When Royal Caribbean upgrades Ovation of the Seas, it's going to have a few big changes to it.
Earlier this year, the cruise line announced plans to upgrade three of its cruise ships with new updates as part of its next phase of ship updates.
Ovation of the Seas is getting a Royal Amplification, and we have a look at what those changes entail, thanks to the updated deck plans.
Here's what you can expect to be different on Ovation of the Seas when the work is complete.
Deck-by-deck changes coming to Ovation of the Seas
The Royal Amplification will take place in April 2026.
Starting on deck 3, the casino will be significantly expanded.
The updated deck plans reveal Casino Royale will take over Music Hall entirely and replace the venue.
Royal Caribbean has been expanding its casino footprint on a few of its ships. Freedom of the Seas had its wine bar replaced with a casino, and both Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas expanded the casino to include more non-smoking areas.
More casino space means more revenue, and it's the most likely reason for Music Hall being eliminated on Ovation.
Moving up to deck 4, the upper level of Music Hall will become "Sound Cellar".
Here's the description of Sound Cellar from Royal Caribbean's website:
Turn up the volume on late night music in the all-new, first-of-its-kind Sound Cellar. This is a venue tuned for all kinds of shows — a Hollywood-style scene bringing nonstop whoas. Like electric sessions with the house band, covering your favorite jams. And DJ fueled beats that will keep you on your feet all night long. Rev up any adventure — or wind down with an epic nightcap — in this groovy wonderland, only on the newly Amplified Ovation of the Seas®.
Starbucks will replace La Patisserie.
La Patisserie was the de facto Starbucks location on Ovation, but will now be transformed into a full Starbucks standalone kiosk.
New cabins are being added to deck 5, replacing the photo gallery.
Ten new cabins are being added to this space, which is near the Schooner Bar.
Pesky Parrot will replace the Bionic Bar.
Pesky Parrot first debuted on Utopia of the Seas, and it's a tiki bar concept that will replace the aging robot bartenders.
Royal Caribbean will replace Wonderland specialty restaurant with Izumi Teppanyaki.
Arguably one of the most popular restaurants on Royal Caribbean, the hibachi tables will offer guests a cooking style not previously available onboard.
If you prefer sushi, Izumi sushi is still located just around the corner on deck 5.
Another change on deck 5 is the shore excursion desk is being replaced with "Royal HQ."
There are no details what that will be, exactly.
We can also expect to find Giovanni's Italian Kitchen replacing Jamie's Italian towards the aft of deck 5.
Giovanni's Italian Kitchen is the cruise line's home grown Italian specialty restaurant concept.
The Concierge Club (otherwise known as the Suite Lounge) has been replaced by a number of new suites.
Likewise, the Conference Center on deck 13 has also been replaced with new suites.
I believe this is where you'll find the Ultimate Family Suite, a two-story space with a slide and other family-focused amenities.
Up on deck 14, we see a number of changes to the pool deck.
Splashaway Bay remains, but the footprint will be reworked a bit. It appears it might be slightly expanded.
Splashaway Bay is the kids aquapark that has splash areas, geysers, and more.
The Living Room (teen club) is being replaced by a Suite Lounge, since the old one is being removed on deck 12.
More cabins are being added to deck 16, in front of the fitness center.
A total of 7 cabins are being added, and they appear as though they could be panoramic view rooms, similar to the ones that were added on the Freedom Class ships.
Changes coming to two other ships
Ovation of the Seas is one of three ships getting major upgrades as part of Royal Caribbean's renewed Royal Amplification process.
Harmony of the Seas will also get an overhaul in April 2026.
Updates include a new Caribbean-style pool area with The Lime & Coconut, a redesigned Solarium, the addition of Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, and the largest Casino Royale in the fleet.
They will also add the Ultimate Family Suite onboard.
Liberty of the Seas is also due for changes in 2026.
We can expect a reimagined pool deck, a new Royal Escape Room concept, and additional food and beverage options including El Loco Fresh, Izumi Teppanyaki, and Starbucks.
Royal Caribbean is undertaking these updates as a means of keeping its aging vessels relevant and compelling to book.
While new ships introduce new concepts, existing ships need to keep up with amenities. By adding back new amenities, it increases interest in trying these ships for passengers.
