Refurb takes Club Med 2 up a notch

Sailing to Nice, Portofino, Saint-Tropez and Cannes, the five-masted, 372-passenger Club Med 2 welcomed some 300 guests from 14 countries, representing Club Med’s global span.

‘Redesigned stem to stern in October 2008 in Italy by French interior designer Sophie Jacqmin, this is a unique ship in size and atmosphere,’ asserted Club Med ceo Henri Giscard d’Estaing. (A sister vessel now operates as Wind Surf for Windstar Cruises.)

Inspired by accounts of explorers’ adventures, the new chic and trendy decor boasts 186 redesigned cabins including 10 new suites, all with new bedding, a 110sq mtr spa and a hair dresser linked with top brand Carita. A new fitness center is under the Club Med Gym label, and the two restaurants and the main lounge were upgraded.

‘With its premium, all-inclusive formula and its new “Five Tridents” classification - our luxury range - this ship also embodies our philosophy, which is the luxury of enjoying more without spending more,’ d’Estaing said.

Launched during the trip, Club Med 2’s December to mid-April Caribbean season will chart 20 cruises of seven to 13 nights visiting 45 ports, including maiden calls at Curaçao and Grenada. Scheduled for March, a new itinerary, ‘Turquoise Dream,’ includes La Guaira, Los Roques, Grenada, Bequia, Tobago Cays, Mayreau and Fort-de-France.

Club Med 2 carried 11,515 passengers in 2008. The recent winter season’s occupancy rate was 60%. Summer occupancies are currently running 60% to 65%.