Royal Caribbean to base 3,100-passenger ship in Galveston year-round

Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas will begin sailing seven-day western Caribbean cruises out of Galveston year-round. (Royal Caribbean)

GALVESTON, Texas – Royal Caribbean International says it'll begin sailing seven-day western Caribbean cruises out of Galveston year-round.

The Miami-based cruise line says it'll base the 3,114-passenger Voyager-class Navigator of the Seas at Galveston in November, replacing its Mariner of the Seas. The Navigator will head for dry dock in January for a monthlong revitalization, then return to service in Galveston in February.

Among the features to be added during the revitalization are a surf simulator, new restaurants and "virtual balconies" in some interior staterooms.

The Mariner has been sailing from Galveston after it was relocated from Los Angeles in January. Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises also sail from Galveston.