Princess Cruises is adding beers, wines and other British-favourite beverages like Pimms on its Southampton-based ships. Available on sailings departing Southampton from April to October 2023, guests onboard can sip a range of newly-introduced drinks. Pimm's is served during select sailaway parties. Ketel One espresso martinis are on tap, and a new cocktail menu comprises flavours such as rhubarb and custard, Bakewell tart and Liquorice Allsorts. An extended range of beers include San Miguel and London Pride, as well as new handpicked, locally-sourced British wines. Princess will also introduce a range of ready-to-drink offerings at grab-and-go stations. Rich Woods, an award-winning mixologist, has overseen the new drinks menu. Eithne Williamson, VP of Princess Cruises for UK and Europe, said: the new additions are the result of  recent consumer research. Additionally, there is a 'Culinary Stars' voyage departing September 16. Celebrity chefs joining Sky Princess are Jean-Christophe Novelli MBE, Si King –one half of 'The Hairy Bikers' and Ainsley Harriott MBE The Spain and France 'Culinary Stars' voyage calls at Guernsey, La Rochelle, Bilbao and La Coruna.

Princess Cruises unveiled an expanded line-up of entertainment onboard Sky Princess for its UK cruises. The ship sails from Southampton this season. The line-up includes live-streamed sporting events, interactive audience games and more theatre productions. Live big screen sports broadcasts this summer include Wimbledon, the Champions League Final and the FIFA Women's World Cup. There will be an interactive game based on 'Deal or No Deal.' The live, hosted shows debuts on Sky Princess for the first time in the Princess Theatre with prizes ranging from a free cruise to $1,000 cash. Sky Princess will offer a range of production shows including '5-Skies' acrobatics and dance; and Jim Henson's 'Inspired Silliness', a family-friendly show. Princess will also have live screenings of the Eurovision song contest, being held on May 13 in Liverpool. The Sky Princess voyage departs on May 13 from Southampton for a 14-night Iceland and Norway voyage. The ship hosts  a seven-night Scandinavia 'Comedy Stars' voyage on July 1, 2023. This line-up of celebrity comedians include Ed Byrne and Paul Merton. This voyage calls at Kristiansand, Copenhagen, Skagen and Oslo.

 

Hotel General Manager Simona Stumberger honoured as Madrina of Sun Princess

  Princess Cruises celebrated a momentous construction milestone with the float out of the cruise line’s bespoke, next-generation ship - Sun Princess - at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.   Following the Italian shipyard’s tradition, the float out is marked by a special ceremony where a “Madrina” is named to offer blessings and best wishes for the vessel, celebrating the flow of water into the ship’s building dock. Princess Cruises Hotel General Manager Simona Stumberger was selected to serve in this special role as an ambassador for Princess, because she epitomises professionalism and always delivers service with a smile.   A native of Slovenia, where Stumberger studied hospitality management, she began her career at sea in the bar department and further diversified her hotel experience by working in guest services, and hand in hand with the hotel and food and beverage divisions. Stumberger has been with Princess Cruises for nearly five years.   “Simona is the ideal candidate to serve as Madrina of our newest ship, Sun Princess, because she embodies all the best qualities that our company has to offer – an unwavering commitment to service, hospitality and friendliness,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Sun Princess will usher in an exciting new era for our company and the industry, and we can’t think of a better person to serve in this important role.”   The float out completes the first comprehensive phase of construction for Sun Princess which now transitions to focus on building the ship's interiors.   Princess also announced that it has appointed Gennaro Arma as captain, leading Sun Princess shipbuilding operations, readiness and delivery, and overseeing the ship's final stages of construction, working closely with brand’s naval architects, engineers and shipbuilding experts, as well as the shipyard management team.   The 175,500-tonne, 4,300-guest Sun Princess will offer an array of exciting new dining, entertainment and activity offerings, as well as luxurious staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories. The ship will be highlighted by amazing, never-before-seen spaces such as The Dome, a transformational entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini, the next-level, brand-iconic Piazza, and three-story Horizons dining room that are sure to have everyone talking.   In addition, Sun Princess has been designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Sun Princess’ sustainability features include:   Fuel and Energy Management  

• Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) as the primary fuel and the first ship in the Princess fleet to be powered by LNG. This cleaner burning fuel will significantly reduce air emissions and marine gas-oil to minimise the cruise line’s environmental footprint. With a capacity of 4,000m³ sufficient for almost 9 days of sailing at service speed. The secondary fuel is marine gas-oil, so no heavy or intermediate fuel oil will be carried on board.

 

• Two shore power connections, also known as “cold ironing,” on both the port and starboard side of the vessel to enable the ship to turn off the engines and connect to local electric power to run all onboard services during day-long calls in various ports. Sun Princess is outfitted with custom-built electrical connection cabinets that automatically connect the ship’s electrical network to the local electrical network ashore, reducing air emissions in the ports that support shore power.

