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Grand Princess heads for Southampton after Princess Cruises’ biggest ever drydock

Following the most extensive drydock in Princess Cruises history, the first passengers set sail for Southampton today aboard the completely transformed Grand Princess in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Following the most extensive drydock in Princess Cruises history, the first passengers set sail for Southampton today aboard the completely transformed Grand Princess in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Grand exit: The refurbished ship will spend the summer cruising in Europe

The ship’s remarkable 24-day drydock that transformed it from top to bottom also made the vessel a media star with daily video updates that attracted more than a half million views.

“This drydock has been a monumental effort, and we’re very proud of the teamwork by everyone involved to create this sparkling ‘new’ ship ready to start a season of Europe sailings,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises’ executive vice president.

“We know our passengers will appreciate the updated decor, fresh new feel, and especially all the wonderful added features.”

Now that the ship has been transformed, passengers will find a completely new Piazza atrium, several new eateries - including Alfredo’s Pizzeria and the Crown Grill - and the line’s first specialty tea lounge called Leaves.

Also included in the renovation were seven new window suites; remodelled casino, boutiques and art gallery; enhancements to the Horizon Court, Lotus Spa, and wedding chapel; and the addition of Crooner’s Martini Lounge and a new nightclub, The One5, that replaced Skywalkers.

The drydock video journal covered nearly every area involved in the refurbishment project, including work on the underside of the ship, upholstery work, engine control room, new shore power connection, lifeboat updates, new speakers for Movies Under the Stars, mural painting, theater renovations, and a report from the executive chef who was responsible for feeding all the contractors.

Grand Princess set sail on May 6 for a 16-day British Isles Passage voyage to its summer homeport of Southampton, England, from which it will sail a season European itineraries, including Mediterranean cruises and a number of shorter “Interlude” voyages.