Makeover of the Caribbean Princess complete - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Char · 02-02-2009, 06:03 PM

Princess Cruises has just completed a major makeover of the Caribbean Princess -- a ship launched just four years ago.

In a three-week-long dry dock, the 3,080-passenger Grand Class vessel was retro-fitted to include a piazza-style atrium -- a feature that has been hugely popular on the line's three most recent ships (Crown Princess, Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess).

As on the newer vessels, the atrium has the air of a cafe-lined European square with plenty of "outdoor" seating. On one side is the International Cafe area serving specialty coffees, fresh baked cookies and pastries, paninis and tapas. Across the way is Vines, a wine bar offering wines by the glass, seafood, artisan meats and cheeses.

Princess also has added its signature, adults-only Sanctuary deck-top area (pictured below) to the Caribbean Princess (something also found on the newer ships) as well as seven new suites and a more centrally located casino. Work also is nearly complete on a new Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant.

Princess will be rolling out the popular amenities to several more of its older Grand Class ships, including the Golden Princess in May. The line also has added them to two older Grand Class ships, the Star Princess and Grand Princess.

Other changes to the Caribbean Princess during the dry dock include a new location for the sports court, a new Limelight boutique, new shore excursions and Captain's Circle desks, new Internet café and library, and the addition of flat-screen televisions in all cabins.

It's makeover time for a Princess cruise ship - Cruise Log - USATODAY.comins.

wineforhealth · 02-02-2009, 06:12 PM

Thanks Char for the update

I'm cruising the Star in June and they also have added the International Cafe' which my wife and I love.

Char · 02-10-2009, 10:12 AM

Here is the official press release from Princess that gives a lot more detail.

Caribbean Princess Emerges From Drydock with Line's Signature Features
Piazza-Style Atrium, Adults Only Sanctuary and Crown Grill Restaurant Added During Three-Week Transformation

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (February 2, 2009) -- Caribbean Princess has just emerged from an extensive three-week drydock to add many of Princess Cruises' signature features that have proven so popular on its newest ships. The vessel now offers passengers the engaging street-cafe atmosphere of the piazza-style atrium with its International Cafe and Vines, the wine, seafood and cheese bar; the adults-only Sanctuary, seven new suites, and a more centrally located casino. Work is also nearly complete on a new Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant.

These amenities became passenger favorites when they debuted aboard Crown Princess, Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess over the last three years, and are being added to a number of ships, including Golden Princess in May. The company has already introduced many of these features on Star Princess and Grand Princess.

"We want to give passengers who sail aboard any of our large ships the opportunity to enjoy the innovative amenities that have become hallmarks of the Princess cruise experience," said Jan Swartz, executive vice president of Princess Cruises.

Caribbean Princess' new atrium now features the specialty coffees, fresh baked cookies and pastries, paninis and tapas of the International Cafe. Also new is the Vines wine bar offering a selection of more than 30 wines by the glass, plus a selection of seafood, artisan meats and cheeses, and a wine shop where passengers can purchase their favorite bottle.

Adult passengers looking to get away from it all will be able to relax in the tranquility of The Sanctuary, Princess' signature retreat featuring plush padded lounge chairs and the services of dedicated Serenity Stewards. Visitors to this exclusive space can enjoy refreshing beverages and light snacks, or receive a massage in one of two private cabanas.

Caribbean Princess will soon debut a brand new Crown Grill restaurant featuring an open kitchen where passengers can enjoy watching as chefs prepare chops, steaks and seafood, including live lobsters.

As part of the renovation, the 3,080-passenger ship -- which debuted in 2004 -- also received seven new suites with ocean-view picture windows, and a relocated casino on deck 7, bringing it into the ship's central entertainment area. Other changes include a new location for the sports court, a new Limelight boutique, new shore excursions and Captain's Circle desks, new Internet cafe and library, and the addition of flat-screen televisions in all staterooms.

The dramatic makeover took place at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas, where more than 1,500 workers and contractors worked around the clock to complete the impressive project. Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at Princess Cruises® : Official Cruise Line Website.

News Article : Princess Cruises

tipsyq · 02-10-2009, 02:32 PM

thanks Char for the news, knew she was in for refurbishing. makes us going on her in May even more exciting. has anyone heard if the sanctuary has a charge, was reading a comment somewhere that there is ???

Char · 02-10-2009, 06:26 PM

Yes, there is a charge for the Sanctuary, but I don't know what it is. Maybe Cruise Princess, our Princess Guide will know. I'll ask her.

cruisin' chick · 02-10-2009, 11:54 PM

I haven't yet been on a Princess ship with this feature, but this is what the Princess website says:

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary offers a relaxing alternative to the myriad outdoor activities and entertainment available elsewhere throughout the ship. Solitude seekers will be able to escape completely to this plush, outdoor spa-inspired setting with signature beverages, light meals, massages, attentive service and relaxing personal entertainment.

"Serenity Stewards" Attend To Every Need

The presence of Serenity Stewards in The Sanctuary underscores the atmosphere of tranquility and service, offering a respite for relaxation. These stewards are on hand to provide passengers with everything from a chilled face towel and Evian water atomizers, to a menu of healthy beverages and fare. Serenity Stewards will also have personal MP3 players with noise canceling headphones available for rent, loaded with themed playlists focused on relaxation for those who want to escape with music.

Al Fresco Massages

The Sanctuary will also feature outdoor private cabanas where guests can also take advantage of the exclusive Lotus Spa Services at The Sanctuary, including sybaritic favorites such as a Deep Tissue Muscle Massage, a relaxing Swedish Massage or a Full Body Lotus Massage especially for couples. Shorter interludes of massage pampering will also be available as massage therapists will offer back, shoulder, and neck massages using special massage chairs.
When not indulging in spa services, Sanctuary guests lounge amidst lush greenery, with the presence of gentle breezes, ocean waves, and softly piped-in spa music combining to further insulate the area with relaxation sounds. Guests will relax on plush outdoor furniture including double loungers for couples, as well as deluxe chaise lounges and chairs.
And for those looking for a relaxing end to their day, sunset yoga sessions offer the opportunity to unwind and tone their muscles accompanied by nature's beauty.

Refreshing Drinks And Healthy Snacks

Guests can also refresh with a variety of special drinks and snacks created exclusively for The Sanctuary. Each day Serenity Stewards will be on hand to offer guests an array of drinks and snacks. Signature Sanctuary beverages include healthy smoothies, energy drinks, iced flavored waters and freshly made lemonade. A menu featuring a selection of light bites such as refreshing fruit skewers and lettuce wrapped spring rolls will also be available through the Serenity Stewards.

Note: There is a flat fee charge of $10 per person for each period.
A period is defined as AM (from 8am to 12:30pm) and PM (from 1pm to 5pm or later).

Char · 02-11-2009, 12:00 AM

Our Roving Guide got to it first! Thanks Patty! Lots of good info.

Ziggy7 · 02-11-2009, 03:02 AM

There is no charge for the pool & Jacuzzis inside the Sanctuary area below on a lower deck:

Only for this stuff:

Char · 02-11-2009, 10:07 AM

Notice the "$3.00 service charge per person, per delivery"! No free food there! And I expect they will want a nice tip, too.

tipsyq · 02-11-2009, 01:53 PM

Thank you all for the info. this way there is no surprises. looked on the princess web site but didn't see anything, must not have looked in the right area.