While you may trade in your car every few years for a newer model, cruise lines build their ships to last for many years. Rather than trade them in, cruise lines continually refurbish and refresh their ships with new décor and new features.
One of the major refurbishment projects currently underway is Carnival Cruise Lines’ "Fun Ship 2.0” initiative. Carnival will invest more than $500 million in new dining, bar, lounge and entertainment experiences for its guests. Carnival has forged new partnerships with popular celebrities, too. George Lopez is Carnival’s new creative director for comedy and will lend his expertise to hiring comedic talent for the line’s Punchliner Comedy Clubs. Food Network personality Guy Fieri will put his unique style into Guy’s Burger Joint, a new poolside dining venue.
Celebrity Cruises has been busy "Solsticizing” its four Millennium Class ships, equipping them with some of the most popular features from its well-received Solstice Class. The "Solsticizing” process includes the addition of AquaClass, Celebrity’s spa-inspired, veranda-equipped category of accommodations. Other additions include "Qsine,” a specialty restaurant known for creative presentation of delicious food; the Celebrity iLounge, where guests can get familiar with the latest products from Apple; the Bistro on Five creperie; and Cellermasters wine bar, which has a state-of-the-art wine serving system.
Princess Cruise Line’s Sapphire Princess began a whirlwind, four-week transformation in early January. When it returns to service on February 4, it will have a new atrium with a café, wine bar and pizzeria. The Sapphire Princess is also the final Princess ship to receive a giant poolside screen for Movies Under the Stars; and The Sanctuary, a peaceful retreat that’s just for adults.
In mid-February, Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas will become the first cruise ship equipped with an iPad in every stateroom. Guests will use the tablets to access daily schedules, check their onboard accounts, order room service, view restaurant menus, access the Internet and watch movies. iPads will be added to the rest of Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class ships when they undergo revitalization during the next two years.
To find out more about sailing on any of these or other revitalized ships, talk with your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
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