Inside look at cruise ship upgrade

Princess Cruises is giving its Tahitian Princess an extensive upgrade at Singapore's Keppel Shipyard that will see it emerge as the Ocean Princess.

You can follow the process via the Ocean Princess Drydock Journal which will run through December 2 on www.princess.com, and which is being updated regularly with photos as the ship progresses through its drydocking which will include getting a new coating of energy-efficient silicone paint, plus interior refurbishments, with new upholstery, carpet and flooring.

"Response to our drydock journals has been remarkable -- passengers love to see what's done to the ship and how much work is involved in such a short time," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "This latest journal will give cruise fans yet another insiders' peek behind the scenes, with the added interest in seeing the name change."

After the drydocking the newly named Ocean Princess will set sail on a 16-day Treasures of Southeast Asia cruise from Singapore to Shanghai, beginning a season of unique Asia, India and Africa sailings, followed by a summer of European voyages.