Navigator of the Seas has returned to her homeport of Miami following a US $115-million refit and refurbishment intended to make her better-suited to Royal Caribbean’s short-cruise offerings in the Caribbean.

Almost every part of the ship was revamped or upgraded, but the main attractions for passengers who embarked on her first post-makeover cruise this week will be the new waterslides, new poolside area, and new retail spaces and restaurants.

The Blaster – the longest water slide at sea, is now available aboard Navigator

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For full details on the changes made to Navigator of the Seas during her refurbishment, see our report here.

“We have really dialled up the adventure and Caribbean vibes in ways that will make Navigator of the Seas the ultimate getaway to take from Miami,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

Navigator of the Seas is the third ship to be upgraded, or ‘amplified’ as part of the Royal Amplified modernisation program, an investment of more than US $1 billion by Royal Caribbean across the fleet.

The project is intended to bring its older ships up-to-scratch with newer vessels such as Spectrum of the Seas (cruising from Dubai later this year!) and Symphony of the Seas, its newest Oasis-class goliath.

“Independence and Mariner of the Seas, the first two modernised ships in our Royal Amplified program, have quickly become standout hits, and Navigator builds on this momentum with a combination of new, exciting features and signature Royal Caribbean offerings that will surprise and delight guests cruising with us for the first time and those who have vacationed with us before,” said Bayley.

Navigator of the Seas’ pooldeck has been completely overhauled

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Royal Caribbean plans to refurbish a further seven ships over the next two to three years, introducing a wide range of new thrills and Royal Caribbean staples meant to appeal to every generation.

New at-sea attractions aboard Navigator of the Seas include the new Sky Pad bungee trampoline experience, glow-in-the-dark laser tag in Battle for Planet Z, and The Blaster, the world’s longest waterslide on a cruise ship.

Hooked Seafood was one of the brand new specialty restaurants that debuted aboard Symphony of the Seas and is now available on Navigator

The Bamboo Room cocktail lounge has been introduced on-board, as has burger and craft beer joint Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade.

Oasis of the Seas is next up for drydock, with her own Royal Amplified refurbishment planned for November and December, 2019, during which similar changes will be made, although Royal Caribbean haven’t announced the full details yet.

Navigator of the Seas will now cruise 9-night roundtrip voyages from Miami in the Caribbean until May, when she will switch to three-night weekend and four-night weekday cruises to The Bahamas, with port calls at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.