Royal Caribbean announced that they will upgrade the Freedom and Liberty of the seas in drydocks in early 2011. These changes are to bring the two sisters up to Oasis level in terms of amenities only. Don’t worry, they will not stretch each ship.
To debut on Freedom and Liberty (Not Independence*)
Cupcake Cupboard. The shop will be on the Royal Promenade where the current barbers shop is. Like Oasis they will be sold for $2.50 per cup cake!(Talk about mark up, but it is extremely popular and if they can get that price then all the power to them!) The area is also available for classes and parties.
Outdoor Movie Theater. Princess were the first to offer the popular Giant Movie Screen By The Pool concept. The aqua theater does this on Oasis, so RCCL will place a 18.5 ft (which kinda seems small when you think about it) in the main Pool area.
Upgraded Shows. The as-yet-unannounced show will debut on the ships in 2011.
ImaginOcean Puppet Show. The kids area will feature this family puppet show/musical.
While we’re on the topic of revamped children’s areas, Royal Tots and Royal Babies will be there to cater to children from 36 months to 6 years.
Interactive Touch-Screen Displays will be added to provide pax with quick, easy access to onboard information.
* Independence of the Seas, due to her year-round status in the U.K., will feature different enhancements to be announced latter in the year.
Changes to Allure of the Seas (sister ship to Oasis)
The Boardwalk Dog House will be added to, you guessed it, the boardwalk. The venue will offer a wide selection of sausages, hot dogs, and brats. So far it looks to be free! It will be moves to the donut shop. The donut shop will be moved next to the ice cream shop where some seating currently is.
Rita’s Cantina, a So-Cal taqueria/Mexican beach bar will replace the Seafood Shack. The fee for the restaurant will be $4.95 compared to the $8.95 for the Seafood place.
RCI will introduce the first Guess Store at sea. Just like they did with the Coach store, this store will sell high end designer handbags, watches, shoes, jewelry and glasses. The store will replace the Focus Photo Shop, which will move to the photo gallery.
Guest Kiosks will be present. Carnival introduced these in the form of "FunHubs." Located in the Royal Promenade, guests will have the ability to view their bill, the daily calendar, spa appointments, dinner reservations, and the ability to print out airline boarding passes. No access to the unrestricted web though.
Following the onslaught on 3D technology that debuted at the 2010 CES, Allure will feature 3D Movies in the main theater. No word on whether or not you need glasses or if its glasses free.
AquaTheater will feature a new show called Blue Planet.
In-Cabin iPod Docks (mist likely iHomes) will be in all cabins.
There are rumored to be further slight tweaks to differentiate her from Oasis.
Will report back when they are announced.