Ovation of the Seas to Get Expanded Casino, New Dining, and More in 2026 Overhaul

_{Ovation of the Seas at Sydney. (Image: Royal Caribbean Press Centre)}

Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas will undergo a major refurbishment in April 2026, with a bigger casino, new bars and restaurants, and redesigned guest spaces as part of the cruise line’s renewed “Royal Amplification” programme.

The upgrade is one of three planned for 2026, alongside Harmony of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas.

Casino Royale Takes Over Music Hall

On deck 3, Casino Royale will expand significantly, replacing the Music Hall venue entirely. The upper level of Music Hall on deck 4 will be transformed into “Sound Cellar,” a late-night live music and DJ venue described by Royal Caribbean as a “Hollywood-style scene” exclusive to the newly amplified Ovation.

The cruise line has been steadily increasing casino space across its fleet. More gaming floor means more revenue, and Royal Caribbean has previously expanded non-smoking casino areas on ships including Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas.

Starbucks, Tiki Bar, and Teppanyaki

On deck 5, Starbucks will replace La Patisserie, which previously served as the ship’s unofficial coffee hub. The Bionic Bar will give way to Pesky Parrot, a tiki-themed venue that debuted on Utopia of the Seas.

Popular speciality restaurant Wonderland will be replaced with Izumi Teppanyaki, bringing hibachi dining to Ovation for the first time. Izumi Sushi will remain in its current nearby location.

Italian dining is also getting a refresh, with Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen replacing Jamie’s Italian toward the aft of deck 5.

Watch Ovation of the Seas Being Launched. 

New Cabins and Suite Changes

The photo gallery on deck 5 will be removed to make way for 10 new cabins near the Schooner Bar. Additional suites will replace the Concierge Club on deck 12 and the Conference Center on deck 13.

The ship is also expected to add the Ultimate Family Suite, a two-storey accommodation featuring a slide and family-focused amenities.

Seven new cabins will be added on deck 16 near the fitness centre, likely with panoramic views similar to recent Freedom Class upgrades.

Pool Deck Updates and Kids’ Spaces

Splashaway Bay, the children’s aqua park on deck 14, will be reworked and possibly expanded. The teen club, The Living Room, will be replaced by a new Suite Lounge to account for the removal of the existing lounge on deck 12.

Changes Across the Fleet

Harmony of the Seas will undergo upgrades in April 2026, including the fleet’s largest Casino Royale, a Caribbean-style pool area with The Lime & Coconut, a redesigned Solarium, Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, and the Ultimate Family Suite.

Liberty of the Seas will also be refurbished in 2026 with a new pool deck, Royal Escape Room, El Loco Fresh, Izumi Teppanyaki, and a Starbucks.

Royal Caribbean says the upgrades are aimed at keeping older vessels competitive as new ships debut with cutting-edge amenities.