Grand Princess Refit April 2011

Anyone got any news on it? We go to the canaries in June and would like to know the new layout.:)

Anyone got any news on it? We go to the canaries in June and would like to know the new layout.:)

We'll be on the first voyage; May 5th. I will be doing a LIVE, so tune in and get all the latest info.

Have you done a search? There have been many posts about the drydock in the last few months.

 

Anyone got any news on it?

Click here for a thread on the subject.

Lew

Yes. I was hoping someone would have more news.:cool:

• Conversion of deck 5 atrium to the piazza
  
• New pizzeria in the Piazza (Venetian style Alfredos)
  
• International Cafe
  
• Vines wine and seafood bar
  
• Convert Sterling steakhouse to Crown Grill
  
• New deck 7 tea lounge and library
  
• Upgrade casino
  
• Addition of deck 6 window suites
  
• Upgrade Horizon Court
  
• Upgrade Lotus Spa
  
• New deck 15 Wedding Chapel/conference room
  

Few more snippets about the Grand refurbishments, as read in today's Princess sale leaflet (official one this time Pia ;)) :

upgraded internet cafe and art gallery

redesigned casino

Leaves tea library (tea sommelier, tea tastings and tea-based cocktails)

more seating in Horizon Court

redesigned lotus spa

brand new menu for Sabatini's (mix of authentic traditional and contemporary dishes)

Skywalkers replaced with new nightclub, unique to Grand called The One5

Thanks for the details, I have been waited with baited breath for news of the refit, I thought they were meant to be releasing full details in January but other than informed rumours there doesn't seem to have been a press release.

U2cruiser-where did you get the sale leaflet with these details, have had a look on line but couldn't find anything.

We have a roll call for the Canaries Sailing.

you can join us here if you want: http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1178536&page=4

kayelbee, this leaflet came through the post today. It's got my husband's Captain's Circle number on the front and is addressed to him.

It's entitled 'Princess Sale Extended'. Return address is Princess Cruises, Carnival House, 100 Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1ST. There is a brochure request number where you could possibly request a leaflet from? 0844 579 0099.

The post above with the bullet points was my original post taken from a TA's leaflet selling Princess cruises; this latest one is from an actual Princess leaflet publication and appears to back up the bullet points. Maybe this is the way they are releasing the full details? It takes up half of the inside of the first page, so I think you can discount it as being informed rumour.

I forgot to mention that it says Alfredo's Pizzeria, off the piazza will be complimentary. :)

Hi

Just got the new brochure and it has the new layout.

Casino smaller to accomodate 7 new suites.

Grand Plaza Now refurbed as The Piazza.

Future cruise and Captins Circle moved from Plaza Deck to Prom Deck.

the spaces are now Alfredo's and Vines Bar.

Shore Exe and Lobby bar now International Cafe

Shore Exe now on Prom deck in Steakhouse which is smaller and now Crown Grill.

A Quit Corner now moved to Prom Deck as The Tea Library.

Think I have it all, Expect Princess will not change website untill after the refit.

Chris

Is it poosible for someone with the details in a bouchure to scan it and post as a picture here, I would be really interested to see the new deck plan. Thanks.

I hope this question will not sound stupid, but will the refit include improving the cabins, ie. showers, beds, bedding, balcony furniture and balcony fittings? I have not seen any mention of these things, or are they automatically included in a refit.

I hope this question will not sound stupid, but will the refit include improving the cabins, ie. showers, beds, bedding, balcony furniture and balcony fittings? I have not seen any mention of these things, or are they automatically included in a refit.

Definitely not a stupid question, and no, refit usually does not change the above. Sometimes new bedding pops up, but other than major constructive enhancements, there's usually just a change of carpeting/flooring in hallways and common areas.

Thanks for the quick reply Pia, thats a shame as the bathroom was looking very tired in September when we were on the Grand. Grouting on floor and wall tiles needed attention, and the sink, toilet and bath were also looking worse for wear. It doesn't worry me too much as it is always kept so clean but it would have been nice to have new fittings. Oh well at least we will have a lovely new ship to walk around in June.

I hope this question will not sound stupid, but will the refit include improving the cabins, ie. showers, beds, bedding, balcony furniture and balcony fittings? I have not seen any mention of these things, or are they automatically included in a refit.

We were on Grand last month and have the same cabin for the 5/5 crossing and it was very tired.The tub and toilet were permanently stained and the balcony was a mess.We were told that the cabins would not be addressed in the dry dock.There are going to be many complaints.

I can't see a total refurbishment (including so many new features) without changing out those worn fixtures, as well as giving the remaining acoutrements a facelift. From what I read above, it sounds pretty much like the Golden's refit in '09. The casino was actually moved from Deck 6 to Deck 7, and the new steakhouse, along with future cruise, shore excursions and Captain's Circle desks (plus six new staterooms) took its place. Of course, the newer amenities (International Cafe, Vines, etc.) will be added, as well. It's all part of Princess' business model ... investing in its current fleet, rather than building newer ships. I like it ... 109,000 gross tons and 3300 passengers is plenty big enough. The Golden looked like a brand-new ship when the work was completed. It's understated elegance, rather than a bigger-is-better focus. We've sailed both Princess and RCI extensively ... and the pendulum is swinging back toward Princess for us.

the change I am looking forward to most is the addition of Vines, followed by the International Café

the change I am looking forward to most is the addition of Vines, followed by the International Café

We didn't realize how much of a difference these venues made, until we sailed the Sapphire last March ... really missed both of them. We're booked on the Golden to Alaska in May, and can't wait to re-acquaint oursleves with the tasty treats, fresh sushi and occasional taste of the grape. The makeover of the Grand sounds ... well, Grand!

