Azamara Club Cruises' Azamara Journey Emerges From Refit

Azamara Cruises' Azamara Journey Fresh from Refit.

Azamara Journey, the second of Azamara Club Cruises’ twin boutique ships to undergo refurbishment, emerged today from an eight-day drydock in Singapore’s Sembawang Shipyard.  Azamara Journey, now complete with a refresh of all public spaces and staterooms and an elegant new “Azamara Blue” exterior hull, continues its Asia season with a 13-night Indonesia voyage round-trip from Singapore.

With its newly refreshed ships, the cruise line that sails to exciting destinations around the world that larger ships are unable to reach is poised to break away from its category. Azamara features longer stays and more overnights in port to present up-market travelers the opportunity for night touring. Paired with the new complimentary AzAmazing Evening event on every voyage, starting with each ship’s Europe 2013 season, Azamara is delivering to guests the most authentic, intimate and bespoke travel experiences that showcases the nightlife of some of the world’s most intriguing destinations.
Shipwide renovations included new carpets, upholstery, and a new color palette in public spaces reflecting the cruise line’s inviting atmosphere; new mattresses and upgraded veranda furniture for suites and staterooms; and a resurfaced pool, and new sun loungers and pool towels on the outer decks.  The Casino Bar also was expanded and enhanced with new furniture, while the Spa and fitness center was refreshed with a new steam room, showers, and state-of-the-art Life Fitness cardio equipment. Furthermore, a range of enhancements were made behind the scenes in the staff and crew areas to add to the comfort of the cruise line’s most valuable asset.

On the culinary front, guests can now enjoy a new caviar and champagne bar within Aqualina, one of the ships’ two specialty dining venues, as well as a new Chef’s Table concept featuring three wine degustation menus – Italian, French and Californian. At Mosaic Café, the ships’ central gathering spot, guests can purchase a freshly brewed cup of bespoke coffee or tea.

Guests aboard Azamara Journey enjoy more inclusive amenities, such as included gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff; complimentary bottled water, sodas, specialty coffee, and teas, as well as complimentary red and white boutique wines to accompany lunch and dinner; complimentary self-service laundry; English Butler service for suite guests; and shuttle transportation to city centers in ports, where available.

Azamara Club Cruises is a destination-immersive cruise line for up-market travelers who not only want to see the places and cultures they visit, but to live them. Azamara’s two intimate, 694-guest ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, with a combination of 347 suites and staterooms, offer a European-boutique hotel ambience with extraordinary service, fine cuisine and wines from around the world, and wellness and vitality programs, all while sailing to a host of destinations larger ships cannot reach. Azamara Club Cruises sails European destinations, including the Baltic and Scandinavia, British Isles, Western Europe, French and Italian Rivieras, Greek Isles, Croatia, Holy Land and Black Sea, as well as Asia, South America and lesser-traveled islands of the West Indies, with more overnight and late-night stays in every region.

Travelers also can choose even more immersive experiences with Azamara cruisetours in eight of the world’s most exciting destinations, including Rome, Athens, Buenos Aires, Cairo, Istanbul, Jordan and Israel, India, and China.                       

                   

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Voyages of Discovery's Voyager to Undergo Next Step in Rennovation

Voyager of Voyages of Discovery Next Refit Scheduled.

Voyager, the 540-passenger ship joining the Voyages of Discovery fleet in December, will undertake its final refurbishments in Portland Port in the UK this winter.

Voyager is due to arrive at the UK south coast port on November 1 for a month-long refurbishment ahead of its maiden voyage on December 4.

Northern Ireland-based refurbishment specialist Mivan will be completing the project which marks the final stage in a multimillion-pound investment by Voyages of Discovery to introduce the ship to its fleet.

Key new additions to Voyager will include the introduction of an explorer theme throughout the entire ship, reinforcing the destination-led cruise offering including a new Scott’s Lounge—a classic piano bar serving cocktails into the evening—and new specialty restaurant, the Explorer Club.

The addition of a ‘look-out’ lounge providing panoramic views from the front of the ship and a new terrace with all-weather awning added to the Veranda Restaurant will allow passengers to dine al fresco.

