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GOLDEN PRINCESS DRYDOCK BEHIND the SCENE PHOTOS

Sandytoes

By Sandytoes,
in Princess Cruises

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Rstamper

Rstamper

Posted
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Wow!! what a great refit contract to help the economy out....good job Princess. We are now booked on the 4 day Alaska sampler cruise on May 5 on this ship. A Mother's Day cruise for sure!!! We'll report back after the sailing.:)

 

Come and join our roll call!

 

Brenda

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jamesboat

jamesboat

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Great pics.

 

But its such a shame that entertainment, like the video arcade and jogging tracks on princess ships are being removed for the sanctuary and even more rooms, even though the theaters and restaurants already are too crowded.

 

Will the mini golf be cut as well?

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vickie_bernie

vickie_bernie

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Great pics.

 

But its such a shame that entertainment, like the video arcade and jogging tracks on princess ships are being removed for the sanctuary and even more rooms, even though the theaters and restaurants already are too crowded.

 

Will the mini golf be cut as well?

 

i too miss the jogging track, the arcade never seemed to be used much mainly because teens are not intersted in it much anymore, they go right to the XBOX and Wii that is in the teens area.

 

If the reno is similar to the Star's and CB the mini gold will not be affected.

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Princess Mummy

Princess Mummy

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Come and join our roll call!

 

Brenda

I'm afraid we're new at this. What is and how do you join a 'roll call'? I've read about meet and mingles when onboard. Is one being planned for this trip? If so, could you provide details...or a link where we could go to sign up? Thanks much

 

Pauline

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RickEk

RickEk

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It is nice sailing after the retrofit. We did the Star just after she was updated. Note though that it is not like the Ruby/Crown and Emerald.

 

There is no Cafe Caribe.

International Cafe has no gelato and no chocolate fondue, candy apples (no biggie)

MUTS doesn't have as good viewing areas as it does on ships built with MUTS, plus sound transfers to front lotus spa area and Sancturay (doesn't on bigger ships)

Vines has different set up, fewer places to sit.

There is a Vines Store on the Star/Golden/CB

Not as much sitting area in the Piazza as on larger ships

 

Positives about the Golden/Star/CB/Grand their Vista lounge is better - found Vista lounge on Emerald wasn't always able to accommodate everyone because of the table/chair set up.

Smaller and more intimate.

Less crowds

Easier to get around on the top decks, Emerald/Crown etc you can only get to aft of ship on one side on the sun decks.

 

Do remember that the refit of the Star was only half completed because of labor issues at the San Francisco drydock. It looks like Princess is attempting to accomplish everything this time.

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vickie_bernie

vickie_bernie

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Do remember that the refit of the Star was only half completed because of labor issues at the San Francisco drydock. It looks like Princess is attempting to accomplish everything this time.

 

yes it looks like the retrofit is including all the changes, same as CB; but it still will not have the items mentioned in my post the things getting changed that were not changed on the Star are casino moved, Steakhouse moving, suites being added, and OV cabins where casino use to be - can't wait to see it when i board the Golden on the 16th

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winecountry

winecountry

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It's very strange for Leialoha and myself to see these pics, as we've just come off the Golden after almost seven months. We're very much looking forward to being back on her for next Hawaii season with all the new amenities. Especially internet in the cabins for crew!!!

 

Aloha Nui,

Dave

Elua

 

Thanks for the "Uke" lesson, hope to see both of you some time in the not to distant future. We were on the Golden 3-4-09

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Rstamper

Rstamper

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I'm afraid we're new at this. What is and how do you join a 'roll call'? I've read about meet and mingles when onboard. Is one being planned for this trip? If so, could you provide details...or a link where we could go to sign up? Thanks much

 

Pauline

 

I am glad you found our roll call and joined us.

 

Brenda

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dclark

dclark

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i too miss the jogging track, the arcade never seemed to be used much mainly because teens are not intersted in it much anymore, they go right to the XBOX and Wii that is in the teens area.

 

 

Funny. I was on Golden a few weeks after its last drydock, for a xmas cruise in '06. I don't think I'll recognize it.

 

I remember the arcade as being quite large and nicely decorated. However, the games seemed to be very expensive and that can be a factor in its appeal.

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jamesboat

jamesboat

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i too miss the jogging track, the arcade never seemed to be used much mainly because teens are not intersted in it much anymore, they go right to the XBOX and Wii that is in the teens area.

 

If the reno is similar to the Star's and CB the mini gold will not be affected.

 

While the princess website indicated that the CB still has mni golf, it actually does not. Maybe they forgot to install it, but the area shown has a bunch of lounge chairs and a flat carpet floor (not in golf form)

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DanJ

DanJ

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While the princess website indicated that the CB still has mni golf, it actually does not. Maybe they forgot to install it, but the area shown has a bunch of lounge chairs and a flat carpet floor (not in golf form)

 

If they didn't install it in the new location, did they in fact remove it from the prior location?

