Royal Princess Hit With Power Outage.

Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, experienced a power outage on Sunday 9/22/2013 and was adrift for several hours.  Currently the ship has arrived in Naples after getting back underway and repair crews are onboard.  The remainder of her scheduled cruise has been cancelled and the cruise line has indicated that the ship will be our of service for an indefinite period of time until the repairs are made.

Royal Princess has only been in service for about 3 months, she was launched in June 2013.

Grand Princess Transformation

I just found out that Princess is sharing videos and pictures of the work taking place on the Grand Princess as she sits in drydock in the Bahamas.

One of the videos has to do with the removal of one of the ship's most distinctive features, "Skywalkers", which is the lounge that sits high atop the aft part of the ship.  It is being removed as part of a massive refurbishment project.

Here is the video of the removal.  Pretty cool.



You can check out the other videos here -
Grand Princess Drydock Video Journal

Princess revives the name "Royal Princess" for it's newest ship

The first plates of steel have been cut at Fincantiere shipyard in Italy to begin construction of Princess' latest ship to be named Royal Princess.  Set to debut in 2013, this first ship in Princess' newest class will be 141,000 tons and carry 3,600 passengers.  Innovations such as the Seawalk, which is a glass enclosed and glass bottomed walkway that extends out from the side of the ship 128 feet above the water, should make this ship popular for those in search of great views at sea.  A sister ship is planned for 2014.

Here is the full press release from Princess:

Princess Cruises Previews Newest Ship as First Steel Plate is Cut in Shipyard 
Royal Princess Announced as Ship's Name 

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 15, 2011) -- As the first steel plate was cut today marking the official start of construction of Princess Cruises' next ship, the line unveiled the vessel's profile, released preliminary details about some of its features, and revealed its name -- Royal Princess.

This will be the third time the name Royal Princesshas been given to a Princess ship.

Debuting in spring of 2013, the new 141,000-ton, 3,600-passenger Royal Princessis the first of two new-generation ships for Princess which are being built by Fincantieri at their Monfalcone, Italy shipyard. The prototype design is an evolution of the line's classic style of ships, while including some new features and expanded signature spaces.

A new design element revealed today is an over-water SeaWalk^SM, a top-deck glass-bottomed enclosed walkway on the ship's starboard side extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel. From here passengers can enjoy dramatic views, including to the sea 128 feet below. On the ship's port side, passengers will find a similarly-unique cantilevered SeaView bar, featuring cocktails with unbeatable vistas.

Also on her top decks, Royal Princesswill feature a new adults-only pool surrounded by seven plush private cabanas that appear to be floating on the water. Two additional pools will flank a tropical island that will offer pool seating by day, and by night will become an outdoor dance club, complete with a dazzling water and light show. Princess' signature adults-only haven, The Sanctuary, will be expanded both in size and amenities. The popular poolside theater, Movies Under the Stars, will play a starring role mid-ship with an expanded size and high-definition viewing.

"Princess passengers will easily recognize our next ship as a natural progression in our fleet," said Princess President and CEO Alan Buckelew. "We're taking the best features of our newest vessels that have been such customer pleasers, and taking them to the next level. Just as the original Royal Princess ushered in a new era for our company with its innovative design, we expect our new Royal Princess to do the same."

Inside the ship, one of the line's hallmark venues, the Piazza atrium, will be significantly expanded. This area will be the multi-faceted social hub of the vessel, combining always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services.

All outside staterooms on Royal Princesswill have balconies, which means that 80 percent of the ship's staterooms will include this desirable feature.

Royal Princesswill include 260,000 square feet of inside public space with multiple dining and entertainment venues, as well as other special features and amenities which will be revealed over the coming months.

A video preview of Royal Princess is available at http://www.princess.com/royalprincess. Artist renderings of the ship are available on Princess' Flickr page.

A sister ship to Royal Princesswill be launched in spring 2014.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

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Note to Editors:
The first Royal Princess which debuted in 1984 was widely-acknowledged as defining a new era in innovative cruise ship design. While she left the fleet in 2005, the name was passed to one of Princess' small ships in 2007, and this vessel is being transferred to a sister company at the end of April.

Grand Princess to get major facelift

Princess Cruises Grand Princess debuted in 1998 as the prototype for their Grand Class ships which have evolved in design over the years into a somewhat different design philosophy from the original.  In order to make the Grand Princess more like her younger sisters and improve her efficiency, Princess is sending her in for 24 days of serious surgery.

The work will take place from April 11 to May 4 at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport.  During that time not only will the usual new venues, restaurants, and furnishings be installed but the ship will loose its signature high mounted Skywalker Nightclub that rises above the aft of the ship.  That will be completely removed and a new nightclub will be created.

This will be the biggest makeover that the line has ever undertaken with one of their ships.  It should be quite a transformation.

Here is the full press release from Princess:




Grand Princess to Undergo Dramatic Transformation During Spring Drydock
Makeover Will Include Piazza Atrium, Tea Lounge, Pizzeria and Nightclub

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (February 10, 2011) -- The most significant transformation ever of aPrincess 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."

