The “New” Splendour
I’m just returning from visiting Splendour of the Seas in Brazil, and really struggling with how much of the new “WOW’s on Splendour to share. Honestly, I think we should keep them as a surprise, because they are in the true spirit of our innovation and focus on unique guest experiences. However, Adam was insisting that we share some of the magic, so I will focus on two major transformations.
The Viking Crown has been iconic for our brand on all our ships. In the spirit of the Royal Advantage and continual reinvention, we saw the opportunity to transform this space into a multi-venue experience still featuring the signature Viking Crown views. We also hear from our guests that they would like more specialty restaurant choices, so we saw this as a perfect way to combine two elements, so the new Viking Crown now features Chops Grille, our signature Steakhouse, and Izumi, our Asian Bistro. We even have our signature Chef Travis Kamiyama onboard opening Izumi contributing to the culinary offering.
In addition, we’ve changed the nightclub offering, including a late night menu, the first time we’ve done that in the fleet. A few of the menu items include Rib Eye Skewers in Soy Morin Sauce, and Soft Shell Crab, served with Lemon and Yugoslavia Wafu. Of course we always want to balance the addition of complimentary special and service charge; and we also added the Doghouse and Park Café, both of which appear to be instant hits with our guests.
We also hear from our guests that they value and love our world class entertainment, and because Vision Class doesn’t have a Royal Promenade, we decided to make a clever twist on it and create a vertical promenade. The result is something we internally refer to as the “Centrum Wow”. The Champagne bar has been changed to a new signature bar, the R Bar, and the entire Centrum has a significant technical and technology package that allows us to offer aerial performances nightly. We were still bringing up the show during my visit, and our guests onboard loved seeing the rehearsals and the “behind the scenes” way we bring the shows to life. Each night features unique aerial artistry, great music, and truly makes the Centrum the place to gather onboard. Let’s just say the bungee performance has the guests on all the decks in the Centrum gasping in awe.
So I believe I’ve shared a few highlights, but seeing is believing, so I encourage our guests to go visit Splendour and experience all the other surprises on your own. I’d love to hear from any of our guests that visit the Splendour with reactions and feedback.
While the ship looks amazing, the best aspect for me personally was seeing how proud the crew is of their “NEW” Splendour!
Two more of our Vision Class ships will be receiving similar WOW’s in 2012. Rhapsody of the Seas will occur in March, and Grandeur of the Seas in May. What an exciting year it is shaping up to be.
It really looks stunning. I think the new additions to the Viking lounge are a great idea. The views up there are magnificent, so where better to dine. Hope to see this on more ships in future. Well done to RCI.
Peter Lockhart.
Ayr. Scotland.
We’re glad you think so, Peter. Keep an eye on our Facebook page to hear about future ship enhancements.
Love the Splendour of the Seas!! I found my wife there!! I can’t wait to go back again and see the changes
We’re happy we could help bring you and your wife together. We hope to see you back onboard again soon.
I wish I had never gone on the Cruise in May on Splendor of the Seas it was such a disappointment. The ship was a mess the service incredibly bad. I wish I could have waited for the re-do. So many people on that cruise to Greece and Italy were just as diappointed as I was. If this had been my first cruise with RC I wouldnt have gone back to you for another, but I have gone on a great cruise with you to Mexico aboard another cruise ship which was wonderful. Im just really sorry I was on the Splendor in May.
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Love the idea of getting more use of the Viking Crown Lounge.Dining up there will be such a treat! It is such a beautiful area to be in,especially at night!! Would love to have something in all the VCLs.I know there are things going on at night on some of the ships,but some have nothing at all(i.e. the MJ,the MN).Would be nice to even have a Jimmy Buffet type of guitar playing singer up there at night(like you used to have on the Sovereign). Seems like such a waste of space now.
Thanks for the suggestion, Kathy.
Oh, this sounds wonderful…we go cruising with RC about twice a year and the teens/college students think it’s the best way to travel…we love to ship hop….each ship has it’s own personality…and I’ve never had a crew I didn’t love..I always want to take them all home….although, I will admit I do miss the golden years a few years ago with gratis gourmet dinners, midnight buffets, wonderful ice carvings, etc…now, formal night dinners have been watered down..used to love my “real” lobster tails….now, the gourmet food is pay for ala carte…I’d personally rather pay up front and then just decide whether I wanted to eat lobster, spaghetti or hotdogs..
Honored to partake of opening the FOURTH IZUMI on the high seas! I hope I get to personally meet some of you during my visits on Oasis, Allure, Radiance, and now Splendour! This Izumi is by far the nicest one in the Viking Crown Lounge!
We are honored you could be a part of this experience, Travis. Thank you.
I really love the idea of the Viking Crown Lounge being transformed into restaurant space. My wife and I have eaten many times in the specialty restuarants. The food has always been fantastic in those restaurants and now th view will enhance that experience. Well Done
Gary, we’re glad you’re excited about the enhancements being made to the Viking Crown Lounge. We hope to see you and your wife onboard soon.
I see the Nov 2012 transatlantic crossing is now closed for bookings.Can you let us know why??
We are sailing on Mariner immediately after its dry dock on 1st May. There has been a lot of speculation about any enhancements. Can you confirm what will be changed?
Thanks for your interest in Mariner of the Seas. Mariner is part of our ship revitalization program where we are adding our most popular guest experiences to more ships. At this time we’re not able to share our plans for Mariner of the Seas, but stay tuned to our Facebook page and continue to check back here.