Royal Caribbean Announces Ship Upgrades and New Shows

As if Royal Caribbean didn’t have enough to think about in 2016 with two new ships launching and the relaunch of the Empress of the Seas; the cruise line has announced a multimillion makeover to the Jewel of the Seas and a host of new shows.

The $30m makeover of the 12 year old ship will bring it closer in line with Royal Caribbean’s flagship vessels of the Oasis and Quantum Class (although not in terms of size). The refurb is set to be completed in time for spring, when the ship will be undertaking its traditional Mediterranean itineraries.

As part of the comprehensive top-to-tail refurbishment, Royal Caribbean are adding 24 new outside and balcony cabins as well as a new two-bedroom family suite. New dining and drinking options aboard the ship include Giovanni’s Table, Izumi and Vintages wine bar. And sure to appeal to all generations, Royal Caribbean are adding superfast Voom WiFi to the ship – allowing guests to share images, video chat and stream movies from the comfort of their cabin.

Additionally, Royal Caribbean have announced a new musical production aboard two of their ships. The Broadway and West End blockbuster, Grease, will be performed aboard the Harmony of the Seas when it launches in May and the Independence of the Seas from the same month.

Playing three times a week aboard both ships, it will be a new production of the screen and stage classic – but will still feature all the famous songs so passengers can sing (and dance) along. The production is being staged by award-winning director and choreographer, Karen Bruce, and the roles have been filled during auditions in London and New York.

Bruce explained the difficulty of taking a Broadway classic to the seas: “The key difference between casting for the West End and for Royal Caribbean is versatility. The cast need to be great for the role they are auditioning for but we were also looking for people that can transfer to the other on-board productions perfectly, too. It is more than just finding great singers, dancers and actors – our cast have to be able to do all three at the highest level with presence worthy of the Royal Caribbean stage.”

Grease will become the seventh Broadway hit taken to the seas by Royal Caribbean, following the success of the likes of Mamma Mia and We Will Rock You.

If you are planning on taking a cruise holiday in 2016 and the news of Grease being performed has turned your tables in favour of Royal Caribbean, check out our great range of deals, here. 

Alternatively, you can give our friendly sales team a call on 0808 2746 777.

Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credit: EandJsFilmCrew.

Video sourced via Royal Caribbean Press Center