Cruise ships in dock for new look

Never mind the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, this autumn seems to be packed with cruise ships being refurbished and re-fitted – at huge expense – in dry docks everywhere so they can provide facilities to match those on newer vessels.
When I arrived unexpectedly in the Italian Riviera port of La Spezia a few days ago, Adonia’s captain David Box pointed out Europa in the Fincantieri yard across the other side of the harbour. The ship is now back in service after the 13-day makeover, and has a newly-designed Lido Cafe as well as updated bathrooms for some cabins, and an interactive TV and entrertainment system throughout.
Later this week P&O’s Oriana will be taken to Hamburg for work to remove its kids’ club facilities and to fit 27 new cabins, a Marco Pierre White Ocean Grill and a Sorrento trattoria as it becomes an adults-only vessel.
When Oriana leaves the Blohm & Voss yard, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 will enter for some cosmetic enhancements including thousands of square yards of new carpets.
The improvements being made to Costa Romantica in Genoa is more substantial – so much so that when it reappears in February after the €90 million refit, the 18-year-old vessel will be given a new name – NeoRomantica.
The work includes adding two half deck structures which will contain 231 cabins and suites, boosting the ship’s passenger capacity from 1,697 to 1,800. New public areas include a Samsara spa, wine and cheese bar, coffee and chocolate bar, pizzeria, and a nightclub.
Meanwhile, in the Spanish port of Cadiz, work is almost complete on updates to Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas. The $35 million of enhancements include fitting cabins with balconies, and providing extra restaurants such as Chops Grille, Izumi, Park Cafe and a hot dog stand.
An open-air cinema screen is going up by the pool, while inside there’s a new Royal Babies and Tots Nursery.
I’m flying to Cadiz tomorrow to take a look round Splendour. Check back here later in the week for the first pictures of the ship’s new look.