We loved Grand, but we are also disappointed that the cabins are not being spruced up in the refit. Perhaps the rooms have to be in use for a certain period of time before they can justify the costs.

Matthew

Hi allHave attached a JPG of part of deck plan that matters.

Hope it is OK

Chris.

Hi All

Try this one, it is larger file size.

Save it to your pc and open in your photo program then you can enlarge it.

Chris

Hi Again

The previouse posts were not good.

These are High Res and should be OK.

Chris.

Hi Again

 

The previouse posts were not good.

These are High Res and should be OK.

 

Chris.

Still just a thumbnail.

You will have to post the pictures to Flixy or something like that and post the link here.

I am thinking the Skywalker -> the One5 is a reference to the fact it will be on deck 15.

Here's the information I received about the retro-fit. It sounds great:

Default Grand Princess Refit

There has been a lot of talk, and much speculation, regarding the Grand Princess’ April refurb/refit project, so I though I’d just shine a bit of light on the subject so we can all get just a little more excited. (As if that were even possible.) I though I might share some of the new features we can look forward to when we board the Grand Princess in May.

First of all, Vines Wine & Seafood Bar and The International Café & Bakery are part of the new Piazza style atrium that will be added on the Plaza Deck (5). If PCL follows the pattern of the previous Grand-class upgrades, The International Café will replace the Shore Excursions desk, while Vines will supplant the reception desk and Library.

Another, less publicized addition will be Alfredo’s Pizzeria, named for Alfredo Martzi, the executive chef for PCL. (As far as I know the pizzeria up on Lido will remain intact - YEAH!.)

All three of the above are basically gratis to cruise pax. I say “basically” because Vines Wine & Seafood Bar requires the purchase of a beverage, (including soft drinks), in order to receive the complimentary Tapas and Sushi offered as the bill-o-fare.

The International Café will feature a new breakfast sandwich that has proven so popular that it will also be added to the fare in the Horizon Court. This could prove to be a valuable option for those eat-and-run mornings in port. Also on the menu will be a variety of Panini sandwiches, cakes, cookies and other fresh pastries baked throughout the day.

Sterling Steakhouse on the Promenade Deck (7) will be converted to The Crown Grill. The gratis sea-day pub lunches will continue with all the old favorites plus the addition of a few new entrées including: Breaded Prawns & Chips Basket; Chicken Curry; Steak & Kidney Pie; and Scotch Egg & Salad from the Pantry. New desserts to be added include Sherry Trifle, Jam Roly Poly, and Bread & Butter Pudding.

The Library will be moved to the Promenade Deck (7), across from the Crown Grill, so pay attention Bill. >>> This is where you and Annabelle will have to go to claim your daily TV Trivia prize. And as always... please share. A new Tea Lounge will be added adjacent to it.

The Horizon Court Buffet will also be undergoing modifications that include: adding 33% more counter space, plus the addition of a dedicated dessert station and a dedicated soup & bread station, both of which will be located outside the main buffet area. Another modification will be the addition of new “al fresco” seating with tables to accommodate an additional 200 guests on the decks outside the Horizon Court. – Also look for the new Cannoli buffet and Healthy Choice buffet featuring items like Muesli during either breakfast or lunch.

New items will be added to the room service menu also, including: Beef Chili with Black Beans & Tortilla Chips; Baked Italian Lasagna; Moroccan Vegetable Crock Pot with Pita Bread (served in a tagine perhaps?); and Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches for myself and any other kids that happen to be aboard.

For those of you who prefer traditional dining, particularly the early seating time-slot, a new option will be available to you. An earlier "early seating" will be added for dining at 5:30 or 6:30 PM. To accommodate this arrangement one of the anytime dining rooms (Da Vinci or Michelangelo) will be appropriated. But fear thee not oh ye anytimers! The dining room will revert back to its originally intended purpose by the time we’re ready to eat… Or so they say.

The production show “Stardust” was so popular on the Ruby that it will be added to the Grand along with an expanded version of the ever-popular “British Invasion” production. (Soon to be available fleet-wide.)

Need more? Well check out these changes:

- New carpet and furnishings will be added throughout the ship, including staterooms.

- The Atlantis Casino will be upgraded.

- The Lotus Spa will be upgraded.

- Six new “Window Suites" will be added on the Fiesta Deck (6).

- A new wedding chapel and conference room will be added on the Sun Deck (15).

- New communication equipment means better satellite reception eliminating those pesky blackouts we experience in the middle of the ocean.

- New items will be added to the dining room menus requiring tableside cooking.

- Wine stewards are back in the form of “Sommeliers”.

The Piazza Atrium will now feature musicians, mimes and other street performers, and last but certainly not least:

<<< PCL will be unveiling the new “Power Hour” featuring: >>>

- All house spirits at 2.99

- Piña Coladas, Singapore Slings and Long Island Iced Tea at 2.99

- Dos Equis, Beck, MGO and Miller Lite beer at 2.99

All will be available from 8:00 PM till closing at every bar on the ship. Now how cool is that???

Way to go Princess!!!