Keeping ships modern is a must for cruise lines. As dozens of different vessels are being added to the seas each year, multi-million-pound investments have been put in place to keep cruising standards high.

Time in dry dock can involve anything from adding additional restaurants and a handful more staterooms to more extreme renovations that use advanced methods like stretching ships and cutting them in half to add an extra piece before putting them back together. These new inclusions are welcomed by most cruisers – finding more to do on your favourite vessel is always a bonus.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN – NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS – 3RD JANUARY TO 23RD FEBRUARY 2019

As the most recent renovation in the cruising world, Navigator of the Seas has seen a staggering $115 million investment to stay at Royal Caribbean’s ever-growing standards. As part of the $1 billion investment across the fleet, she now features a host of show-stopping new facilities, including The Blaster (the first aqua coaster and longest slide at sea), taking guests along 800 feet of twists and turns high above the ocean floor. Joining the longest slide, Riptide is the “first mat racer waterslide at sea” and welcomes friendly competition as you battle to the finish line against new-found friends.

Inside there are more opportunities to relax. The chic, modern hair salon To Dry For opens its doors to all guests looking for a new hairstyle, whilst The Lime and Coconut features a three-level signature bar and live music for an unforgettable night. Other Royal Caribbean classics have also been added, including Hooked Seafood (authentic eatery inspired by New England), The Bamboo Room (Polynesian-themed cocktail bar), Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade (jam-packed full of arcades perfect for all ages), Jamie’s Italian (best Italian dishes from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver), Royal Escape Room (a modern escape room filled with puzzles and challenges) and FlowRider (a large surf simulator excellent for catching the perfect wave).

CELEBRITY CRUISES - CELEBRITY SUMMIT – MARCH 2019

The updates to Celebrity Summit are part of the $500 million Celebrity Revolution overhaul, which includes improvements to every ship in the fleet throughout 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. The ship received some added features that will align her standards with newer ships coming to the fleet, including the exciting Celebrity Edge. Every room will feature a complete refurbishment – new design, new layout and, most importantly, the latest tech. This includes the introduction of their own high-speed ‘Xcelerate’ Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Most notably, the Main Dining Room has been reconfigured to add lighter décor and offer a more inviting atmosphere, whilst Michael’s Club will be reimagined as the Retreat Lounge and fitted with its own private balcony for suite members only. The addition of Le Petit Chef adds another culinary venue and Cellar Masters will be transformed into a 90s-style gastro bar. For all the spa cruisers, this tranquil relaxation centre has been revamped for more space and better treatments to keep you stress-free during your holiday.

OCEANIA CRUISE – SIRENA – MAY 2019

Finally, Sirena will head into dry dock during May as part of the $100 million OceaniaNEXT project, joining her sister ship MS Insignia and becoming the second to receive this brand new look. Each stateroom will be redecorated with a contemporary design, including a sleek finish in the bathrooms. The Grand Dining Room and Grand Staircase will receive opulent chandeliers to light up every corner and Martinis will be redesigned from a country house look to a more modern vibe inspired by ship designers Santorini.