Grand Princess to Undergo Dramatic Transformation

Makeover Will Include Removing Skywalkers Nightclub, Piazza Atrium, Tea Lounge, Pizzeria and Nightclub

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Feb. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

The most significant transformation ever of a Princess Cruises ship will occur this spring aboard Grand Princess.  During a 24-day makeover the ship, which was the prototype for the line's "Grand Class" vessels, will undergo a remarkable renovation to receive many of Princess' trademark features introduced since the ship's 1998 debut including the signature Piazza atrium.  Several new features will be also be added including a unique tea lounge and library called "Leaves"; and "Alfredo's," a full-service pizzeria showcasing this renowned Princess dish.

A brand new nightclub called One5, inspired by its deck location, will be created on the top deck of the ship, replacing its iconic Skywalker Nightclub, which has given the ship its distinctive profile.  Skywalkers will be removed from its 18th deck perch, with its replacement located on deck 15.  This change will significantly improve the operational performance of the ship, including greater fuel efficiency.

"This is the largest makeover we've ever undertaken for any of our ships," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "When Grand Princess was launched she was the most innovative ship at sea, and now we're adding some of the later innovations we introduced on subsequent ships."


The changes will be made during a drydock from April 11 to May 4 at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas. Highlights of the dramatic makeover include:

New Piazza atrium – The atrium space of Grand Princess will be completely rebuilt to include this signature Princess feature -- a multi-faceted social hub of the ship combining always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services.  The Piazza will feature the International Cafe for pastries, grilled panini sandwiches, salads, fresh-baked cookies and a variety of coffee drinks.  Passenger will also enjoy a new Vines wine bar offering a selection of more than 30 wines by the glass, plus a selection of tapas and sushi, and a wine shop where passengers can purchase their favorite bottle.  

Leaves Tea Lounge and Library – A fusion of tea lounge and library, the new Leaves offers a distinctive opportunity for passengers to custom-blend a variety of base teas with herbs, fruits and spices to create a personalized tea blend.  Created in partnership with Mighty Leaf Tea Company, one of the world's premier maker of artisan teas, Leaves will give passengers an impressive choice of up to 500 different tea blends to suit their palates.  A trained tea sommelier will assist passengers in blending a personalized tea creation, which they can enjoy in the midst of the library and a good book.
Alfredo's Pizzeria – Known for serving the best pizza at sea, Princess will introduce Alfredo's, a new sit-down pizzeria with an enticing menu of freshly prepared individual-size pizzas.  Named for the line's master executive chef, Alfredo Marzi, the pizzeria will feature an open kitchen where passengers can watch chefs create the pizzas they'll enjoy with a glass of wine or other beverage.

One5 Lounge – The new One5 lounge will replace Skywalkers as the place to be for nighttime dancing and relaxing.  The new lounge on deck 15 (hence its name) takes its inspiration from the chicest urban nightclubs, and will offer a cool vibe, contemporary seating and lighting, and a dramatic back-lit bar.
Crown Grill – A classic steakhouse with rich wood surroundings, this specialty restaurant features an open, theater-style kitchen where chefs custom-prepare premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, including live lobsters.

Also part of the renovation will be 10 new suites; 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 Ft. Lauderdale where the ship will depart on a transatlantic crossing for her summer and fall homeport of Southampton, from which she will cruise a variety of European itineraries.

Up to $150 extra Onboard Credit on ANY cruise in 2011

That is right !!  Up until February 18th, 2011 you can get a certificate at our website for up to $150 onboard credit good on ANy 2011 sailing, any ship, any itinerary, any length, anywhere in the world.  And the best part is it is combinable with any other onboard credit or amenities being offered as well.  So go to http://www.nreal.cruise.com/  then sign up for our e-savers newsletter to get yours and book by 2/18/11.

NCL Opens New Marina, Dining Facility at Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line has completed the first phase of enhancements at Great Stirrup Cay, its 250-acre private island in the Bahamas. On Feb. 3, the company opened the new marina and dining facility on the island, representing a milestone in the more than $20 million enhancement project currently underway.

