Princess Cruises confirmed it will remove a distinctive architectural feature of Grand Princess—the Skywalker Nightclub, perched high on Deck 18 aft—in order to improve the ship’s fuel efficiency.
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.

Pictures here

I wonder what they will do with Skywalkers once removed. May NCL could by it an add it to the Nor. Epic...they have a history of buying other lines unwanted tonnage and unwanted scraps.

[ 02-10-2011: Message edited by: Fairsky ]

[ 02-10-2011: Message edited by: joe at travelpage ]

The new pizzaeria, tea room and horizon court as well as other service improvements - wine stewards are back - may start Princess to rival Celebrity more and more, but still a more relaxed atmosphere IMO.

Personally, I find this hard to believe. Almost all modern ships use aluminum for upper deck structures (funnels, masts, and even lounges) to save weight and keep the center of gravity low. I'm pretty sure that the Skywalkers on all the Grand-class ships are aluminum. I also doubt it needs to be removed from GP just to save fuel.

I think this is PR spin.

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Originally posted by Frosty 4:
Is this the same class as Sapphire Princess which was made in Japan by Mitsubishi??
F4

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Frosty, Grand Princess and Sapphire Princess are both mebers of the Grand Class though were built in different shipyards (Fincantieri and Mitsubishi). Whilst members of the same class they have a number of design differences, Skywalkers being a classic example. The Grand Class has evolved so there are really 4 different subclasses.
1. Grand, Golden and Star
2. Sapphire and Diamond- No Skywalkers, Turbines on funnel
3. Caribbean Princess - Skywalkers and an extra deck
4. Emerald, Ruby, Crown. No Skywalkers and extra deck

I quite like the renderings as shown. The amphitheatre effectof the stern pool area looks attractive and the whole ship no longer looks stern heavy. I hope it is as good in real life.

Brad

[ 02-10-2011: Message edited by: reeves35 ]

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Originally posted by eroller:
Personally I thought the shopping cart handle was one of the few things that actually made these ships interesting. Not necessarily attractive, but interesting. Without the handle, they are even more bland than before.

Ernie

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Originally posted by dougnewman:
Now, I wonder where on Deck 15 they are putting the new One5 nightclub?

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quote:

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Originally posted by reeves35:

Frosty, Grand Princess and Sapphire Princess are both mebers of the Grand Class though were built in different shipyards (Fincantieri and Mitsubishi). Whilst members of the same class they have a number of design differences, Skywalkers being a classic example. The Grand Class has evolved so there are really 4 different subclasses.
1. Grand, Golden and Star
2. Sapphire and Diamond- No Skywalkers, Turbines on funnel
3. Caribbean Princess - Skywalkers and an extra deck
4. Emerald, Ruby, Crown. No Skywalkers and extra deck

[ 02-10-2011: Message edited by: reeves35 ]

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Hi,

don't forget to mention the 2 P&O Cruises ships VENTURA and AZURA.
Both belong to Nr. 4 of your list.

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Originally posted by Fairsky:
Here's the rendering from Princess...not too bad:

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[ 05-18-2012: Message edited by: Globaliser ]

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Originally posted by PamM:
I note she is in Southampton tomorrow with Azura so someone will make comparisons.

Pam

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