 

• Another first for Princess to supply sustainable power and better manoeuvrability to save fuel, Sun Princess will be outfitted with two Azipod propulsions for forward and backward movements and the four largest Controllable Pitch Propellers, known as bow thrusters, on the market for sideways navigation.

  Waste Management  

• All Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS) installed for waste. MAGS is the world’s most compact, efficient and environmentally safe technology to convert a variety of combustible materials into thermal energy – energy that can be used in other systems onboard.

 

• Food waste management designed with distributed and centralised bio-digesters and dehydrators as a clean alternative to recycle food waste and reduce the use of landfills.

  Inaugural 2024 Sun Princess cruises to the Mediterranean and Europe are currently on sale. More ship information and images can be found at princess.com/sunprincess.   Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 0344 338 8663 or by visiting the company's website at princess.com.  

Princess Cruises marked the float out of latest cruise ship Sun Princess. It emerged from the Fincantieri Shipyard and work now focuses on building the ship's interiors. The 175,500-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess will offer a wealth of new dining, entertainment and activities. It includes The Dome entertainment venue and Piazza. Sun Princess has been designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Inaugural 2024 Sun Princess cruises to the Mediterranean and Europe are now on sale. Princess announced the appointment of Gennaro Arma as captain.

A new Princess Cruises study found an 18% increase in all-inclusive cruise packages this year, compared to 2022. The study shows that the Caribbean is the most popular for packages, with over three-quarters of guests opting for an add-on in 2023. The report also revealed 25% uplift in guests going all-inclusive when choosing to sail around the British Isles. Two Princess all-inclusive cruise packages are now available. 'Princess Plus' includes select alcoholic drinks, fresh juices, two fitness classes, Wi-Fi and crew appreciation. 'Princess Premier' includes these plus an enhanced drink selection, speciality meals, photo package, unlimited fitness classes and reserved theatre seating. The line is expecting this demand to grow across 2023 and into next year. Princess said the UK has one of the highest all-inclusive uptake rates per guest, compared to other countries. Feedback from guests shows they prefer to know the true cost of their holiday upfront.

For the first time ever, Princess Cruises will call at Yorktown, Va. and Virginia's Historic Triangle. As part of a series of custom itineraries in the summer of 2024, it offers opportunities to experience Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown. Princess Cruises is planning five day-long calls – three via Island Princess and two via Emerald Princess. Additional cruises are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. "Yorktown offers not only a glimpse at the Revolutionary War but also dining, shopping and activity options with wide-ranging appeal," said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. The new itineraries launch as interest slowly builds ahead of events commemorating the 250^th anniversariy of the Declaration of Independence. "Our community is rooted in history.  We are honored that Princess Cruises sees the value in bringing their customers to Yorktown," said Kristi Olsen-Hayes, Director, York County Economic & Tourism Development. Princess will work with local tour operators to showcase the historical region. About Yorktown Yorktown offers 300 years of history, from revolutionary battlefields to 18th century homes. It has picturesque streets filled with art galleries, antique and specialty shops, Attractions like the Watermen's Museum offer hands-on programs for all ages. Entertainment includes Fifes and Drums performances, and visitors can stroll along the scenic riverwalk lined with restaurants and shops. A key shore excursion is a must-see visit to Colonial Williamsburg. Guests can explore dozens of original buildings, homes, and shops. Guests opting to visit Jamestown, just a 30-minute ride from the port, will be captivated by the history behind the original site of the first permanent English settlement in North America. It is the story of the role of the three cultures - European, North American and African.

  #1 cruise line in Alaska showcases glaciers, wildlife, mountains, fresh Alaska seafood, Glacier Bay, Denali National Parks and scenic rail travel   Princess Cruises, the leading cruise line in the Great Land, has announced its summer 2024 Alaska cruises and cruisetours are now on sale.   When visiting Alaska, guests choose Princess Cruises more than any other cruise line to set their sights on untamed wilderness, majestic glaciers, close-up wildlife and Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. Moreover, Princess Cruises takes more guests to Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line.   The 2024 season marks the 55^th anniversary for Princess Cruises sailing in Alaska and seven ships are scheduled to depart from four home ports - San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, and Anchorage (Whittier). In addition, guests can experience more of Alaska by combining the line’s signature “Voyage of the Glaciers” cruise itinerary with various land tour options, staying at exclusive Princess Wilderness Lodges.   “As the leading cruise line in Alaska, we deliver unforgettable holidays and we’re also the most recommended line by travel advisors to their trusted clients,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “We’re celebrating our 55^th anniversary in 2024 cruising to this must-see destination, so whether it’s your first or fifth time visiting Alaska, we are ready to help guests make inspiring memories to last a lifetime.”   Highlights of the 2024 Alaska season include:   Cruises  

