Originally the 1992-built Majesty of the Seas was going to leave the fleet in April to go to parent line Pullmantur. Royal Caribbean have announced that they have since scrapped those plans and will instead keep her in Royal’s fleet. They will invest millions into refurbishing the ship, and will reloacte her to Port Canaveral to continue her Bahamas cruises starting in May.
Hopefully this will breath new life into the last remaining Sovereign class ship in the North American market.
This decision also effects the Rhapsody of the Seas. She was originally going to leave Tampa and relocate to Port Canaveral. Now, since she’s not needed in Canaveral, she will sail 7-night Western Caribbean’s out of Tampa.
Here’s Royal Caribbean’s announcement and the new additions they will be adding to her:
By popular demand, Majesty of the Seas will continue to offer short cruises sailing with Royal Caribbean International. The largest and most award-winning global cruise line announced today that the ship will homeport in Port Canaveral, along Florida’s Space Coast, starting in summer 2016. Before her season in Port Canaveral where she will sail to the Bahamas, Majesty of the Seas will go into drydock for upgrades and receive transformational new onboard amenities.
Voom, the fastest internet at sea, will be available free and unlimited exclusively for guests on Majesty of the Seas to stay connected, brag about their vacation to friends and family, stream their favorite movies and music, and enjoy popular online video gaming.
New features to be introduced on Majesty of the Seas include thrilling waterslides for guests of all ages; family-friendly Jacuzzis; a poolside movie screen; and award-winning entertainment including the Dreamworks Experience featuring activities and entertainment with Shrek, Fiona and other favorite characters from the powerhouse animation studio’s popular movies. An enhanced casino will offer gamers a variety of the latest popular slot machines and table games and suite guests will enjoy exclusive amenities and services as part of a newly enhanced suite program. Some of the new delectable culinary options include Izumi Japanese cuisine with fresh and flavorful sushi rolls and sashimi; the Sabor Taqueria featuring a mouthwatering menu of authentic, modern and unexpected Mexican dishes, including hand-made table-side guacamole – all which can be enjoyed alfresco; and the Chef’s Table, an exclusive experience hosted by the Executive Chef and Sommelier for an intimate wine pairing dinner.
“Our short itineraries have been very popular offering vacationers the perfect opportunity to sample the unmatched experience of a Royal Caribbean cruise, as well as providing a quick adventurous getaway,” said Michael Bayley, president & CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “With these exciting new features as well as unprecedented fast and free unlimited internet for guests onMajesty of the Seas, we are stepping up our game and offering a phenomenal short cruise adventure for our guests.”
Majesty of the Seas will sail 3- and 4-night cruises to the Bahamas with visits to the cruise line’s private island destination, CocoCay. Highly rated among guests, this tropical paradise offers white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters set in 140 acres of lush vegetation. The secluded Bahamian island – reserved exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests – features an aquatic park and water slide, beach volleyball and soccer, snorkeling and other water-based recreation.
With Majesty of the Seas’ move, the cruise line is now able to deploy Rhapsody of the Seas – which was announced to sail short Bahamas itineraries from Port Canaveral – to Tampa offering seven-night Western Caribbean cruises in winter 2016. The new itineraries will further expand the choices for guests in Central Florida and help Royal Caribbean increase the total number of U.S. destinations, from where vacationers can find conveniently accessible ports to embark on the ultimate Caribbean cruise adventure. Reservations for the Majesty of the Seas’ inaugural Port Canaveral season are now available for sailings beginning May 27, 2016. Rhapsody of the Seas’ Tampa sailings are also open for sale for sailings beginning December 3, 2016.