Royal Caribbean is not a line that rests on their successes. They are always looking for new innovations in cruise ship design to enhance the onboard experience. Nowhere is that more obvious than in the revolutionary Oasis of the Seas. There are however, aspects of that ship's design that they readily admit have not been a success. So what is the most innovative cruise line in the world going to do about it?. Make improvements of course.
The result will be some differences between Oasis of the Seas and her soon to be completed sister ship Allure of the Seas. First up will be the boardwalk area. In an early review, Cruise Critic noted that the Coney Island inspired neighborhood was virtually empty. The cause - parents reported that they didn't want to walk through that area with their kids in tow surrounded by the many "for fee" shops and restaurants that their children would be drawn to. Because of this, Royal Caribbean has decided to add a new free restaurant called the Boardwalk Dog House which will serve hot dogs and bratwurst with toppings. It will replace the donut shop which will move next to the ice cream parlor.
Another dining option, Rita's Cantina, will be added to the boardwalk as well. It will be replacing the Seafood Shack from Oasis but it will not be free. Instead it will charge a more reasonable $4.95 instead of the Seafood Shack's $8.95 for adults and $4.95 for kids. Rita's Cantina will be what Royal Caribbean calls a combo of a So-Cal Taqueria and Mexican beach bar. In an attempt to draw more people to the spot there will also be live guitar music, drinks and dancing at Rita's.
Aside from the changes to the boardwalk, Royal Caribbean is adding guest kiosks to the Royal Promenade. They will provide services such as the ability to view, print, and e-mail their onboard bill totals (folio in RCL speak), check the daily calendars and the option to look up and print airline reservations.
There will be the addition of the first Guess store at sea on Allure of the Seas. The Coach store on Oasis has been a success so why not?
3D movies will also be making their way to Allure's main theater. Royal Caribbean said that they will be showing first run 3D movies and that the capability will be added to Oasis of the Seas by spring 2011.
New water shows in the Aqua Theater and iPod docks in the cabins are more changes you can expect once Allure of the Seas makes her debut in December.
The line has also hinted that there are more changes to Allure to be revealed soon.
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