suites - Kat U4 / S2 / S3 except 7100 + 7102.:

- Complete renovation and redesign of the bathroom, including installing a shower instead of a bath.

- New carpets, headboards, curtains, bedspreads, pillowcases, Neupolsterung of sofas, armchairs and chairs.

The Bornholm suite number 8216 clearly shows how it currently looks in all junior suites on Deck 8. At each cabin door, a plan is attached which documents the work to be done.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

One dares now one step on the old balcony construction, so there is almost something adventurous. The entire steel structure balcony on deck 7 and 8 is removed and replaced with new balconies, new teak flooring, new patio doors, new lighting and new partitions. The old balconies are so far prepared for the degradation and connected only at individual points with the vessel wall - enough to run naturally still firmly around it.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Deck 8 - Gold Suites - Kat V4.:

- Complete renovation and redesign of the bathroom, including installing a shower instead of a bath.

As an example of the extensive reconstruction work in the gold suites we have the Mozart Suite looked at 8202.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Even in these suites bathrooms are already completely removed, expanded the bathtubs.

From the port bridge wing, one can look wonderful on the already distant steel structures of the old balconies. These are not completely removed, leaving large gaps for now. The opportunity is used to remove all corrosion and rust and to make the balconies then ready for the next 15 years.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Deck 8 - Royal Suites - Cat. W4:

- Renovation and redesign of the entire cabins and bathrooms including balcony, window, furniture, carpet, curtains, decoration.

In the great Emperor Suite and the opposite owner's suite currently blowing a fresh wind around the corners, because it is missing some of them already windows, doors and balconies.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

The suites will be completely redesigned and rebuilt. Partitions missing, the ceiling panel is off, cables are redrawn, updated windows and balcony doors.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Even in the bathrooms, it does not look different. Here no tile and no wall will remain in place. It is interesting to see that in previous renovations the old tiles were removed but not taped. No unusual procedure but a relic of bygone days, which will now also vanish.

On the bridge of the MS Artania we meet Captain Jens Thorn, who was coming from the engine room and treat themselves to a short breather. "Despite a deadline, all work previously run according to plan and take regular breaks to ensure to keep a clear head," Thorn explained to us.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

On the bridge of the MV "Artania" receives some innovations in the technical field as well as a new steel structure of the wind shield on both bridge wings.

Deck 8 - Lido buffet restaurant:

- Basic renovation and replacement of the carpet.

Where else can wait tasty food at the buffet stations and afternoon coffee scent is in the air, the curtains are protected from dirt wrapped in blue garbage bags and so far completed the preparations for the renovation. During the yard period, the Lido buffet restaurant serves the shipyard workers for breakfast, lunch and dinner as the main restaurant.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Also on the Lido deck is doing much. The wall windows and all columns are sanded, re-primed and painted.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Deck 8 - Copernicus pool:

- Renovation and redesign of Copernicus pool area. Wellness oasis and relaxation areas.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

On the whole sun deck of the paint is removed from the railings and applied a new primer and fresh paint in the later course.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Deck 9 - Pacific Lounge :

- New panoramic window

- New ceiling and lighting design

Hard to recognize the Pacific Lounge on Deck 9, garbage bags, cables and generators, the courts have taken the seating.Partitions create temporarily a dark atmosphere, the otherwise beautiful view is obscured by scaffolding and plastic sheeting, the panoramic windscreen is already partially upgraded and removed the ceiling panel.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

The temporary partition walls were pulled in order to operate in parallel in the other areas without the effects of wind and weather further.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

The areas of the ship that are not renovated or have been renewed under the first restructuring in 2011, now serve as temporary storage for all the furniture. So the Atlantic Show Lounge is currently a major depot for chairs and mattresses.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

In brief, the Atlantic Show Lounge is a place of work professional upholsterers who are new bepolstern a 4-digit number of chairs, armchairs and seats.

The otherwise clear view of the stage is obstructed by tall stacks of mattresses. They will also be reupholstered, checked and if necessary cleaned or replaced.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Everything is covered in the Casablanca Lounge, which was built only 3 years ago in place of the former casino and is accordingly not refurbished.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Unaffected by the renovation work remains the already redesigned Artania Restaurant on Deck 3 and Harry's Bar and the Boutique.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

Lloyd Werft is for Museum

Before the ship, it would currently also very interesting, some already developed and in some cases 30 years located in service components is discovered there. Ausgedient now have the small engines that are used for the easing of David or the lifeboats and have reliably three decades has done its job.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

If you look further on the site of the Lloyd shipyard in order, we find the old steel structures of balcony cabins and the removed bathtubs, each neatly sorted on separate stacks. One might almost think, to move in a small maritime museum.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

This impression is only a few meters further changes, because here already are the new components available. Neatly lined up we discover the new metal structures for the balcony cabins, pre-assembled pipe systems, the new engines for the Davids and the huge main engines for the MS Artania.

Photo: Ocean Liner Pictures

<< HERE >> it goes to the part "MS Artania: Successful installing new equipment in the Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven" and the complete picture gallery from 04 October 2014 weiiteren photos of the construction site there << here >> .