Grand Princess begins the most significant transformation ever in Princess Cruises history, and viewers can follow along with a daily video journal chronicling the 24-day drydock.
Hosted by Grand Princess Cruise Director Martyn Moss, the videos, as well as photos, are available at princess.com/granddrydock and on YouTube. In the first installment, audiences get a first look at the beginning of the ship’s transformation as it sails to the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas. The journal will include daily updates through May 4.
During the makeover, approximately 1,400 workers will be busy around the clock adding many of Princess’ trademark features, including the signature Piazza atrium. Several new spaces will also be created including a unique tea lounge and library called “Leaves”; “Alfredo’s,” a full-service pizzeria showcasing this renowned Princess dish, and a new nightclub called “The One5.”
One of the most dramatic video moments is sure to be the removal of the distinctive Skywalkers Nightclub, which is being taken off to improve the ship’s operational performance, including greater fuel efficiency.
“Our passengers really loved following the photo journals we offered during previous drydocks,” said Jan Swartz , Princess Cruises executive vice president. “So for this, our most extensive transformation, we wanted to take it to the next level and enable viewers to follow along with daily videos. We expect Martyn to share some intriguing behind-the-scenes footage of the work that goes on during a project of this magnitude.”
Among the other changes highlighted in the video journals will be the transformation of the ship’s atrium to the Piazza, complete with the International Cafe and Vines Wine Bar. Videos will also follow the addition of a new feature, Leaves Tea Lounge and Library, with shelves of books for passengers to browse as they enjoy personalized tea blends; and a new nightclub, The One5, which will take shape on deck 15. Several new restaurants will be added to the ship, including Alfredo’s, a new pizzeria with an open kitchen, as well as the Crown Grill, the line’s classic steakhouse and seafood restaurant.
Also part of the renovation will be the addition of seven new suites; remodeled casino, boutiques and art gallery; enhancements to the Horizon Court, Lotus Spa, and wedding chapel; and the addition of Crooner’s Martini Lounge.
The newly renovated ship will debut on May 5 in Ft. Lauderdale where she will depart on a transatlantic crossing for her summer and fall homeport of Southampton, from which she will cruise on a variety of European itineraries.
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Source: Princess, April 13, 2011.