Royal Caribbean Plans Major Overhaul of Radiance of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Plans Major Overhaul of Radiance of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International is planning a major renovation of its 90,090-ton, 2,112-passenger Radiance of the Seas. The project is part of the $70 million five-ship Royal Advantage initiative.

Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean senior vice president, shared details of the project, which is more extensive than on the other vessels. The Radiance will enter dry dock in Victoria, B.C., and May 20 and re-enter service June 10.

Radiance will get eight dining venues and several new staterooms, including three single-occupancy cabins. “You’ll see us experimenting more with single-occupancy staterooms,” Freed said.

The new specialty dining concepts that will be introduced onboard include Samba Grill Brazilian steakhouse, Giovanni’s Table, Rita’s Cantina, Park Café, Chef’s Table, Izumi sushi bar, Boardwalk Dog House and Quill & Compass Pub.

The work will also add a Royal Babies and Tots nursery for children as young as six months in the U.S. and one year in Europe. The nursery will be staffed with professional nannies or college-educated counselors, Freed said. Also scheduled for the dry dock is the installation of an in-stateroom interactive and flat-screen TV system, Wi-Fi throughout the ship, and an outdoor poolside movie screen.

On June 10, Radiance will offer Alaska cruises. After the Alaska season, Radiance will position to Sydney, Australia, in November to operate cruises throughout Australia and New Zealand.

The Liberty and Freedom of the Seas have already undergone Royal Advantage renovations that added the DreamWorks Experience, a 3-D theater with first-run movies, an outdoor movie screen, The Cupcake Cupboard, the nursery and the interactive flat-screen TVs in staterooms.

Oasis of the Seas also got some enhancements, primarily the DreamWorks experience and the 3-D movie screens.