Hornblower Cruises & Events has modernized it’s iconic “Lord Hornblower” charter yacht and will re-christen it “Admiral Hornblower” on Thursday.
“There is no more classic, or widely photographed or widely beloved vessel in our fleet than the ‘Lord Hornblower‘ sailing out of San Diego,” said Terry MacRae, Hornblower’s founder. “Cats may have nine lives but classic yachts are eternal and with a spate of new improvements, ‘Lord Hornblower’ is poised for a new generation of onboard memory makers.”
The 151-foot ship, originally launched in 1980, just finished an eight-week, $500,000 upgrade. It now has Wi-Fi throughout, three climate-controlled salons, three full-service bars, two dance floors and seating for up to 500.
The ship was designed by the renowned naval architecture firm Nickum and Spaulding Associates of Seattle. It is one of seven vessels in Horblower’s San Diego fleet of charter and dining yachts.
“The new ‘Admiral Hornblower’ is San Diego afloat,” said Jim Unger, vice president of Hornblower San Diego. “Besides being the backdrop for a lifetime of family events and celebrations, her decks have played host to dozens of films, movies and commercial shoots. She is a celebrity in her own right.”
A re-christening ceremony is scheduled for Thursday afternoon on the Embarcadero.