Empress returns to Royal Caribbean fleet after $50m update

During its extended stay at Grand Bahama Shipyard—following several years of service for Pullmantur—the 1990-built ship added a rock-climbing wall, new pools and whirlpools, a spa with an extensive treatment menu and the Adventure Ocean youth program. Empress also gained dining options like the casual Windjammer Café and the brand’s signature steak house, Chops Grille.

Plus, the ship now has Voom, Royal Caribbean's super-fast Wi-Fi.

Empress of the Seas is scheduled to sail May 27 to Royal Caribbean’s private island, CocoCay, and Nassau. After that, it will operate four- and five-night getaways to Nassau, Cozumel, Costa Maya and Key West. Longer stays at every port will distinguish the itineraries and, on select five-night cruises, the ship will overnight in Cozumel.

These itineraries are published through July. Royal Caribbean awaits approval from Cuban officials to sail to the island.

Empress of the Seas was introduced as Nordic Empress in June 1990. The 48,563gt vessel spans nine decks and has double-occupancy capacity for 1,602 passengers.