Star Princess undergoes a transformation

Following a three-week dry-dock, Princess Cruises’ Star Princess set sail this weekend with a dramatically transformed new look. Several areas on board have received the new updates, including the alteration of the atrium into a vibrant street-style piazza and the addition of the adults-only retreat The Sanctuary on the top deck, plus the installation of a 300 square foot Movies Under the Stars poolside screen.

Princess Cruises guests have enthusiastically enjoyed these features on other Princess Ships and so have inspired the introduction to other ships within the fleet and Star Princess was the first to be revitalised with these popular amenities.

Star Princess’s new piazza will feature an array of dining and entertainment opportunities, including specialty coffees, freshly baked goods, paninis, salads and tapas in the style of an International café. The Vines wine bar concept has been expanded with more than 30 varieties of wine available, a selection of artisan meats and cheeses, plus a wine shop where guests can buy their favourite wines.

The Sanctuary is now available to adults on the top deck, where they can relax in a tranquil environment on plush lounge chairs whilst enjoying refreshing beverages and light snacks, with the choice of receiving a massage in on the two private cabanas.

Princess Cruises trademark Movies Under the Stars poolside screen is now in situ and will show a selection of films, concerts and special events daily. In the evenings the area will become an outdoor theatre with specially covered lounge chairs and warm blankets, where moviegoers and enjoy free popcorn, plus other snacks and beverages.

There were a number of other smaller changes that occurred during the three week dry dock, including a new Internet cage and library, enhancements to boutiques and the addition of flat screen LCD televisions in all staterooms, plus a variety of other cosmetic alterations.

The first of three ships to receive the updates, Star Princess will be followed by Caribbean Princess and Golden Princess which are due to receive them in January and April 2009 respectively.

Star Princess and Caribbean Princess to be Remodeled

Princess Cruises are to remodel two of their ships, Star Princess and Caribbean Princess, to include a host of amenities that have become hugely popular with guests on the line’s newer ships.

There will be a makeover of the Deck 5 atrium on both ships, transforming it into the piazza style street café the same as on Crown Princess and Emerald Princess. Princess’ signature adult only Sanctuary will be included, as will the Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant, along with a relocated casino to a more central location and seven new suites.

Star Princess will receive these new features during her September dry-dock in San Francisco and Caribbean Princess will follow in January 2009. The ships new atriums will feature the specialty coffees, freshly baked goods, paninis and tapas of the International Café. In addition there will be an enhanced Vines wine bar concept which will feature rare vintages of wine, a selection of artisan meats and cheeses, plus a wine shop where guests can purchase their favourite bottle.

The Sanctuary will be a welcome addition, having become extremely popular on the newer ships in the fleet. Guests get the chance to relax in a tranquil adults only area, on plush lounge chairs with the dedicated attention of the Serenity Stewards.

As part of the renovation, each vessel will also receive seven new suites with ocean-view picture windows, and the casino will be relocated one deck higher to deck 7, bringing it into the ship's central entertainment area.

"After Crown Princess and Emerald Princess debuted, we knew we had struck a chord with our passengers who loved the piazza-style atriums, new dining experiences and the peaceful environment of The Sanctuary," said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. "And so we're delighted to bring these hallmark features to two of the other vessels."