Introduction of new digital media players in all cabins, new artwork added to key public spaces and the upgrade of all soft furnishing in public spaces are part of the refit, as is a complete refurbishment of the library and its reference books and a new dual-purpose Bridge Club and function room.

Formerly the Alexander von Humboldt, Voyager has received significant investments since its purchase by All Leisure Group in 2009. These include a major technical upgrade and the addition of more balcony cabins.

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Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas Fresh From the Refit

On  June 1, 2012 – Royal Caribbean International’s Grandeur of the Seas completed its $48 million revitalization at the Navantia ship yard in Cadiz, Spain. The bow-to-stern revitalization of Grandeur of the Seas included the addition of five new dining venues, technological upgrades, a pool side LED screen, a refresh of all furniture, carpet, upholstery and staterooms as well as new entertainment offering including a spectacular aerial entertainment in its six deck Centrum.

For the full story, click here to be connected to our sister site - Nick's Cruise Corner Blog.

Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas Emerges From Shipyard and Refit.

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Celebrity Cruises Solsticizing Nearing Completion

Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Century

Celebrity Cruises' Solsticizing of its Millennium class vessels is almost complete.

The effort started in 2010 when the Celebrity Constellation was the first vessel to undergo updating of amenities and modernization at Germany's Blohm + Voss Shipyard.

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Paul Gauguin Cruises Refurbishment Plans for Tere Moana

Paul Gauguin Cruises Refurbishment Plans for Tere Moana

Paul Gauguin Cruises Refurbishment Plans for Tere Moana are revealed.  On December 29, 2012, the m/v Tere Moana sets out on her maiden voyage under the Paul Gauguin Cruises banner, following a multi-faceted renovation that brings her up to our high standards for luxury and comfort. But you don't have to wait until December to see what you'll enjoy aboard this exceptional ship!

 To see artists renditions of the refurbishment and to learn more, Click here to go to out sister site -> Nick's Cruise Corner Blog.

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Crystal Cruises Crystal Symphony to Get $15 Million Dollar Rejuvenation

Several of Crystal Cruises’ signature spaces aboard Crystal Symphony will be remodeled during a major $15 million dry dock scheduled for June 2012. In just 15 days at Germany’s Blohm + Voss shipyard, ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises is redesigning the ship’s Avenue Saloon, Palm Court lounge, Galaxy showroom, Hollywood Theatre, Bridge Lounge, and Fantasia and Waves “junior cruisers” areas in ways that are stylishly modern, yet in keeping with each space’s spirited atmosphere beloved by guests. In the past two years, Crystal Cruises has invested more than $50 million in its vessels, generating praise – and even industry awards – for their great style.

“Our guests expect the finest of luxury in every element of a Crystal cruise. They have a keen appreciation for design and expect the very best in furnishings, finishes and fine appointments,” says President Gregg Michel. “By the completion of this project, within the past five years we will have redesigned every room aboard Crystal Symphony – with great attention to rich, chic details.”

Avenue Saloon

For this popular piano bar’s makeover, Crystal is bringing back the designer who created the room’s trademark intimate, “clubby” look: Kirk Nix, with LA’s KNA Design. The piano, shutters, and warm, jazz-era atmosphere remain, but a room reconfiguration adds more seating, including antique-style, brass-tack couches and large, red wall sofa. Rich burgundies, golds, caramels, moss greens, and creams weave through the swivel, embossed-leaf barstools, hand-tufted carpets, plush pillows, textured wall upholstery, and artwork. Wood flooring, bar front and back, stone and wood bartop, edge-lit glass shelves, and pop-up ceiling finalize the new touches.

Palm Court

KNA is also revamping the ship’s signature panoramic lounge for high tea, dancing, cocktail parties, and casual drinks with a view. A sleek, contemporary transformation brings the outside in, taking advantage of sweeping ocean views, while keeping emblematic room elements like palms and wicker. In addition to a new entrance, the bar and dance areas expand with added seating and a larger, spiral-design dance floor with overhead ceiling feature. Conversation tables; laser-cut marble flooring and carpet; lit, alabaster urns; and a studded nail and leather wall design offset the chartreuse, aqua, grey, and ivory color spectrum that plays throughout the all-new sofas and chairs.

