Editor's Note: Prior to its debut in New York on May 5, 2007 -- just a few weeks after our visit to the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport -- the foundling Celebrity Journey became part of the industry's newest cruise line: Azamara Cruises. The ship is now known as Azamara Journey.
Despite all the focus on decor and furnishings, of equal importance in this dry-dock visit is attention to the ship's mechanics. Indeed, propeller, propulsion system, bow thrusters, engines, rudders and stabilizers will all get overhauls.
Why do we find all of these nitty gritty details so fascinating? Javier Alegre, who works with David Kelly on new build projects, nailed it: "Shipbuilding," he said, "is like LEGO for adults." Alegre is also involved in Celebrity Solstice's development but, alas, charmingly refused to divulge any details. Well, we tried.
