The Caribbean Princess Gets A Makeover

Princess Cruises has just completed a major makeover of the Caribbean Princess -- a ship launched just four years ago.

In a three-week-long dry dock in the Bahamas, the line retro-fitted the 3,080-passenger Grand Class vessel with, among other things, a massive piazza-style atrium -- a feature that has been hugely popular on the line's three most recent ships (Crown Princess, Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess).

As on the newer vessels, the atrium has the air of a cafe-lined European square with plenty of "outdoor" seating. On one side is the International Cafe area, serving specialty coffees, fresh baked cookies and pastries, panini and tapas. Across the way is Vines, a wine bar offering wines by the glass, seafood, artisan meats and cheeses.

Princess also gave the Caribbean Princess one of the signature, adults-only Sanctuary deck-top areas found on its newer ships, as well as seven new suites and a more centrally located casino. Work also is nearly complete on a new Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant.

Princess will be rolling out the popular amenities to several more of its older Grand Class ships, including the Golden Princess in May. The line also has added them to two older Grand Class ships, the Star Princess and Grand Princess.

Other changes to the Caribbean Princess during the dry dock include a new location for the sports court, a new Limelight boutique, new shore excursions and Captain's Circle desks, new Internet café and library, and the addition of flat-screen televisions in all cabins.