MIAMI -- The Nordic Empress, the only ship in Royal Caribbean
International's fleet without an "of the Seas" suffix to its name
will become the Empress of the Seas this spring.
The 1,602-passenger Empress will enter drydock after its April
10 sailing for a renovation before the re-named ship repositions to
Royal Caribbean Cruises' new berth in Bayonne, N.J., for a series
of six- and eight-day Bermuda cruises.
Among the changes on tap for the Empress' interiors is the
addition of Royal Caribbean's Italian alternative restaurant,
Portofino, and a Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop.
The Latin-themed Boleros bar and nautical-themed Schooner Bar,
which are found on Royal Caribbean's newer builds, will replace the
Empress' High Society Lounge and Carousel Bar, respectively.
The line also will upgrade the ship's Windjammer Cafe, refurbish
the main dining room, expand the spa, and give facelifts to cabins
and public areas.
Renovations are to be completed in time for the repositioning in
May.
To contact reporter Rebecca Tobin, send e-mail to [email protected].