When Ruby Princess launches on November 8, the ship will introduce a host of new shipboard services and special features, underscoring Princess’ tradition of continually evolving the onboard experience for its passengers. Among the new options is a pub lunch, an exclusive breakfast for suite passengers, unique enrichment programs from astronomy to mixology, two new stage shows, plus expanded wireless Internet and cell phone connectivity.
The 3,070-passenger vessel will feature the familiar favorites that have become passenger pleasers aboard its sister ships Crown Princess and Emerald Princess but, in addition, other special touches and innovations will be found throughout the service, dining and entertainment areas.
Many of the ship’s enhancements are slated to become staples across the Princess fleet following their debut on Princess’ newest ship. Just what are they? Click on “more” below to find out.
As savvy travelers continue to seek secure return on their investments, Crystal Cruises is introducing a collection of incentives to support its commitment to its guests’ satisfaction. In combination with its existing price guarantee, the line is reducing cruise fare deposits and cancellation periods.
“Crystal is pairing its consistent delivery of incomparable vacation experiences with a program that showcases just how secure an investment the Crystal Experience is,” said Bill Smith, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Luxury cruisers recognize the value of selecting a line whose performance is tried-and-true, to ensure they’re getting the best from the best.”
Guarantees and booking and savings incentives include:
- Price Guarantee – Crystal will continue to protect guests by giving them the best applicable fare offered by Crystal Cruises even after they’ve booked;
- Cruise Deposit – Reduced cruise deposit from 10% to 5% for all 2009 itineraries, except the 2009 World Cruise and its voyages;
- Cancellation Period Reduction – Formerly a 75 day restriction, guests can now cancel their cruise up to 45 days prior to sailing without penalty for all 2009 itineraries, except the 2009 World Cruise and its voyages;
- Extended Options – Guests now have an increased period from three to seven days before a deposit is required;
2010 World Cruise Deposit Reduction – Deposits for the 2010 World Cruise have been reduced from 20% to $1,000 or $1,500, depending on stateroom selected;
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 cafe-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 revitalized with these favorite elements.
Star Princess‘ updated piazza-style atrium will now feature an array of dining and entertainment opportunities including the specialty coffees, freshly baked goods, paninis, salads and tapas of the International Cafe. 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 favorite 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 lounge chairs 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 theater with specially covered lounge chairs and cozy blankets, where moviegoers can enjoy free popcorn, plus other snacks and beverages.
Additional changes made during the drydock include a new Internet Cafe 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.
Video number 2 is of one of the biggest receptions that we got the entire trip. An estimated 60,000 people turned out to see the ship!
Besides the large turnout to welcome us, Cunard held a special concert at the local cathedrial (sorry no video of that) and there were fireworks to send us off. Of the three ports that put on fireworks for us, Liverpools was the best and we were in a perfect spot to see them.
This video is a taste of the welcome we received in Liverpool and the entire fireworks display.
We’re back from the UK! It may be a few more days before we get our next audio show up. But to tide you over in the mean time we have VIDEO!
Due to inclement weather in the English Channel and around Cherbourg, France our first port call was to Cobh, Ireland. The citizen’s of Cobh and Cork came out to line the shore and see us off.
Here’s some video of our departure from Cobh. Watch for a little more video over the next few days.
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