Royal Caribbean will spend $110mn (R 1.6bn) to refurbish its Explorer of the Seas ship.
There are plans to add 72 new staterooms to the ship which has a total capacity of 3 286 passengers.
The ship will feature waterslides, a new resort-style pool area with a poolside bar and new kids and teens spaces. Other improvements will include a sports bar, arcade and a standalone Starbucks.
All upgrades will be completed for the ship to set sail beginning May 7 2020. The ship will sail seven- and nine-day cruises from Rome (Civitavecchia) to the Greek isles and from Santorini to Mykonos and Crete.
Once the ship concludes its Europe season guests can choose from five- and nine-night Eastern and Southern Caribbean sailings, with roundtrips from Miami, including visits to Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.