Galaxy Lounge

Inspired by the glamorous theaters of yesteryear, Crystal is planning a grand redesign of its main theatre for live performances, Broadway-style musical productions, and lavish entertainment experiences. The elegant redo features namesake-reflective motifs, such as starburst lighting and carpeting and lit crystal-speckled wall panels that hint of the night sky. Formal purple drapes, “old gold” walls and a subtle diamond design in upholstery, fabric wallcovering, and glass doors suggest the richness of royalty. New, mohair chairs and sofas, cocktail tables, and ambient lighting underneath banquettes enhance the sophisticated supper club ambience. A new, limestone floor entrance is flanked by LCD screens announcing upcoming shows and attractions. Additional touches by London’s SMC Design include artwork niches with abstract figurative sculpture and lively lilac, pink, and crimson shades befitting of a dramatic stage.

Hollywood Theatre

London-based Adfecto’s redo of the ship’s movie theater is a visual throwback to the classic Hollywood film era, with all comfort and technical advantages of contemporary cinemas. Plush leather armchairs with individual pull-out tables and an earth tone color palette of aubergine, ebony, cinnamon, ash grey, and ivory set the backdrop; circular-patterned carpeting, sconces lining the walls, and a new entrance reflect art deco elements. Technical updates include boosted surround sound audio processing and an enhanced lecture and presentation control system for enrichment speaker sessions.

Bridge Lounge

The ship’s space for cards, games, and presentations receives a refined rejuvenation via all new furniture, including game tables and chairs; lighting, including striking chandelier, sconces, and recessed fixtures; floor-to-ceiling window treatments; wallcoverings and ceiling feature; presentation tools, including podium, white board, storage, video and sound system; and silver, blue, and sage color scheme, all courtesy of KNA Design.

Fantasia and Waves

A new layout for both Fantasia kids play area and Waves teen video arcade creates separate areas for crafts, relaxation, screenings (two TVs), teens, and computer usage (teens and kids separate). Designer Adfecto has also chosen fun, asymmetrical furniture, Fatboy^TM bean bags, and vibrant colors like crimson, sapphire, and various shades of green. New interactive white board, board games, video game stations, and video project system further refresh junior activities options.

Other ship enhancements include new electronic, “do not disturb” doorbells in all staterooms (as installed on Crystal Serenity last May) and environmentally-efficient lighting installations for all electric upgrades/changes. All remodeling, as well as bi-annual maintenance and cleaning, will take place while dry docked at Hamburg’s Blohm + Voss shipyard from June 1 to 16.

Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history.

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Princess Cruises Sapphire Princess Enter's Drydock For Transformation

Sapphire Princess arrives today (1/9/2012) at the Victoria Shipyards drydock in British Columbia to begin a dramatic, four-week transformation. The drydock continues a multi-year fleet renovation process that has brought Princess Cruises’ signature features to most of its ships.

When the ship re-enters service again on February 4, passengers will be able to enjoy a brand-new Piazza atrium with the International Café and Vines wine bar, plus the new Alfredo’s Pizzeria. On the top decks, passengers will enjoy poolside movies on the new giant Movies Under the Stars screen, and an opportunity to relax in the ship’s “pocket of tranquility,” the adults-only Sanctuary.

“It’s been an incredible process over the past few years to retrofit these popular features onto our earlier-introduced ships, but we know our passengers appreciate that they can now find their favorite amenities on virtually any vessel in our fleet,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president.

Throughout the drydock, Princess will be featuring a daily photo highlight of the transformation on its social media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and Google+.

The many changes to Sapphire Princess include:

New Piazza Atrium – The ship’s atrium space will be redesigned to include this signature Princess feature – a European-inspired 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, fresh 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.

