Tag Archives: Major Refurbishment

Queen Mary 2 to get major refurbishment in 2016

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NEW YORK — At an event commemorating the 175th anniversary of Cunard, the line’s North America president, Rick Meadows announced some additional features and major refurbishments for the 11-year-old Queen Mary 2 to be added during a 25-day drydock next year.

The flagship of Cunard Line will for the first time get 15 single-occupancy cabins. During the drydock, workers will also install 30 more Britannia Club Balcony staterooms that come with anytime dining privileges in the Britannia restaurant.

A unique feature of the Queen Mary 2, the dog kennels, will be expanded. Currently there are accommodations for 12 dogs or cats and another 10 kennels will be added.

Also coming will be a statuary lamp post and fire hydrant in the dog walking area, a feature first introduced on the QM2’s flagship predecessor, the Queen Elizabeth 2.

Parent company Carnival Corporation chairman Micky Arison, CEO Arnold Donald, Cunard CEO David Noyes, Holland America Group CEO Stein Kruse and Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy were among the company executives who joined travel agents, former Cunard officers, descendants of the line’s founder Samuel Cunard and media in celebrating Cunard’s anniversary.

Commodore Ron Warwick (Ret.), the first master of the Queen Mary 2, with Valerie Wilson Travel International co-president Jennifer Wilson and Cunard North America President Rick Meadows at the celebration of the 175th anniversary of Cunard. The Queen Mary 2 is in the background, just above Wilson. Photo Credit: Arnie Weissmann
Commodore Ron Warwick (Ret.), the first master of the Queen Mary 2, with Valerie Wilson Travel International co-president Jennifer Wilson and Cunard North America President Rick Meadows at the celebration of the 175th anniversary of Cunard. The Queen Mary 2 is in the background, just above Wilson. Photo Credit: Arnie Weissmann

 The Queen Mary 2 herself also made an appearance, pausing in New York Harbor to put on a light show for the crowd before heading out on a transatlantic crossing.

Other new features will be announced later. The QM2 is scheduled to emerge from drydock June 21, 2016.

Arnie Weissmann contributed to this report.

Allure of the Seas refurbished in drydock

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Allure of the Seas in dry dock

Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, received new restaurants, suites and public spaces in its first major drydock since its debut in 2010.

New restaurants include Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, a “re-imagined” version of Royal Caribbean’s Izumi Japanese restaurant, and Sabor Taqueria & Tequila, its modern Mexican concept.

Also new is Coastal Kitchen, the restaurant reserved for suite guests on Royal Caribbean’s newer ships.

Royal Caribbean said it has added 10 new suites to Allure, with views of the aft Aqua Theater and Boardwalk neighborhood. They include two new Royal suites, six Grand suites and two Royal Family suites. Guests will have access to a new Suite Lounge and a new sun deck area both exclusive to suite passengers.

Allure also got new shops including Kate Spade New York and Michael Kors.

The ship will sail in Europe from Barcelona through November, when it will return to Fort Lauderdale.

Southampton cruise terminal opens following major refurbishment

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By Phil Davies


Southampton’s Mayflower Cruise Terminal has reopened following a multi-million pound refurbishment in time for the summer sailing season.The terminal now features a revamped open plan interior, with expanded security, check in and passenger reception areas.

More than 200 staff have been working on the renovation over the winter. Other improvements to the terminal include additional passenger and baggage x-ray machines and a redesign of the drop-off and pick-up area.

Port operator ABP Southampton said the project was critical to ensure Southampton retains its title as Europe’s leading cruise turnaround Port amidst a predicted rise in passengers.

An increased number of cruise ships visiting Southampton, coupled with the rising capacity of new ships, means P&O Cruises, Cunard and other brands of the Carnival Group, are expecting passenger volume to increase by 25% at Southampton over the next two years.

Carnival UK port service and government affairs director, Steven Young, said: “The Carnival cruise business at Southampton continues to go from strength to strength and with the introduction of new larger ships such as P&O Cruises’ Britannia, it is important that improvement to the cruise terminals and our passenger journey keeps pace.

“With the reopened Mayflower terminal we aim to keep this as free flowing and stressless as possible.

“The improved passenger lounge, together with increased check in and security areas will allow us to ensure just that and give our customers passing through Southampton the very best passenger experience with reduced congestion.”

ABP Southampton director, Nick Ridehalgh, added: “We are incredibly proud to hold the title of Europe’s leading cruise turnaround port but, as always, we will never rest on our laurels. We are committed to investing heavily in our facilities in order to help port-related businesses grow and provide world-class service to their customers.”

The Mayflower Cruise Terminal is one of four in Southampton and handles calls by ships such as Queen Mary 2, Ventura and newly launched Britannia.

Moe than 280 of Southampton’s 440 cruise ship calls to the port are by brands within the Carnival Group.