Oasis of the Seas Enters Drydock for $165 Million Refurb

Posted on 29 September, 2019 by Spacejunkie2

The Oasis of the Seas has arrived at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain to begin her $165 million Royal Amplification drydock. The ship will be transformed over a period of two months in Spain, debuting in Miami in late November.

Additions include the tallest slide at sea – Ultimate Abyss; The Perfect Storm trio of waterslides, a reimagined, Caribbean pool deck; and new kids and teens spaces.

Debuting alongside this lineup is the cruise line’s first barbecue concept, Portside BBQ, and dedicated karaoke venue Spotlight Karaoke.

Among more changes will be the reimagined Pool and Sports Zone. The transformed neighbourhood will feature new ways to relax, celebrate and plunge into adventure, joining the popular twin FlowRider surf simulators, nine-deck-high zip line and twin rock-climbing walls, the company said.

Additionally, the new Portside BBQ will offer an authentic, meat-packed menu inspired by the best-in-class barbecue, Royal Caribbean said in a prior press release.

From smoked marbled brisket, pulled pork and chicken, to beef ribs and burnt ends, the casual eatery on the pool deck will tie it all together with classic sides – including mac and cheese, homestyle cornbread, baked beans and coleslaw – and desserts such as the Banana Dream and a brownie cookie mashup.

Across the way, guests can find Mexican grab-and-go fare at El Loco Fresh, serving up made-to-order tacos and burritos, quesadillas, mini salads and salsas galore. Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade will anchor the lineup in the signature Boardwalk neighbourhood. With 80 big-screen TVs, tabletop games, arcade classics, tournaments, an Owner’s Box VIP room, bar fare and ice-cold brews, Playmakers is where everyone in the family wins. Sugar Beach, with more than 220 types of candy and a new walkup ice cream window, is the icing on the already-tasty offering onboard Oasis, which includes Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table and Izumi.

The Oasis will set sail on Nov. 24, 2019, beginning seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Royal Caribbean’s new, state-of-the-art Terminal A in Miami, the company said.

The ship will then move to New York in May 2020, calling Cape Liberty her homeport and sailing seven nights to the Bahamas.

Explorer Dream Debuts With New Look

Posted on 1 April, 2019 by Spacejunkie2

Dream Cruises has a third ship in the Explorer Dream, which debuted back into cruise service with a stunning new livery last week following a huge refurbishment.

The 2,000-guest cruise ship went from Star Cruises as the SuperStar Virgo to Dream Cruises, Asia’s only premium cruise brand.

A summer season sailing from Shanghai and Tianjin is scheduled for the ship, followed by a winter in Australia and New Zealand.

Among major changes to the ship was the installation of an exhaust gas scrubber, and the Palace, Dream’s ship-within-a-ship suite concept.

The new hull artwork by New York-based, Chinese artist, Kuri Huang continues the brand’s signature mermaid brand icon as the hull painting beckons viewers to ride upon “Waves of Dreams” in a whimsical and colorful ode to exploration and discovery, the company said.

Chinese designer Grace Chen will christen the ship in April in Shanghai.

P&O’s Arcadia and Oceana to undergo refits before Christmas

Posted on 1 November, 2017 by Spacejunkie2

Image result for P&O Arcadia
P&O Arcadia.

Two P&O Cruises ships are to undergo multi-million-pound refits before Christmas.

Hospitality interior design practice, RPW Design, has been drafted in to support the updating of adults-only ship Arcadia. Cabins, suites, public areas, bars, main dining restaurants and fine dining venues are to be revamped.

Oceana will enter dry dock in Hamburg at the end of November to be updated and refreshed.

Arcadia, which entered service in 2005, will undergo its refit in Hamburg this autumn in preparation for Christmas and a 99-night world cruise which departs Southampton on January 9, 2018.

Arcadia’s first cruise after its refit will be a three-night Belgium cruise from Southampton on November 15.

Work to Oceana, which joined the P&O Cruises fleet from Princess Cruises in 2002, includes refurbished youth spaces with improved entertainment equipment, new soft play equipment, revised nursery space and an updated area for teenagers.

Image result for P&O Oceana

The Terrace Bar will gain refurbished hot tubs as well as a new canopy over a swimming pool which will extend out to cover the bar.

Following its refit, Oceana will embark on a 12-night Canary Islands and Portugal cruise from Southampton on December 17.

P&O Cruises senior vice president Paul Ludlow said “We continually invest in our ships in order to create a contemporary and comfortable environment while still keeping the unique character and key features that our guests know and love.

“Those traveling on Arcadia and Oceana can look forward to new design concepts and improvements to comfort while still enjoying the incomparable service that characterises a P&O Cruises holiday.”