The marina basin has four docks for the island’s tenders. The new 8,500-square-foot dining facility has two bars and four picnic pavilions.

“Both the new marina and the dining facility greatly enhance the guest experience on Great Stirrup Cay which is our second busiest port of call this year,” said Kevin Sheehan, NCL president and CEO. “By moving the tenders’ arrival to the marina and away from the beach, we have now opened up a great expanse of beachfront for our guests to enjoy and relax. We’ve also built a new large dining facility that is similar to the action station restaurants we have on board our Freestyle Cruising ships.”

The marina is approximately 12 feet deep at low water and is home to the island’s four tenders. It took more than eight months to excavate the basin and the entrance channel.

The dining facility includes a central pizza-making station, two grills, hot and cold food stations, as well as fresh fruits and breads. There are two full bars on either side of the facility. The four pavilions, each more than 1800 square feet, offer picnic tables with a total seating capacity for more than 500 guests.

Enhancements to Great Stirrup Cay have been underway since January 2010 and will continue through the end of this year. Several new island activities have been added since the project began including more than 16 WaveRunners, kayak rentals and an eco-adventure boat tour around the island. These are in addition to the existing snorkeling, floats, inflatable hippo slide and parasailing.

The second phase includes an arrival/departure pavilion, additional bar facilities, several comfort stations, a band stand, cruise program activity area, private beachfront cabanas, a kids play area, straw market and beach volleyball courts. The beachfront will continue to be expanded on the island’s west end. 

NCL has owned the island since 1977 when it became the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its guests. Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Pearl regularly call on Great Stirrup Cay throughout the year.

Family friendly port adventures await disney cruise line guests sailing to alaska

Disney Adventures - Alaska Ports of Call


For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line is sailing to the great state of Alaska this summer for seven-night cruises! We couldn’t be more excited to embark on new experiences that will delight guests with natural wonders and spectacular scenery. During these itineraries, the Disney Wonder will visit three scenic Alaskan ports – Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. And the best way to take in all the sights these ports have to offer is by adding on some of the exciting Port Adventures we have planned.
These deluxe adventures ashore were designed in conjunction with local tour operators to showcase the rich history and culture of Alaska while also incorporating distinctly Disney touches. In fact, one Port Adventure includes a scavenger hunt in Skagway through the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp, coupled with a gold-panning expedition where Donald Duck may even waddle by to join in the fun!

Disney Wonder Alaska takes Kids onboard FREE.. how nice is that?

Carnival, NCL Ships Return to Mazatlan After Security Summits

February 01, 2011 7:31 PM

Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Spirit and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Star both called on Mazatlan, Mexico, on Feb. 1, just days after other lines cancelled calls at the port due to reports of crime against passengers.

“Over the weekend, members of our Security Services management team from our headquarters in Miami met with local law enforcement and government officials in Mazatlan to review their plan for increased security,” Carnival said in a statement. “Mexican authorities agreed to place extra security personnel in all the main tourist areas, including all shore excursion sites.”

High-ranking Mexican state and local government officials, law enforcement officials, and tourism and port authority executives met with cruise industry leaders last week to outline the security measures that have been taken. Also, Mexico Tourism Minister Gloria Guevara Manzo and Gov. Mario Lopez Valdez met Jan. 31 with executives from the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association to further outline the destination’s commitment to ensuring the safety of cruise passengers.

NCL said it has “been closely monitoring the situation in Mazatlan. At this time, the U.S. Department of State has not deemed Mazatlan an at-risk area for traveling. We hope our guests enjoy their visit to Mazatlan, but do encourage them in any port to always be aware of their surroundings and exercise caution and good judgment.”

On Jan. 25, Disney Cruise Line announced it was cancelling the Disney Wonder’s calls at Mazatlan, Mexico, due to the “changing environment.” Holland America Line and Princess Cruises also to temporarily cancelled Mazatlan calls. For more information, visit www.gomazatlan.com.