Cruise ship fans can monitor the progress of a major refit to Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess via a dry dock video diary.
The daily videos are hosted by the ship’s British cruise director Martin Moss, and accompanied by photographs from the ship.
Images and video of the transformation, which is taking place over 24 days in Freeport, Bahamas, have also been posted on YouTube and flickr. The diary will include daily updates through to Wednesday May 4.
During the makeover 1,400 workers will work on the ship to add some of the line’s trademark features on its younger vessels including the Piazza atrium.
Also due to be added are a tea lounge and library called Leaves, Alfredo’s pizzeria and a new nightclub called The One5.
One of the most dramatic video moments is expected to be the removal of the ship’s distinctive Skywalker Nightclub, which is being taken off the rear of the ship to improve its operational performance, including greater fuel efficiency.
Pieter Van der Schee, head of brand marketing at Princess Cruises UK, said: “We have seen from past refits that passengers love to keep up-to-date with what it happening on board and, as a British favourite, the Grand Princess video updates are set to be ‘must-see’ viewing.
“Martyn will be showing everyone exactly what is entailed in a drydock refit of this scale as he goes behind the scenes for this exciting video diary”.
Also part of the renovation will be the addition of seven new suites; a remodelled casino, boutiques and art gallery; enhancements to the Horizon Court, Lotus Spa, and wedding chapel; and the addition of Crooner’s Martini Lounge.