Alfredo’s Pizzeria – Introduced last year aboard Grand Princess, Alfredo’s will expand to its second location on Sapphire Princess. The sit-down pizzeria serves up an enticing menu of freshly prepared, hand-stretched, 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 their custom-made pies.

Movies Under the Stars – Sapphire Princess will be the final ship to introduce Movies Under the Stars on board. The giant poolside movie screen will showcase feature films, concerts, awards shows and sports events, and passengers can enjoy their viewing on padded loungers under warm, fleece blankets. Complimentary popcorn and other treats enhance the al fresco entertainment experience.

The Sanctuary – Sapphire Princess is also the final ship to receive The Sanctuary, a tranquil retreat exclusively for adults. Added prior to drydock, the new Sanctuary space has already received an enthusiastic welcome from passengers enjoying the enhanced comforts of this peaceful oasis, as Serenity Stewards attend to their every need, offering refreshing beverages, light snacks, pre-loaded MP3 players, and the cooling mist of an Evian atomizer.

Also part of the renovation are several relocated and upgraded venues, including the Art Gallery, Internet Café and Library, and the Photo-Video Gallery. New carpet and upholstery will be installed throughout the ship, and staterooms will feature new flat-screen televisions.

The newly renovated Sapphire Princess will debut on February 4 in Los Angeles when the ship will depart on a 14-day Hawaiian Islands cruise.

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NCL's Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Spirit to Receive Major Refurbishments

Continuing the company’s commitment to continually enhance its fleet, Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that both Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Jade will enter dry docks this fall for multi-million dollar enhancements. Norwegian Spirit enters a 13-day dry dock on September 25, 2011 in Mobile , Alabama . The 2,018-passenger ship is receiving renovations including outfitting the entire ship for WiFi; laying new carpet; installing flat screen televisions; and upgrading the Stardust Theater and the ship’s action station restaurant Raffles. Norwegian Jade will undergo enhancements, including the addition of Norwegian’s signature restaurant Moderno Churrascaria; new carpet and tile throughout the ship; painting the hull; among other maintenance updates during an 11-day dry dock in Marseille , France .

“While we have the youngest fleet in the industry, we still want to continuously enhance our ships,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “With the dry docks of Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Jade, we will have completed enhancements on four ships this year, a major investment for the company.”

Norwegian Spirit’s refurbishment includes:

· Installing wireless internet access throughout the entire ship including crew areas;

· New flat screen televisions in guest and crew staterooms;

· Upgrades to accessible guest staterooms and the addition of ramps in various areas of the ship;

· Replacement of 64,000 square feet of carpet throughout the ship;

· Addition of new silk plants throughout the ship;

· Enhancements to the Stardust Theater;

· Addition of an aerobics room in the Roman Spa and Fitness Center for spinning, yoga and various fitness classes;

· Updates to Raffles Court , the ship’s buffet restaurant.

When the ship returns to New Orleans on October 9, 2011, she will sail a series of seven-day Western Caribbean itineraries departing every Sunday calling on Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras and Belize City, Belize; along with two relaxing days at sea through April 8, 2012. The ship will then set off on a 13-day transatlantic cruise to Barcelona on April 15, 2012. She will arrive in Barcelona on April 28, 2012 where she will begin sailing 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruises alternating from Barcelona and Venice through October 13, 2012. Beginning on November 6, 2012, Norwegian Spirit will sail nine-day Canary Islands cruises from Barcelona through April 8, 2013.

Norwegian Jade enters dry dock in Marseille , France on November 26, 2011 to December 8, 2011. During this time, the 2,402-passenger ship will receive the line’s signature Brazilian steakhouse, Moderno Churrascia, replacing Paniolo’s Tapas and Salsa restaurant on Deck 8. The ship will also receive technical enhancements including new propeller and thrust bearings; seals on the Azipod propulsion systems; as well as a new coat of hull paint. After dry dock, Norwegian Jade, which sails year-round from Europe, will cruise a nine-day itinerary departing Barcelona, Spain, calling on Funchal, Madeira; Santa Cruz, Tenerife; Arrecife, Canary Islands and Malaga, Spain.

Both Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Sun received major enhancements earlier this year.

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