Grand class cruise ship
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| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders: | Fincantieri in Monfalcone Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki |
| Operators: | Princess Cruises P&O Cruises |
| Preceded by: | Sun class |
| Subclasses: | Diamond class Caribbean class Ventura class |
| Built: | (1998-2008) |
| In service: | 1998-Present |
| Building: | 0 |
| Planned: | 3 ships |
| Completed: | 11 ships |
| Active: | 11 ships |
| General characteristics | |
| Type: | Cruise ship |
| Tonnage: | gross tonnage (GT) of 109,000-116,000 tons |
| Length: | 951 feet (289.86 m) |
| Beam: | 118 feet (35.97 m) |
| Draught: | 26 feet (7.92 m) |
| Decks: |
Grand, Diamond and Caribbean class: 17 decks Crown class and Ventura class: 19 decks |
| Propulsion: | diesel-electric |
| Capacity: | 2,600-3,114 passengers |
| Crew: | 1,200 |
| Notes: | All ships are roughly identical |
The Grand class are a class of cruise ships, operated by Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises. The first vessel of the class, Grand Princess, entered service in 1998. The class exists of several series of sister ships, built by two different yards, Fincantieri Monfalcone Yard and Mitsubishi Nagasaki Yard. Skywalkers nightclub is a signature element of Princess Cruises' Grand-class ships. They are either overhanging the stern or just aft of the funnel.
The first vessel, Grand Princess, carries the original design, which have been carried to the modified classes. The second class, Gem class, modified the placement of the Skywalkers nightclub, still adjacent to the funnel. The Gem class also modified the number of restaurants, which are not found on all Grand-class ships. The Caribbean-class is another modification, separate from the Gem class. Although having an additional deck, the Skywalkers Nightclub is still suspended on its stern. Caribbean-class pioneered in the introduction of 'Movies Under The Stars', which was then added to other Princess ships. The Crown-class, is the third modification still separate from Gem and Caribbean-class. Crown-class ships have again placed the nightclub adjacent to the funnel. Also, Crown-class ships already feature the 'Movies Under the Stars'.
The Ventura-class, is an another class, operated by P&O Cruises. These ships, even though marketed as Grand-class, they were given the Ventura-class designation due to the fact that they were not owned by Princess and are totally modified internally and externally. The first ship, MS Ventura, feature the 'Cirque Ventura', the world's first circus school at sea. Ventura totally feature different amenities compared to the existing Grand-class ships. The second Ventura-class ship is MS Azura, which was recently launched in March 2010. Azura has a modified stern and feature amenities more suited for general public, compared to Ventura, which is family-oriented.
Grand Class
This class (which was for a short time the largest in the world) pioneered the design that has been carried through each modified class.
Gem Class
Onboard these ships, there are two major design changes. Instead of the three main dining rooms found on all of the other Grand class ships, which consist of two open-seating (Anytime) restaurants and one traditional restaurant, the Anytime restaurants were split up into four smaller, more intimate venues, each offering their own unique atmosphere and food. These four restaurants are Vivaldi, Savoy, Santa Fe, and Pacific Moon. Each ship also has a dining room called the International Dining Room. The International Dining Room offers traditional set dining, where passengers are given a set time and table. The second design difference on these ships is the relocation of Skywalkers nightclub to directly aft of the funnel, rather than suspended over the stern. These ships also offer the Wake View Bar, an intimate lounge which can be accessed from Club Fusion.
These two ships are the only members of the Grand class to be built at Mitsubishi Nagasaki Yard, all other Grand class ships were built at Fincantieri Monfalcone Yard.
Caribbean Class
The design for the Caribbean Princess derives directly from the original Grand class ships, with none of the Gem class innovations being used. The Caribbean Princess uses the original Grand class design, but with an additional deck (Riviera). This increased the ship's passenger capacity from 2,600 to 3,100. Caribbean Princess has also added Cafe Caribe, a buffet-style restaurant aft of Horizon Court which offers Caribbean themed food, in a slightly more upscale environment.
The Caribbean Princess also pioneered 'Movies Under the Stars' which has since been added to the Coral Princess , Grand Princess, Star Princess, Golden Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess. 'Movies Under the Stars' will be added to the Sun Princess in April 2010, Island Princess in October 2010, Diamond Princess in November 2010 and finally Sapphire Princess in 2011.
Crown Class
These ships, which build off of the Caribbean Princess' design, also differ slightly. These ships, which include the extra deck, 'Movies Under the Stars' and Cafe Caribe, have also moved Skywalkers from over the stern to aft of the funnel. In this area, Adagio, an intimate lounge, has also been added. Other additions include an updated Piazza-style atrium which now includes Vines (a wine and seafood bar) and the International Cafe (a 24 hour venue offering gelato and baked goods). The Crown Grille replaces the Sterling Steakhouse found on other Princess vessels. These ships also include the Chef's Table, an in-kitchen dining experience which has now gone fleet-wide. Finally, the Crown ships also have The Sanctuary, a for-fee, adults-only area above the spa, where the Sports Courts are located on earlier ships.
(Vines, The International Cafe, The Sanctuary, The Crown Grill, and The Piazza will be added to other Princess ships in the next few years.)
Modified Ventura design
- Ventura (Owned by P&O Cruises)
- Azura (Owned by P&O Cruises)
The Ventura-class are another type of modified Grand-class ships and are operated by P&O Cruises. Ventura and Azura were based in the Crown-class design with an extra deck above the bridge. The recently launched MS Azura is having a modified stern. Ventura includes many new features, such as a Cirque School.
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