Grand Princess – will be Grand again

In April this year the Grand Princess will have a massive facelift.  The 24 day refit will take place from the 11 April to 4 May where workers will slice off the “shopping trolley” handle dramatically altering her profile.  The atrium will now be in line of the now signature “Piazza” a multi-purpose venue that didn’t exist when the ship was launched back in 1998.  There will also be a new restaurant, suites, lounges and a combination tea room / library.

Here are the major changes:

• The entire deck 18 (the ships distinctive shopping trolley handle) which currently houses “Skywalkers” Nightclub will be removed, and a new Nightclub called One5 will be fitted on deck 15 which is currently used as a conference room.  The new lounge will resemble a chic urban nightclub with a backlit bar and modern decor.

• The atrium will be turned into Princess’ signature “Piazza” with an international cafe serving coffees, pastries and sandwiches, and a Vines Wine bar, which is very popular on the newer Princess Ships, over 30 different wines are served together with tapas and sushi
• Alfredo’s, an open kitchen pizzeria is also being added
• The current Promenade Lounge and Bar on deck 7 will become Crooners, the popular 1950’s style martini bar again featured on the newer Princess Ships
• The Limelight shop on deck 7 will become a dual purpose tea lounge and library.  The current library will be absorbed into the changes on deck 5
• The Crown Grill a classic steakhouse will replace the current sterling steakhouse.  It will also have an open kitchen serving fresh beef and seafood, including Lobsters which are kept alive onboard.
• There will also be 10 new suites, a remodelled Casino, boutiques, an art gallery and enhancements to the Horizon Court. Lotus Spa and Wedding Chapel

The ship will arrive into Southampton on May 21 and will sail the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and the Norwegian Coast.

These changes sound very exciting – be one of the first to sample them.