Royal Caribbean International’s Empress of the Seas is back from a $50 million renovation, and the boutique ship is now unlike anything else on the water. Unlike most modern cruise ships introduced over the last few years, Royal Caribbean decided to give the Empress a much more retro feel. Unique designs include an open pool area with canvas canopies for shade instead of a second deck, lots of exterior glass to provide natural light, and the use of chrome surfaces and wood paneling throughout the ship. Cabins and suites received new carpeting, furniture, and linens. The 1,590-passenger ship is about the quarter of the size of Royal Caribbean’s largest ships.