Seaworthy makeovers

Jason · May 24, 2004

for new look, wardrobe

By ARLINE BLEECKER

Orlando Sentinel

With makeover shows topping the TV ratings, we shouldn't be surprised that versions of some of them have taken to the high seas. We're not talking The Apprentice ... yet. But the latest entrant falls somewhere between What Not to Wear and Extreme Makeover.

On the recently debuted Caribbean Princess, departing weekly from Fort Lauderdale to Caribbean ports, two passengers per cruise are plucked from a roster of eager volunteers to be primped by shipboard professionals and outfitted with a new wardrobe in onboard boutiques.

According to Princess Cruises spokeswoman Tori Benson, "The onboard shop manager, as well as the stylists from Lotus Spa and the cruise director and staff, assist in the selection of clothing, makeup and hair for the lucky passengers. Clothing selection varies depending on what the team feels works best."

In this seagoing twist, dubbed If They Could Sea Me Now, the two volunteers are filmed during their daylong metamorphosis. Clips of the makeovers are aired during an evening presentation that lets the audience follow the behind-the-scenes progress, then witness the unveiling of the new looks onstage. At the start of the show, an audience member is picked for a real-time transformation.

No one's going to get dissed. There's none of that vicious commentary observed on What Not to Wear, Benson says. "This is a kinder, gentler version."

This makeover is part of Princess' makeover of some of its onboard entertainment. Another addition is "Movies Under the Stars," during which Caribbean Princess passengers can watch some of Hollywood's latest flicks on a 300-square-foot LCD screen while dining in a casual outdoor atmosphere and enjoying movie-theme cocktails.

If a movie under the stars conjures images of a drive-in theater and innocuous smooching, Princess has elevated at least part of the experience. For starters, the popcorn and ocean views are free. And you can reserve complimentary poolside lounge chairs.

Up to three full-length features, including family movies and first-run hits, are shown daily. The million-dollar screen is so bright that movies can be viewed during daylight, and the 69,000-watt sound system can be heard even while the ship is steaming ahead at full speed.