Harmony of the Seas is back in business following six weeks in dry dock, during which time the Royal Caribbean ship received some major upgrades.
The Oasis-class ship has been in the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, since April 3, 2026, and was finally completed her glow-up on May 19, 2026.
This was her first dry dock stint since April 2021, which was a more standard visit for routine maintenance and inspections.
During her stay, hundreds of workers collaborated to complete routine maintenance, as well as significant onboard upgrades. Notably, the 226,963-gross ton vessel is returning to cruising with more dining options and new guest cabins.
This work obviously benefits Royal Caribbean by making its ship more desirable and increasing capacity, as more bookings equate to more revenue.
However, it was also highly beneficial for the shipyard. According to local outlets, an estimated 350 jobs were sustained during the refit, with up to 700 workers employed during the peak of the upgrade period.
The 2016-launched ship will re-enter service shortly, with her first departure scheduled for May 21, 2026, from Barcelona, Spain. The two days between completing work and embarkation give her time to sail the approximately 605 nautical miles from Cadiz to Barcelona.
Her first cruise back will be a 4-night round-trip voyage to Palma De Mallorca, Spain, and Marseille, France.
The newly revamped ship will continue cruising the Mediterranean through July, before beginning her crossing to Port Canaveral, Florida, on July 26, 2026. All of her released itineraries after this point are to the Bahamas or the Caribbean.
New Dining Venues Tantalize Taste Buds
In addition to standard repairs and maintenance, the 6,780-guest ship also underwent a major remodel. Notably, several new dining venues were added onboard.
Perhaps most significant is the addition of the Lime & Coconut, a tropical-style pool bar that has been added to the re-themed Caribbean-inspired pool deck.
Additionally, El Loco Fresh has been added as a complimentary Mexican restaurant, while the Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse has been added to the ship’s specialty dining repertoire.
For reference, Samba Grill is a newer favorite that is shared with Allure of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. It typically comes with a cover charge of $39.99 to $49.99 per person and requires a reservation.
Next up is the addition of the Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, which has been installed in the Boardwalk neighborhood in the space that was once occupied by the Sabor Mexican restaurant on Deck 6.
The popular venue has gained a reputation for its lively atmosphere, game-day favorites on tap, and nostalgic arcade games like Skee-Ball and Pac-Man.
Last but not least is the decision to replace the Bionic Bar with the Pesky Parrot on Deck 5, which is a vibrant, tropical-themed tiki bar that has gained popularity onboard Utopia of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.
Additional Cruise Cabins Added
Cruise Hive has learned that Royal Caribbean has added nearly 100 guest cabins to Harmony of the Seas to allow as many cruisers as possible to enjoy the new upgrades.
Several of these included panoramic suites above the bridge near the front of the mega-ship. These spacious suites do not have balconies, but are highly coveted for their floor-to-ceiling panoramic views.
Additional cabins have been added on decks 6, 11, and 14, several of which are replacing former conference rooms and what was once Wonderland, a specialty restaurant themed after “Alice in Wonderland.”
The interior cabins will be a more budget-friendly option, especially for guests who want to spend most of their time out and about enjoying all that the revamped vessel has to offer.
