Older Cruise Ships Get Shipshape
Posted: Monday, October 18, 2010
by Anita Dunham-Potter
It's not easy being an older cruise ship in a sea of newbuilds. Many cruise lines are finding they must modernize older vessels to keep pace with the newer ships' vast offerings and expanded on-board activities. The cruise industry has always been proactive in responding to the ever-changing vacation styles and wishes of its customers, which usually means numerous enhancements of facilities and amenities. So it's no surprise that older ships are undergoing comprehensive stem-to-stern multi-million dollar renovations, which is great news for those looking to take a cruise vacation.
The revamping of the older ships makes sense for cruise lines, as it's more cost-effective than building newer vessels. By fixing up what they already own they can add all of the features of the new 'mega-builds' but at a smaller passenger capacity, which many veteran cruisers appreciate.
Recently Princess Cruises' upgraded a number of its ships with new dining venues, adults-only Sanctuary areas, Movies Under the Stars screens and some have been outfitted with new suites. Additionally on a few ships the Atrium was transformed into the now-signature Piazza - very popular with Princess enthusiasts.
Some older ships are considered small to mid-sized by todays standards, but many passengers are fans of older ships because they can offer a more personal experience. Old ship fans are frequently delighted when their favorite ship is enhanced and often book a sailing just to see the finished results.
Most cruise lines want to ensure that their existing fleet matches the state-of-the-art standards of their newer additions. Among the many enhancements planned are expansive spa facilities featuring advanced treatment areas, new dining venues, transformed atriums, updated public rooms, computer labs, wireless "hotspots" for Internet access, expansive areas dedicated to children and teens, and more adults-only retreats.
In addition to these new facilities, most refurbishments include replacing carpets, furnishings, linens, wall coverings, and - perhaps most importantly -updating mechanical, electrical and technical systems, such as fire safety apparatus, navigational equipment and waste treatment facilities.
Great value
A number of veteran cruisers will tell you that after a major revitalization project a ship actually becomes a much better value than when it was new. You get all of the benefits of newer ships often at a better rate than newer big ships. Itineraries on newly refurbished vessels can run the gamut of more homeland cruising that sail from ports close to home to a whole new world of cruising destinations with unique ports of call.
When it comes to cruise travel, a new ship isn't always better. Most importantly, as cruise lines renovate and even overhaul the structure of older vessels, those mature ships are emerging as refreshed stunners.
Anita Dunham-Potter writes articles about cruise travel for Princess Cruises.
This Article has been viewed 83 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.