Grand Princess Refit April 2011

[silver wedding]

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

[Pia1913]

Originally Posted by silver wedding

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.

[compozer]

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

[-Lew-]

Originally Posted by silver wedding

Anyone got any news on it?

Hello and welcome to Cruise Critic!

Click here for a thread on the subject.

Lew

[silver wedding]

Yes. I was hoping someone would have more news.

[Cupcrazy]

• 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

[u2cruiser]

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

[kayelbee]

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.

[SwissDave]

We have a roll call for the Canaries Sailing.

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

[u2cruiser]

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.

[Chrisatsea]

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

[kayelbee]

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.

[shoreham01]

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.

[Pia1913]

Originally Posted by shoreham01

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.

[shoreham01]

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.

[johnmik1]

Originally Posted by shoreham01

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.

[jewopaho]

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.

[SwissDave]

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

[jewopaho]

Originally Posted by SwissDave

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!

[MattOsprey]

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