Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas Embarks on Major Revamp Before Northern Europe Season

Royal Caribbean International’s Jewel of the Seas is currently making waves, not at sea, but in the docks of Brest, France, where it has entered a significant drydock phase. This strategic stopover is not just a regular pit stop for the vessel; it marks a significant milestone as the ship undergoes technical maintenance alongside hotel upkeep, inspections, and class work. The Radiance-Class vessel made its transatlantic journey from the Caribbean to Europe, docking at the Damen Shiprepair Brest shipyard on April 21, 2024. Celebrating 20 years since its inaugural launch, the Jewel of the Seas is being treated to an extensive makeover that promises to elevate the cruising experience for its passengers.

In addition to the usual drydock work, the ship will see overhauls of its azipods, bow thrusters, and stabilizers, as well as a complete repainting of both the hull and superstructure. Passengers can also expect to see some of the ship's exterior windows replaced, alongside updates to its electrical systems. These enhancements signal Royal Caribbean's commitment to maintaining the ship’s operational integrity and ensuring a comfortable and seamless cruise experience.

Upon completion of the drydock on May 15, 2024, the Jewel of the Seas is scheduled to embark on a grand 15-night cruise, marking the beginning of its summer season cruising in Northern Europe. The itinerary includes captivating destinations such as Lerwick, Akureyri, Reykjavik, Belfast, and Cork. This series of journeys will take passengers through the scenic beauties of Iceland, Ireland, and the British Isles, with the ship serving as a luxurious base from which to explore these splendid regions. Before repositioning to Boston for its fall program, the ship will also offer a series of itineraries to Scandinavia, Greenland, the British Isles, and more, catering to the adventurous spirit of its passengers.

The Jewel of the Seas drydock is part of a larger initiative by Royal Caribbean International, which has seen several ships in the fleet undergo drydocks this year. This includes the Radiance of the Seas, the Grandeur of the Seas, the Spectrum of the Seas, and the Navigator of the Seas. Royal Caribbean is dedicated to investing in their vessels, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of comfort, style, and functionality. With a focus on enhancing the passenger experience, the refurbishments mark an ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation within the cruise industry.

As the Jewel of the Seas prepares to dazzle once more, passengers can look forward to a refreshed and revitalized ship ready to explore the spectacular northern reaches of Europe. With scheduled itineraries that promise breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness, along with the aboard luxuries after the extensive refurbishment, the cruising experience aboard the Jewel is poised to set new standards in summer 2024.