Passengers Can Now Enjoy a New “Piazza” with International Café and Vines, plus Adults Only Sanctuary and Movies Under the Stars.
16 October 2008 – Star Princess set sail this weekend after a three-week drydock that dramatically transformed several spaces onboard, including turning the ship’s atrium into a vibrant street café-like piazza, adding the company’s signature adults-only retreat called The Sanctuary, and installing a 300-square-foot Movies Under the Stars poolside screen.
These features, which have been enthusiastically enjoyed by passengers on Princess Cruises’ newest vessels, have inspired an expansion to other ships in the fleet, and Star Princess is the first to be revitalised with these favourite elements.
Star Princess’ updated pizza-style atrium will now feature an array of dining and entertainment options including the specialty coffees, freshly baked goods, Panini’s, salads and tapas of the International Café. It will also introduce an expanded Vines wine bar concept, which will feature more than 30 wines by the glass, a selection of artisan meats and cheeses, plus a wine shop where passengers can purchase their favourite bottle.
On the top deck of the ship, passengers can now relax in the tranquil environment of The Sanctuary, Princess’ signature adults-only retreat featuring plush padded loungers and the services of dedicated Serenity Stewards. Along with enjoying refreshing beverages and light snacks, visitors to this exclusive space can also receive a massage in one of two private cabanas. Princess’ trademark Times Square-style Movies Under the Stars poolside screen is now in place and will show a variety of films, concerts and special events daily. And in the evenings it becomes an outdoor theatre with specially covered loungers and cosy blankets, where moviegoers can enjoy free popcorn, plus other snacks and beverages.
Additional changes made during the drydock include a new Internet Café and library area, enhancements to the onboard boutiques, the addition of LCD flat screen televisions in all staterooms, and a variety of other cosmetic updates.
Star Princess is the first of three ships to receive these updates. Caribbean Princess and Golden Princess will also receive similar transformations in subsequent drydocks, in January and April of 2009, respectively. Caribbean Princess and Golden Princess will also receive additional enhancements including a new Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant, a new casino area and six additional suites.