Cruise News April 2, 2017

This is no April Fools! We are already into the first week of April, and we are here with some of the latest updates from the world of cruising. Now, we are also officially one

Cruise News April 2, 2017

This is no April Fools! We are already into the first week of April, and we are here with some of the latest updates from the world of cruising. Now, we are also officially one month away from our next cruise, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. As always, we have a fresh look at what the major cruise lines were up to this week in this edition of Cruise News April 2, 2017.

Cruise News April 2, 2017

Norwegian Joy Completes Conveyance

The newest member of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet is one step closer to heading home. Earlier this week, Norwegian Joy, the second ship in the Breakaway-plus class, began her float out. This included a 14 hour river conveyance from the ship yard which delivered the ship to the Netherlands. From here, additional crew and provisions will be added so the ship can begin formal sea trials. If the ship completes all of the tests, she will be ready for the official hand off later this month. Built specifically for the Chinese market, Norwegian Joy hosts firsts at sea including a go-kart style racing track and the addition of several virtual reality experiences.

Cruise News April 2, 2017Cruise News April 2, 2017 (Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Lines)

Norwegian Jade Returns to Service

Also new in Norwegian Cruise Line headlines is the return of one of their popular ships, Norwegian Jade, to the Caribbean. Along with upgrades to the staterooms which include new furnishings, updates to the technology, including USB outlets, the ship also has some new venues. Among the additions during the three week dry dock are an O’Sheehan’s Pub and Bliss Ultra Lounge, which have been hallmarks of the cruise line. New to both the ship and Norwegian Cruise Line is the 1950’s style restaurant, The Pit Stop, which serves up some nostalgia with fare like hamburgers and fries. The ship will finish the month in the Caribbean before transitioning to Southampton to spend the summer across the pond.

Brand New Dining Options Coming to Caribbean Princess

Princess Cruises has been known for being a culinary leader in the cruising industry. Looking to enhance that perception, one of their flagship vessels, Caribbean Princess, will be returning from drydock this week with some completely redesigned dining venues. The transformation is part of a multi-million dollar 2 week refurbishment. In total, the ship will receive 7 new/improved dining options, including an expanded and upgraded buffet, now called the World Fresh Marketplace. New to the ship will be a seafood spot, Steamers Seafood, which will offer a wide selection of seafood for a small up charge. A family style barbecue place, Planks BBQ, which will also be an up-charge for dinner, will be added, as well as re-branding and updated decor for the onboard pizzeria and poolside grill. Additional upgrades are planned to other public spaces, including children’s areas and some staterooms.

Cruise News April 2, 2017Cruise News April 2, 2017 (Courtesy of Princess Cruises)

Majestic Princess is Delivered

In more Princess Cruises news, the cruise line officially took the reigns of their newest ship, the Majestic Princess. The third ship in the Royal-class, this ship will be heading to China. Ready to compete with other new cruise ships, like Norwegian Joy and the current largest ship in the region Royal Caribbeans’ Quantum of the Seas, Majestic Princess will be the largest ship in the Princess Cruises’ fleet. The official ceremony occurred at the shipyard in Italy. Next up, the ship will sail its five day inaugural cruise which takes places on April 4th. From there, the ship will offer several European cruises before finally arriving in its homeport of Shanghai in July.

Cruise News April 4. 2017Cruise News April 4, 2017 (Courtesy of Princess Cruises)

Details Revealed on Crystal Cruises Upcoming Refurbishments

Onboard one of their luxury cruise liners, executives from Crystal Cruises revealed some preliminary details about the line’s future upgrades and changes that will be coming to some ships. The team at Seatrade were there to get all of the juicy details. According to reports, Crystal Cruises is looking to provide more value and luxury when both the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity enter dry dock. The revisions include adding larger, more luxurious penthouse suites, while decreasing the number of passengers the ship holds, increasing the staff to passenger ratios. Ships will also be outfitted with improved WiFi, which will be complimentary to all guests. Dining is also going to be changed up, with the line moving to an open seating concept, with no set dinner times. The ships will have completely re-hauled restaurants as well.

Cruise News April 2, 2017Cruise News April 2, 2017

Comments

Did we miss any noteworthy developments this week? Do you have any updates you want to share? Drop us an anchor with any headlines that did not make this edition of Cruise News April 2, 2017.

Crusie News April 2, 2017

Don Bucolo, or “DB”, loves everything about cruising- the ocean, the food, and the atmosphere. While he may be obsessed with doing extensive amounts of research on ships and all elements of a cruise, Don enjoys sharing his new found knowledge with fellow cruisers. When he is not sailing the high seas, he does whatever his wife tells him to do-it only took 10 years to realize this.
Don Bucolo
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