The change had been rumored for some time and is part of what Princess evp Jan Swartz said is the largest makeover ever executed by the line.
Other dramatic changes are planned for the April 11-May 4 drydock at Grand Bahama Shipyard. The work will add many recent brand features that were adopted since the debut of Grand Princess, as well as some one-of-a-kind venues. The 1998-built ship served as the prototype for the line’s Grand-class vessels.
In 24 days of work, the vessel will gain a Piazza atrium, the new-concept tea lounge and library called Leaves, and Alfredo’s, a full-service pizzeria.
The new nightclub, One5, inspired by its Deck 15 location, will replace Skywalker Nightclub. Princess said the change will ‘significantly improve the operational performance of the ship, including greater fuel efficiency.’
The atrium space will be completely rebuilt to include a Piazza for quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services. It will hold the International Café for pastries, grilled panini, cookies and coffee drinks; a Vines bar selling more than 30 wines by the glass, with a selection of tapas and sushi; and a wine shop.
The new Leaves is a fusion of tea lounge and library, where passengers can custom-blend a variety of base teas with herbs, fruits and spices. Created in partnership with Mighty Leaf Tea Co., the venue will offer up to 500 tea blends. A tea sommelier will assist.
The ship will introduce Alfredo’s, a new sit-down pizzeria with a menu of individual-size pizzas. Named for the line’s master executive chef, Alfredo Marzi, the venue will feature an open kitchen.
The new One5 lounge captures an urban nightclub style, with contemporary seating and lighting, and a dramatic back-lit bar.
Grand Princess will also gain a Crown Grill, the classic-style steak house offered on other Princess ships with an open, theater-style kitchen where chefs prepare premium aged beef and fresh seafood, including live lobsters.
Also part of the renovation will be 10 new 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 newly renovated Grand Princess will debut on May 5 in Fort Lauderdale for the trans-Atlantic crossing to Southampton, the ship’s summer and fall homeport.
Renderings of the Grand Princess changes are available at http://bit.ly/g0JA8I.
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