Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International
Following a month-long dry-dock revitalization, Royal Caribbean International's Liberty of the Seas has returned to its Galveston, Texas homeport with exciting new onboard experiences - many previewing what's to come on the future Harmony of the Seas.
First up are several waterslides and aquatic activities led by the Perfect Storm: Cyclone and Typhoon tube racers (pictured above) and the first Tidal Wave boomerang-style slide at sea. Also, kids get the new Splashaway Bay interactive aqua park, revamped from the former H2O Zone, featuring water cannons and geysers.
READ MORE: Harmony of the Seas Loads Up on Entertainment and Activities
The Harmony of the Seas, launching in May 2016, will also be the floating home to its own Splashaway Bay and Perfect Storm of waterslides, but the third will be a champagne bowl variety instead of a boomerang one. For thrills, what will be the largest cruise ship in the world will also sport the Ultimate Abyss, a pair of the tallest (dry) slides at sea.
It's remarkable how competition has driven Royal Caribbean from offering few slides in the recent past to wanting to be the number one in waterslides. Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line all already offer several thrilling and family-friendly takes.
Back to the Liberty of the Seas, the ship now features several new dining options that are popular elsewhere in the fleet. Sabor serves up modern Mexican food, and Giovanni's Table cooks up family-style Italian favorites. Plus, the R Bar is a new watering hole, converted from the Champagne Bar, with a 1960s ambiance that mixes new age cocktails. Chops Grille and Windjammer Cafe have also been upgraded.
READ MORE:Sneak Peek: The Crazy Water Slides of RCI's Liberty, Harmony
The whole redesign process can be previewed in video, hosted at my Popular Cruising YouTube channel and embedded below, including the addition of a bonus forward superstructure complete with new panoramic staterooms.
Liberty of the Seas sails on Sundays weekly from Galveston, Texas on Western Caribbean itineraries. Port options include Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico and Roatan, Honduras.
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