Above: Majesty of the Seas

By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Royal Caribbean will be retaining its Majesty of the Seas ship in its fleet, changing course after an announcement in 2014 that it would be transferring the ship.

Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas will continue to offer short cruises with new itineraries summer 2016, after receiving transformational new amenities and upgrades, the company said.

The ship will homeport from Port Canaveral after sailing to the Bahamas this year for the renovations.

“Our short itineraries have been very popular offering vacationers the perfect opportunity to sample the unmatched experience of a Royal Caribbean cruise, as well as providing a quick adventurous getaway,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO at Royal Caribbean International. “With these exciting new features as well as unprecedented fast and free unlimited internet for guests on Majesty of the Seas, we are stepping up our game and offering a phenomenal short cruise adventure for our guests.”

In addition to new free, unlimited Voom internet service, the Majesty of the Seas will offer water rides, a poolside movie screen and other entertainment.

The ship will also come with an enhanced casino that will offer gamers the latest popular table games and slot machines, and exciting new culinary options including Izumi Japanese cuisines, the Sabor Taqueria, and the Chef’s Table – an experience hosted by the ship’s Executive Chef and Sommelier.

Majesty of the Seas will sail three- and four-night cruises to the cruise line’s private Bahamas destination, CocoCay, which boasts white sand beaches and turquoise waters set in 140 acres of lush greenery, as well as exclusively reserved snorkeling activities, an aquatic park and water slide, and beach volleyball and soccer facilities.

With this move, Royal Caribbean will now shift Rhapsody of the Seas to Tampa, where it will offer seven-night Western Caribbean cruises in 2016.