Cruise from Southampton with Princess Cruises for upscale 'American Style Cruises'.

Grand Princess received a multi-million dollar refit in May 2011 ahead of its summer season sailing from Southampton which saw the largest and most expensive make over in the history of Princess Cruises.

The most obvious change to the ship was the removal of 'Skywalker's Nightclub' which was perched high up the 18th deck which gave the ship a distinctive if not odd looking profile.

A brand new nightclub called One5, is now located on deck 15, hence its name.

This major change aims to significantly improve the operational performance of the ship, including greater fuel efficiency.

Other enhancements to bring the ship in line with newer ships in the fleet include the new Piazza atrium, Alfredo's Pizzeria and the Crown Grill – and the line's first specialty tea lounge and library called Leaves.

Also part of the renovation will be 10 new suites; remodelled casino, boutiques and art gallery; enhancements to the Horizon Court, Lotus Spa, and wedding chapel; and the addition of Crooner’s Martini Lounge.

Grand Princess, when originally launched in 1998 held the accolade of the largest and most expensive cruise ship afloat.

A new feature at the time which set this ship apart from other ships was that the balconies were built out from the body of the ship rather than being cut into the existing superstructure as evident on other ships at that particular time.

The retractable glass dome over the Neptune Pool makes this ship a good choice for early or late Mediterranean cruises if the weather is a bit on the chilly side!

	Grand Princess    Rating: Premier / ****	Ship Stats   Built 1998 Tonnage/Size 108806 - Large Total Passengers 2600/3100(min/max) Total Crew 1100 Length 41.85 Beam   Speed   Fellow Passengers? Mostly American plus British. Currency Used On Board? $USD Tipping? Budget for $10 per person per day. Your drinks’ bills will have a 15% automatic gratuity charge added also.

Grand Princess | 2012 | Cruises from Southampton

There are 1,300 staterooms – some 70% of which have outside cabins with a private balcony. Standard balconies measure around 50 sq ft and are spacious enough to hold two sun loungers, a table and chairs while those in the master suites have 176 sq ft of exterior space.

The ship's focal point is a three-deck Grand Plaza atrium featuring two panoramic lifts. There are three main dining rooms with other options such as a 24-hour buffet/bistro, a pizzeria, a wine and caviar bar, deck grill, trattoria, patisseries, a Tex-Mex bar and ice-cream parlour.

Numerous recreation spaces including three show lounges, nine bars, boutiques, libraries and shops. Sports facilities comprise a jogging track, nine hole putting green, nine Jacuzzis and four swimming pools – one covered by a retractable glass dome for weather protection.

There is also a wedding chapel allowing passengers to be married by the captain under the authority of the ship’s register.

Grand Princess | 2012 | Cruises from Southampton

Facilities onboard Grand Princess include:

• 710 staterooms with private balconies
• Full deck of mini-suites
• Video arcade
• Digital photography studio
• Wedding chapel featuring wedding-at-sea program officiated by the ship's captain
• Sports bar
• Art gallery
• Nine-hole putting course and golf simulator
• Wrap-around promenade deck
• Four pools - including one swim-against-the current pool
• Sports court and jogging track
• Full-service spa with ocean-view gym
• Three dining rooms
• Two specialty restaurants - Sabatini's Italian restaurant and Sterling Steakhouse (cover charge applies)
• Outdoor hamburger grill, pizzeria and ice cream bar
• 24-hour buffet/bistro, plus round-the-clock room service
• A wide variety of bars and lounges, including a wine and caviar bar
• Three unique show lounges
• Largest casino afloat
• Two-story child and teen centres
• 24-hour Internet Cafe
• Easy wheelchair access staterooms and most public areas

Grand Princess | 2012 | Cruises from Southampton