Ch-ch-changes for Royal Caribbean's Older Ships



(Photo by Paul Dickerson)

Royal Caribbean--that's the cruise line with all the adventurous activities on board, right? Surf-riders, climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and other heart-rate uppers to keep your teens happy.

Well, sometimes.

Just as with other cruiselines, the amenities can vary greatly from ship to ship. Hit a newer one, and you'll be overwhelmed with choices. Pick an older vessel and...not so much.

Which is why I was pleased to read the announcemnet of CEO Adam Goldstein today that the line would be investing $300 million over the next three years to upgrade its older vessels.

Does that mean surfing machines for each ship? Alas, no. Perhaps because of lack of space on the older ship, but the line doesn't seem to plan much-needed activities to older boats in the fleet. Which means that parents, especially, should read brochures carefully when picking a boat.

However, there will be several other definite improvements. First and foremost will be the expansion of the "Royal Babies and Tots" program--a godsend for parents of very small children. This daycare center cares for children between 6 and 36 months, giving parents a much-needed break.

The line will also be revamping cabins, improving both their looks and amenities. More specialty restaurants will also be added (which may be the reason why they're not adding any activities); and there will also be such high tech touches, popular on the Oasis-class ships, as touch screen signage, massive LED screens in the pool area (um, this is an improvement?), and wifi and flat screen TVs in each cabin.