Nordic Empress was given a major facelift and a new name, Empress of the Seas, to bring her her in line with the remainder of Royal Caribbean's fleet, which all feature "of the Seas" names.

Renovations on the 1,602-passenger Nordic Empress extended to every area of the ship, with the main focus on providing guests with additional dining, entertainment and fitness areas.

Increased dining options are in high demand among cruisers, and the renamed Empress of the Seas features a new specialty restaurant, Portofino, serving Italian cuisine, in addition to an upgraded Windjammer Cafe and refurbished main dining room. In between meals, guests can enjoy specialty coffee drinks from Seattle's Best Coffee or indulge their sweet tooth with 16 different flavors from Ben & Jerry's at a new, combined Latte'tudes coffee bar and ice cream scoop shop.

The expanded spa and gym complex is on two levels, including a fitness center overlooking the Viking Crown Lounge, perched at the top of the ship, offering spectacular, panoramic sea views. In addition, the ship features the line's signature rock-climbing wall, installed in late 2003.

The former High Society Lounge on Deck 6 is a Latin-themed bar, Boleros, offering specialty tequilas and cocktail favorites like mojitos, as well as live entertainment. Empress of the Seas also features the Schooner Bar, a nautical-themed lounge with sing-along piano entertainment, which replaces the mid-ship Carousel Bar on Deck 5.

The ship's casino was moved to Deck 6, and a new card room created off the Centrum. In addition, the main theater, the Strike Up the Band Showroom, was updated with new carpet and upholstery.

Guest staterooms received new and upgraded bathrooms throughout all categories. In addition, some staterooms, including the Royal Suite and Superior Ocean View staterooms, now feature new decor, while others accommodating third and fourth guests were fitted with modified wardrobes offering increased storage. Empress of the Seas' Owner's Suites were completely redesigned, with new furniture and finishings. Other refurbishments included general facelifts to the lobbies, elevators, landings, corridors and restrooms, and enhancements to the shopping areas and Pool Deck. Ê