Empress of the Seas, the cruise ship Royal Caribbean officials said they hoped would be able to serve Cuba, arrived to her new homeport, Miami, after a US$50 million reviltalization.
During her extended stay at Grand Bahama Shipyard, after several years of Pullmantur service, the 1990-built vessel added a rock-climbing wall, a spa with extensive treatment menu, the Adventure Ocean youth program, new pools and whirlpools. Empress OTS also gained new dining options such as the casual Windjammer Café and brand’s signature steak house, Chops Grille. The ship now also boasts Voom, the super-fast Wi-Fi of Royal Caribbean.
Empress OTS is sailing today, May 27 to Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s private island, and Nassau. After that, she will operate 4- and 5-night getaways to Cozumel, Costa Maya, Key West and Nassau. Empress OTS will offer longer stays at every port and, on select 5-night cruises, she will overnight in Cozumel, Mexico.
Empress of the Seas was introduced in June 1990 as Nordic Empress. The 48,563 GT ship spans 9 decks and features double-occupancy capacity for 1,602 guests.