Thread: Grand Princess MAJOR Referb in April

From Princess.com
I saw this on Facebook earlier today. WOW!

Grand Princess to Undergo Dramatic Transformation During Spring Drydock
Makeover Will Include Piazza Atrium, Tea Lounge, Pizzeria and Nightclub

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (February 10, 2011) -- The most significant transformation ever of a Princess Cruises ship will occur this spring aboard Grand Princess. During a 24-day makeover the ship, which was the prototype for the line's "Grand Class" vessels, will undergo a remarkable renovation to receive many of Princess' trademark features introduced since the ship's 1998 debut including the signature Piazza atrium. Several new features will be also be added including a unique tea lounge and library called "Leaves"; and "Alfredo's," a full-service pizzeria showcasing this renowned Princess dish.
A brand new nightclub called One5, inspired by its deck location, will be created on the top deck of the ship, replacing its iconic Skywalker Nightclub, which has given the ship its distinctive profile. Skywalkers will be removed from its 18th deck perch, with its replacement located on deck 15. This change will significantly improve the operational performance of the ship, including greater fuel efficiency.
"This is the largest makeover we've ever undertaken for any of our ships," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "When Grand Princess was launched she was the most innovative ship at sea, and now we're adding some of the later innovations we introduced on subsequent ships."
Artist renderings of the Grand Princess changes are available in a Flickr gallery at: Grand Princess Renderings - a set on Flickr.
The changes will be made during a drydock from April 11 to May 4 at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas. Highlights of the dramatic makeover include:

New Piazza atrium -- The atrium space of Grand Princess will be completely rebuilt to include this signature Princess feature -- a multi-faceted social hub of the ship combining always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services. The Piazza will feature the International Café for pastries, grilled panini sandwiches, salads, fresh-baked cookies and a variety of coffee drinks. Passengers will also enjoy a new Vines wine bar offering a selection of more than 30 wines by the glass, plus a selection of tapas and sushi, and a wine shop where passengers can purchase their favorite bottle.
Leaves Tea Lounge and Library -- A fusion of tea lounge and library, the new Leaves offers a distinctive opportunity for passengers to custom-blend a variety of base teas with herbs, fruits and spices to create a personalized tea blend. Created in partnership with Mighty Leaf Tea Company, one of the world's premier maker of artisan teas, Leaves will give passengers an impressive choice of up to 500 different tea blends to suit their palates. A trained tea sommelier will assist passengers in blending a personalized tea creation, which they can enjoy in the midst of the library and a good book.
Alfredo's Pizzeria -- Known for serving the best pizza at sea, Princess will introduce Alfredo's, a new sit-down pizzeria with an enticing menu of freshly prepared individual-size pizzas. Named for the line's master executive chef, Alfredo Marzi, the pizzeria will feature an open kitchen where passengers can watch chefs create the pizzas they'll enjoy with a glass of wine or other beverage.
One5 Lounge -- The new One5 lounge will replace Skywalkers as the place to be for nighttime dancing and relaxing. The new lounge on deck 15 (hence its name) takes its inspiration from the chicest urban nightclubs, and will offer a cool vibe, contemporary seating and lighting, and a dramatic back-lit bar.
Crown Grill -- A classic steakhouse with rich wood surroundings, this specialty restaurant features an open, theater-style kitchen where chefs custom-prepare premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, including lobster. Also part of the renovation will be 10 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 Grand Princess will debut on May 5 in Ft. Lauderdale where the ship will depart on a transatlantic crossing for her summer and fall homeport of Southampton, from which she will cruise a variety of European itineraries.

Thanks for the update Heather.

Here are renders of her Post-Refurb look.

I just read about this on another site.

We sailed a couple of times on here -- first cruise was the Inaugural season in 1998 out of Istanbul -- we were supposed to have been the 6th cruise on her but because of delays in the shipyard we were either the 2md or 3rd cruise.

I heard last month that they were dismantling the shopping cart like design on the Grand to save fuel. I think the ship design is far better as it is now, but they have to do what they have to do.(incorrect info deleted).

The new night club is unlikely to be where it is on board Crown, Ruby, etc, as it's going to be on Deck 15. This, to me, suggests that it will be where the Conference centre/games arcade is now. But hey, I guess we'll have to wait and see for the full extent of the refurb!

We'll be sailing on Grand next week. 2/14 - 2/28

Princess sent us a notification about a month or so ago that some renovations on Deck 15 aft would begin on our sailing. I'll try to nose around and bring back a progress report.

My hubby had figured the removal of Skywalkers was probably tied in to trying to save fuel from the drag factor.

MD11F ... there will not be a skywalkers on the Grand when work is complete! have you not seen the latest pictures above of how it will look ?

Some 10 weeks ago Steve Reed from the UK posted on his website what was happening with the Grand after some correct Inside information while other people were quietly rubbishing the idea! sadly this week Steve was found dead at home and will not get to see the changes to the Grand.

We have posted a link to the story on another thread.

I saw this on another thread. Apparently the Skywalker's lounge is a big drag, reduces the maneuverability of the ship and - most important- reduces fuel efficiency. The new design looks interesting but Skywalkers was a unique feature.