What to expect on first cruise after a dry dock?

[hues of blue]

Just came off the Zuiderdam last Sunday (Quebec City-Ft. Lauderdale). Spoke extensively with the crew and attended the 1-hour "captain's talk" in the Vista, whereupon when asked. he detailed all the renos (e.g. new carpet everywhere except the Vista (entertainment at bow), new 42" LCD TVs VOD in all cabins, elimination of "Northern Lights" disco, expansion in Crow's Nest Explorers Cafe, etc.).

 

 

 

Dry dock is in Freeport, Bahamas with a 12-day schedule. All along our cruise from Quebec City, materials/supplies were loaded, huge rolls of carpet somewhere along the Atlantic Coast; most notably major supplies were loaded all day in Port Canaveral (they closed the port-side of Deck 9 aft to stage materials our final overnight), and finally Ft. Lauderdale while disembarking.

 

Work began in replacing carpets in the stern elevator lobbies & stairs sometime around Halifax-1 floor at a time, nightly during our 12-night cruise. Many (probably ~100) workers embarked in Port Canaveral, so they had little/no impact on passenger convenience.

 

A small number of crew were leaving, most of the remainder (i,e. MDR/cabin staff) were being re-assigned to trash removal, or other duties. Most construction workers would be boarding in FLL and staying onboard. Since they wrapped all the MDR chairs/tables in plastic, I assume they'll be fed in the Lido Buffet. Because of extended work schedules, apparently food will be available in unusual hours. They completely emptied all mini-bars in every room (no booze for the construction workers, LOL). Our wine steward told us he was being assigned to trash removal.

 

I've uploaded two images ... the first is a floor below us with the old carpets ...

 

 

 

... and the new on Deck 7 ... (love it! Much brighter, airy!)

 

 

Thank you so much for the information,I hope your cruise was still great even with the work being done. I'm going with my normal positive attitude that all will be good when we board.

 

 

Sherri