Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur Begins $48 Million Revitalization

Royal Caribbean International’s Grandeur of the Seas begins a five-week, $48 million dry-dock renovation at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain. The ship is the third of six Vision-class vessels to undergo extensive revitalization, which adds features introduced on the Oasis-class ships. The work will be completed May 31, when the ship will sail an 11-night Mediterranean roundtrip from Barcelona, Spain. From there, it will spend the summer offering Mediterranean itineraries. The two previous Vision-class ships to get the upgrades were Rhapsody of the Seas, now sailing in Alaska, and Splendour of the Seas, now operating in Brazil. The bow-to-stern revitalization will add several new dining venues, technological upgrades and new entertainment offerings, as well as a refresh of all furniture, carpet, upholstery and staterooms. New dining venues include Giovannis Table, an Italian trattoria with a cover charge for lunch for dinner; the pan-Asian Izumi, which features sushi and hot-rock cooking, Plus a la carte menu pricing; Park Café, a complimentary market with salads, sandwiches and soups; the steakhouse Chops Grille, and the exclusive Chef’s Table, an event co-hosted by the executive chef and sommelier for a five-course, wine-pairing fine dining experience. In addition, the ship will receive a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty guests, a Concierge Lounge for suite and top-tier loyalty guests, as well as a transformed Viking Crown Lounge with a new menu of bite-size appetizers. A new Royal Babies and Tots Nursery will care for children ages 6 to 36 months old. The nursery offers parents childcare drop-off options in the daytime and evening.

The Grandeur of the Seas also will get ship-wide Wi-Fi service, an outdoor video screen on the pool deck, and the digital way-finding system introduced on Oasis of the Seas.

The Centrum will be turned into a lively space that will feature daytime activities and nighttime entertainment, including new high-flying experience with aerialists. The original Champagne Bar will become R Bar, a retro bar. For more information on booking the Grandeur of the Seas sailing for the summer of 2012, call 203-288-1884.