Grand Princess — The Drydock Story, Part 3

Grand Princess
Grand Princess

With the clock ticking and passengers due to embark on the new Grand Princess in a matter of days we pick up the action with Martyn as the crew madly put the finishing touches into place.

With the Piazza taking shape the old Atrium has almost been forgotten about and the new hub of the ship is coming together at an incredible pace. With new bars, restaurants, cafes and shopping all calling the Piazza home in a matter of days. From here on in the way the ship transforms in just four days is incredible impressive.

Tick, Tick, Tick

There are fours days until the first passengers arrive onboard the ship and Martyn meets up with Casey Scholtz, the Piazza's project manager to see how things are going. Alfredo's pizza oven is in place and the flooring and tile work throughout the International Cafe, Vines and Alfredo's is taking shape.

All Hands On Deck

Martyn is back in the Piazza as the finishing touches to Crooners are put into place and Leaves Tea Room kicks into gear. The gym has had a face lift with new equipment fit throughout and up on deck the teak decking is being replaced and the area where Skywalker's once stood is taking shape.

Finishing Touches

With one day until passengers arrive the Grand Princess is taking shape at an incredible rate. The Casino is finished and the completely rebuild spa has their first customer as Martyn gets a trim while admiring the new facilities.

The New Grand Princess

To sign off from this great video dairy Martyn  heads to the International Cafe for coffee and cake before taking us to Alfredo's, where Princess Cruises executive chef prepares the first pizzas. He pops into Vines Wine Bar for a chat with the maitre d' and sommelier and to sample the new menu, followed by a trip to leaves to show off the 250 tea variations on offer.

In less then four weeks Princess Cruises have taken one of their most popular ships and given her some serious TLC. The former flagship, and one time most expensive ship at sea, can take pride among the best ships to sail from Southampton this year, and I can't wait to go and see her in person. The question will be whether to enjoy the new rear sun deck, one of the updated lounge bars or whether to indulge in the great new dining venues, such as the New York themed Crown Grill.

The New Grand Princess has undergone an incredible impressive revitalization in an even more impressive amount of time. Well done Princess and well done to all the crew involved.