Grand Princess completes drydock transformation

All the work was captured in daily video updates that Princess said attracted more than a half million views.

The Grand Princess Drydock Journal captured the process with 26 video updates plus more than 300 photos of the daily progress in a series hosted by cruise director Martyn Moss.

Key players interviewed included Capt. Tony Herriott and chief technical officer Gilberto Vinci, svp technical services John Gunner and project manager Steve Storey, who explained what it takes to coordinate 1,400 contractors working around the clock.

The videos also shared such tidbits as the time it took to cut Skywalkers from the ship (10 hours) and the amount of new carpeting installed (about 50 square miles).

In addition to the new Piazza, there are several new eateries including Alfredo’s Pizzeria and the Crown Grill steak house, and the line’s first specialty tea lounge, Leaves.

The ship gained seven new window suites, a 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 new Deck 15 nightclub, The One5, that replaced Skywalkers, will open May 21.

Grand Princess sailed Friday on a 16-day voyage to its summer homeport of Southampton.