Royal Caribbean International’s newly revitalized 2,360-passenger Serenade of the Seas arrives at the Port of New Orleans’ Julia Street Cruise Terminal Dec. 12 to sail weekly itineraries through April.

The 965-foot cruise ship was completely refurbished in December 2012 and replaces Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, which was home-ported in New Orleans during the 2012-2013 cruise season.

Sleek and sunlit, Serenade of the Seas features panoramic views and wide open spaces, as acres of glass enclose a nine-story central atrium. The ship features an array of new dining options, three pools, including an adults-only retreat and 16 bars, lounges and nightclubs. Serenade of the Seas also features the new Centrum experience, which includes the 60’s-inspired R Bar as well as a multitude of entertainment experiences in the five-story Centrum, including enriching daytime activities, dazzling nighttime entertainment and a new high-flying experience where aerialists glide through the atrium.

“We are happy to have Royal Caribbean return this year and bring this magnificent ship to New Orleans,” said Gary LaGrange, Port President and CEO. “Royal Caribbean is a perfect fit for the New Orleans tourism demographic and offers a wide variety of itineraries throughout the Bahamas and the Caribbean.”

Serenade of the Seas will sail Dec. 12 on a nine-night Caribbean adventure cruise to Key West, Fla.; Labadee, Haiti; Falmouth, Jamaica; and George Town, Grand Cayman. The ship’s regular itineraries will feature seven-night Bahamas cruises to Key West, Fla.; Nassau, Bahamas; and CocoCay, Bahamas. As well as seven-night western Caribbean cruises to Falmouth, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico. The ship will depart from the Port’s Julia Street Cruise Terminal.

“We are excited to be back in New Orleans with a newly revitalized Serenade of the Seas,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president, sales, Royal Caribbean International. “Guests sailing from New Orleans will enjoy a Caribbean vacation like no other aboard one of our unrivaled and most innovative ships.”

New Orleans tourism industry leaders welcomed Royal Caribbean back this year, as well.

“Royal Caribbean is an important long-term partner to New Orleans’ tourism industry and we are so grateful to them for bringing the Serenade of the Seas,” said Stephen Perry, president and CEO of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB.) “The CVB will continue to devote our sales, marketing and public relations resources to promote Royal Caribbean cruises from our Port and the city of New Orleans as the perfect pre- and post-cruise vacation destination for our international visitors.”