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 Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