Artist renderings of the Grand Princess changes are available in a Flickr gallery at:http://bit.ly/g0JA8I.

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 Café for pastries, grilled panini sandwiches, salads, fresh-baked cookies and a variety of coffee drinks. Passengers 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 lobster.

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.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

Two Passenger Overboard Incidents Start Off The Year On A Bad Note

Bad news for the cruise industry last week as there were two separate incidents of passengers going overboard with unfortunate results.

First, on MSC Orchestra, a 19 year old man fell overboard after attempting to balance on the ship's railing on deck 14 while the ship was anchored off the coast of Sao Paulo, Barzil.  As expected, he lost his balance and fell backwards into the water.  The ship's crew was able to retrieve him from the sea but he later died from injuries sustained in the fall.

In a separate incident, a 50 year old woman was reported overboard by her husband on Princess' Sea Princess while the ship was sailing between Curacao and Grand Turk.  Review of security footage showed that the woman went overboard from her cabin's balcony.  An immediate search and rescue effort was conducted but the woman was not located and is feared drowned.

Cruise Passengers Robbed At Gunpoint on St. Kitts

Seventeen passengers from Celebrity Mercury were robbed at gunpoint on Sunday while on an excursion purchased through the cruise line on the island of St. Kitts.  No one was injured during the incident but the assailants did escape with the passengers money, jewelry and cameras.

The excursion, called "Essential St. Kitts", which is sold by every line that visits St. Kitts will no longer be offered by Celebrity.  Princess has gone a step further by cancelling the November 17th call to St. Kitts by Grand Princess, instead diverting the ship to St. Johns, Antigua.

Currently there is a manhunt still underway to find those responsible.  Local security has also been increased on the island.

Past Cruise Review:

Princess Cruises "Grand Princess" - 1999 Caribbean

Shortly after returning from our cruise to Bermuda, we learned of the "Grand Princess". As you know, Princess Cruises is famous from the Love Boat series on TV. They had recently undergone a huge expansion with several new ships. This ship was to be the pinnacle of that recent expansion. The "Grand Princess" was still being built when we learned of her specifics. Projected at a cost of $450 million, she was to be the largest cruise ship ever built. When completed, she was to be over 950 feet in length and in excess of 109,000 tons. Shortly after completion and her sea trials she set out from Italy, where she was built, to New York for her christening. I could not resist making a trip to the pier to take a look. It was incredible. I could not have imagined the size of this ship. I could see it from 10 blocks away. It was taller than any of the buildings in the area. She barely fit into the dock. It was awesome. As soon as I got home, we immediately booked our cruise.

This was to be our first cruise to the Caribbean. The ship leaves from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I admit I was a bit nervous about having to fly down to Florida to get the ship. Not because I am scared of flying, but because I could see some of our luggage getting lost. Not only did it have to get onto the plane but it also had to get to the ship on time. All my fears were for nothing. The air package was arranged through Princess and we also purchased the transfer package for an additional $25 per person. It was worth it. For that additional amount we were met at the airport by representatives of the cruise line and led to a special waiting lounge. We never had to claim our bags at the airport as they were immediately taken by the cruise line personnel and taken to the ship. That was great. We were then taken by bus to the terminal to board the ship where our bags were waiting onboard. The last time we saw our bags was at the airport in New Jersey.

Once on board the ship, we were in awe. The ship was only about six months old at the time, and it was beautiful. It would take too long to describe everything but suffice it to say that I used up an entire two hours of video tape just wandering around after we got on board. It is something you have to see for yourself. We had a great time on this cruise. The entertainment was good and the food was decent. The ship was the real destination, it was spectacular. We weren't however, very fond of much of the crew we encountered. I don't know what it was but they seemed to have a poor attitude and weren't very helpful at times.

The itinerary on our cruise was the Eastern Caribbean with stops at St. Thomas, St. Marten and Princess Cays, which is a part of an island owned exclusively by Princess Cruises. This was our first trip to the Caribbean and we had a great time. St. Thomas is a nice island and is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. It has beautiful beaches and tons of shopping. St, Marten was our second stop and it was just as nice as St. Thomas but not as much shopping. St. Marten is not a U.S. territory. Instead it is divided into two sections. One is French owned and the other is Dutch. It provides for an interesting combination on one small island. Unfortunately we were unable to go to Princess Cays due to weather conditions. This was the stop we were most looking forward to. All kinds of water sports are provided on Princess Cays along with a barbecue and picnic type atmosphere. That was the only real disappointment in our entire cruise. Princess offers a wide range of tours and excursions at each destination. We advise that you choose the ones you are interested in and book them immediately upon embarkation. They go fast.

We would recommend Princess to someone looking for a nice cruise and we would be willing to cruise with them again. They have great itineraries and are known for some of the best Alaska cruise packages in the industry. You can check out their website at princess.com.