Royal Caribbean just finished updates to one of its cruise ships as it returns to service with new features and upgrades.
Ovation of the Seas spent a number of weeks in drydock in Singapore to undergo a major refurbishment.
Royal Caribbean calls it a "Royal Amplification" because it's when a ship gets big changes that have since been introduced on newer ships.
Thanks to our friends at Cruise Beyond SG group, we have new photos of what the changes look like onboard.
Here's our photo tour of what's new, different, and changed on Ovation of the Seas.
What's new on Ovation of the Seas
Facebook user Ace/Blue took these photos around the ship, which is now sailing from Singapore.
First up, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen replaced Jamie's Italian towards the aft of deck 5.
Both restaurants offer Italian food, but Giovanni's is the cruise line's in-house branded option. It replaces an Italian restaurant that had a menu created by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.
On the Royal Esplanade, Starbucks has taken over for the former cafe known as La Patisserie.
While La Patisserie did offer Starbucks drinks, this means it will be a Starbucks kiosk and offer a full menu of what the coffee giant has on any given day.
Drink packages do not work at Starbucks, but you can use a Starbucks rewards card to pay for drinks and earn stars.
One of the bigger changes to Ovation is the addition of the Pesky Parrot Bar.
This tiki-inspired bar was first introduced on Utopia of the Seas and has since been added to Allure of the Seas as well.
The Pesky Parrot replaces the Bionic Bar, which had robot bartenders.
Royal Caribbean appears to be slowly replacing the Bionic Bar concept. It was a success for its time, but the technology was the focal point, and the cruise line is looking to craft grander experiences for its guests.
The new bar has fruit-based concoctions that will put you in a Caribbean state of mind
There's even a robotic parrot that will randomly say things.
At the launch of the bar on Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said the idea for the parrot was that one one uncle or aunt who is the life of the party and tends to drink a little, but as the day wears on, drinks a lot.
If you're a fan of frozen drinks, this will be your new favorite bar. They have specialized blenders that can create all sorts of options.
My favorite was the pina colada that tastes like peanut butter.
On the surface, it sounds like a fun tiki bar, but when you see it in person, you'll realize it was designed to be your go-to hang out spot.
Another big change is there is now a hibachi restaurant on Ovation of the Seas.
Izumi Teppanyaki has been added, taking over the space from the Wonderland specialty restaurant.
According to Izumi founder and chef Travis Kamiyama, this new expansion is the first time on a Quantum Class ship that will have teppanyaki near the sushi restaurant, "We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newly amplified teppanyaki restaurant adjacent to Izumi sushi, a first for our [Quantum] class, where the synergy between the two establishments will enhance the dining experience with our experienced chefs and waitstaff."
This new area offers just the hibachi dining, where chefs cook in front of you.
Hibachi has become the most popular restaurant (by volume) across Royal Caribbean, so the changeover reflects how in-demand a teppanyaki restaurant is.
It's no surprise given how entertaining this style of dining has been on other ships.
If you prefer sushi or other Japanese cuisine, there's a stand-alone Izumi restaurant around the corner.
There's a new Suite Lounge on Ovation of the Seas, located on deck 14 midship.
Royal Caribbean opted to convert the old lounge (known as the Concierge Lounge) on deck 12 into staterooms. Then it converted The Living Room (teen club) into the new Suite Lounge.
The change in location is primarily to address complaints the old location was too far away because it was hidden away at the back of deck 14.
This new location is far more accessible.
Just like all Suite Lounges, there are complimentary snacks and coffee machine.
In the evening, there's a happy hour with complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for suite guests.
Access to the Suite Lounge is for guests staying in a Grand Suite or higher (as well as Pinnacle Club members).
New cabins were added near the Schooner Bar on deck 5.
Ten new cabins were added here, replacing the photo gallery.
There's even a subtle Schooner Bar theme outside the rooms in the hallway.
The newly added rooms are interior staterooms 5160 to 5178.
Another big change is Royal Caribbean expanded the casino space on deck 3.
Casino Royale took over Music Hall entirely to replace the venue on deck 3.
More casino space means more revenue, and it's the most likely reason for Music Hall being eliminated on Ovation.
Based on changes we've observed across the fleet, Royal Caribbean has prioritized expanding its casino offerings whenever a ship gets upgrades.
The upper portion of Music Hall has become the Sound Cellar.
At the time these photos were taken, the space was still being prepared.
Since cabins replaced the Photo Gallery that used to be near the Schooner Bar, there's now a photo gallery area combined with the shore excursions desk.
More changes to Ovation
In addition to the photo update we have, Royal Caribbean has made other upgrades to the ship.
There's now the Ultimate Family Suite onboard, a two-story space with a slide and other family-focused amenities.
The pool deck has gotten changes too.
The Splashaway Bay kids aqua park has been reworked and expanded.
More cabins are being added to deck 16, in front of the fitness center.
Ovation is headed back to North America
The first passengers since the amplification boarded today, and the ship will begin a journey back to the west coast of the United States.
Sailing from Singapore on April 17 to Yokohama, Japan, the 14-night cruise will visit destinations in Vietnam, China, Taiwan and Japan.
From Yokohama, Ovation will sail a 15-night voyage to Canada, which will end in Vancouver on May 15, 2026.
At that point, Ovation will offer open-jaw Alaska cruises for the summer that sail between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska.
Alaska cruises on Ovation will include visits to Sitka, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Skagway, as well as cruising around Hubbard Glacier.