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Princess Mummy

Princess Mummy

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CCL news release on the Golden Princess

2009-04-21 14:06 ET - News Release

Also News Release (U-CUK) CARNIVAL PLC

 

Online Photo Journal Features Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Look at Princess' Most Extensive Ship Remodel to Date

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- As Golden Princess begins the most extensive makeover ever undertaken by the company, Princess Cruises is inviting cruise fans to follow the progress through Twitter updates that will showcase a daily photo journal of the ship's transformation. A first for Princess, the online posts will chronicle the dramatic changes throughout the ship during its nearly three-week drydock at Victoria Shipyards in British Columbia.

The journal has launched at www.princess.com/goldendrydock and will run through May 5, when the ship sets sail again with its new features, including a new piazza-style atrium, an adults-only Sanctuary, a Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen, a new Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant, and a variety of other enhancements.

Twitter users will receive a daily "tweet" about the latest construction progress after they follow an easy sign up process and elect to follow Princess at http://twitter.com/PrincessCruises.

"We know there's a great deal of interest in a ship transformation such as this, so we're inviting cruise enthusiasts to get a unique glimpse of the ship's progress through this drydock," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "None of our other vessels have ever had this many new features added in a single drydock, so our online journal will offer a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the amount of work required for such a huge undertaking."

The amenities being added during the drydock are the Princess signature features already aboard the line's newest ships, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess. Many have also been introduced aboard on Caribbean Princess, Star Princess and Grand Princess during earlier drydock periods.

When Golden Princess emerges from drydock, its atrium will feature a new Piazza with an inviting street cafe atmosphere featuring roving entertainers and two new dining options. The International Cafe will serve up specialty coffees, fresh baked cookies, pastries, panini sandwiches and tapas. Vines, a wine bar, will offer a selection of more than 30 wines by the glass, plus a selection of seafood, artisan meats and cheeses, and a wine shop where passengers can purchase their favorite bottle.

A new restaurant, the Crown Grill, will offer an open kitchen where passengers can enjoy watching as chefs prepare chops, steaks and seafood, including live lobsters.

And adult passengers looking to get away from it all will be able to relax in the tranquility of The Sanctuary, Princess' signature retreat featuring plush padded lounge chairs and the services of dedicated Serenity Stewards. Visitors to this exclusive space can enjoy refreshing beverages and light snacks, or receive a massage in one of two private cabanas.

Above one of the ship's pools, Movies Under the Stars will debut onboard with a state-of-the-art Times Square-style LED screen, offering evening movies and a variety of daytime programming. The 300-square-foot screen offers passengers a movie experience comparable to the best shoreside movie theater. In addition to family cinema and first run hits, Movies Under the Stars also features major sporting events, concerts and other can't-miss programming - up to 50 different offerings per week.

As part of the renovation, Golden Princess will also be fitted with seven new window suites with ocean-view picture windows, and a relocated casino on deck 7, bringing it into the ship's central entertainment area. In addition, 10 new balcony suites and two ocean view cabins will be added in the aft of the ship, replacing the former video arcade. Other changes include new locations for the sports court, a new Limelight boutique, new shore excursions and Captain's Circle desks, new Internet cafe and library, and the addition of new gym equipment in the fitness center.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

Princess can also be found on:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Princess-Cruises/19788524059

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PrincessCruises

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/princesscruises/

About Princess Cruises:

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess offers its passengers the opportunity to escape to the top destinations around the globe, with sailings to all seven continents, ranging in length from seven to 107 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc .

Princess Cruises is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, HollandAmerica, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

Princess Cruises

CONTACT: Karen Candy, +1-661-753-1540, kcandy@princesscruises.com, or

Julie Benson, +1-661-753-1530, jbenson@princesscruises.com, both of

Princess Cruises

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jamesboat

jamesboat

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If they didn't install it in the new location, did they in fact remove it from the prior location?

 

The old location became the sanctuary. The shuffleboard was also removed.

 

The maps on board the ship do not mark the course, only the ones online

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DanJ

DanJ

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The old location became the sanctuary. The shuffleboard was also removed.

 

The maps on board the ship do not mark the course, only the ones online

 

Isn't the Sanctuary at the front of the ship? The golf used to be between Skywalkers and the funnel. It's listed as sports court on the deck plans now.

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shootingstar07

shootingstar07

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WhooHooo!!!!! That is wonderful news, Mary. I will be cruising with a small group in August on the Golden and am looking forward to every improvement.

Thanks again,

S

Hi Sharpie13,

I will be disembarking on Aug.8. Promise to leave the Golden as we found her - beautiful, new and fresh!!! Can't wait for Aug. 1. Another poster on this tread, 49er, is on the Aug. 1 sailing as well. We "met" on the roll call.

 

We too are returning to AK - back to back years.

 

For those interested - this is the link my TA sent from Princess website for the on-going repairs: princess.com/goldendrydock

 

The pics are the same that were originally posted.

 

Shootingstar07

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