• The Alaska 2024 season includes 158 departures on 14 unique itineraries with 17 destinations, including five glacier viewing experiences on seven ships.
• The season features 86 visits to Glacier Bay National Park.
• Three ships – Royal Princess, Sapphire Princess (departing Saturdays), and Grand Princess (departing Wednesdays) - sail the “Voyage of the Glaciers” itinerary featuring two glacier-viewing experiences on each cruise. In addition, northbound voyages include a “More Ashore” late-night stay in Juneau.
• Two ships – Discovery Princess (newest Princess ship) and Majestic Princess – depart from Seattle on Saturdays and Sundays for seven-night “Inside Passage” cruises and include “More Ashore” late-night stays in Juneau.
• Crown Princess departs from San Francisco on 11-night “Inside Passage” cruises and offer guests the unique opportunity of sailing under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
• Ruby Princess sails roundtrip from Vancouver on seven-night “Inside Passage” cruises, with many departures including sailing Glacier Bay National Park.

  Cruisetours  

• For guests looking to explore more of Alaska, Princess Cruises offers a variety of cruisetours combining a seven-night “Voyage of the Glaciers” cruise with an extended three to 10 nights on land, staying at the cruise line’s exclusive Princess Wilderness Lodges. All cruisetours include a visit to Alaska’s top-two attractions – Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park.
• Cruisetours also offer the scenic opportunity to experience Princess’ “Direct-to-Wilderness" rail service, departing directly from the ship in Whittier all the way to the Denali area for more time in the wilderness.
• Back by popular demand, the 17-night Ultimate Princess Connoisseur cruisetour, features two nights at each one of the five Princess Wilderness Lodges, on the doorsteps of legendary national parks including Kenai Fjords and Wrangell St. Elias and Denali National Park.

  Award-Winning, Authentic Experiences Onboard, Ashore and On Land   Onboard and ashore, the award-winning “North to Alaska” enrichment programme brings together local personalities, culture and Alaska seafood to immerse guests in the history and traditions of the Great Land. Highlights include:  

• Puppies in the Piazza (Skagway) - guests get up close and personal with sled dog puppies.
• “Wild for Alaska Seafood” - industry-first, location-based seafood initiative in partnership with three fisheries with a commitment to environmentally responsible practices, making them some of the most sustainable fisheries in the world. Guests can select from 30 Alaska seafood dishes with featured items every night in all main dining rooms, serving varieties of salmon, cod, halibut, Dungeness crab wild spot prawns and razor clams.
• Exclusive Treehouse – Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge features a rustic treehouse on the property, featured on Treehouse Masters, where guests can explore and catch a glimpse of Denali.
• Top shore excursions include flightseeing and landing on glaciers, musher’s camp and dog-sledding experience, whale watching, discovering glaciers by helicopter, fishing with the opportunity to “Cook My Catch” onboard or at the lodges and a remote wildlife and brown bear search.
• Onboard Jr. Ranger Program for youth and Glacier Bay Park Rangers and Naturalists to offer colorful commentary to bring scenic beauty to life.

  More information about Princess Cruises in Alaska can be found at www.princess.com/alaska.

Princess Cruises is offering free flights up to the value of £300pp on select Mediterranean cruises. The promotion lasts on 19 December 2022. Mediterranean cruises offering free flights in the campaign include: A six-night France and Gibraltar cruise on Enchanted Princess, departing 23 March 2023. Roundtrip from Barcelona, it calls at Marseille, Corsica and Gibraltar. A seven-night France and Italy cruise on Enchanted Princess, departing 6 May 2023. Sailing from Barcelona to Rome, it calls at Gibraltar, Marseille, Genoa and Florence/ Pisa. A 14-night Greek Isles, Italy and Turkey cruise on Enchanted Princess, departing 26 August 2023. It departs Rome to Barcelona, calling at Naples, Crete, Kusadasi, Istanbul, Mykonos, Athens, Santorini, Kotor, Sicily and Naples.

Princess Cruises revealed its biggest ever UK and Europe season for 2024. There are four million cruise nights with 162 departures across five MedallionClass ships. Cruises go on sale December 14, 2022. There are 130 destinations in 34 countries included, with voyages sailing from February through November 2024. Highlights include the 4,300-guest Sun Princess, the line's newest ship yet Sun Princess will make an inaugural visit to Southampton for an overnight stay on September 22 to 23, 2024. Island Princess will join Sun Princess in the Mediterranean, on 10 to 20-night voyages, with some itineraries featuring visits to the Holy Land.  Sky Princess returns to Southampton as its homeport for the fourth year running, sailing on four to 31 nights to destinations. Regal Princess sails roundtrip Southampton on 12-night British Isles voyages featuring Dublin, Belfast, Liverpool, and the Orkney Islands. Caribbean Princess joins the Southampton homeport line-up, sailing to destinations throughout Europe. Details of the 2024 Europe programme were revealed during an event held in London. Eithne Williamson, VP, Princess Cruises UK, said: "UK guests have more choice than ever and we hope travel agents are as excited as we are.” "Sailings from Southampton remain in high demand, and 2024 will see the longest ex-UK season in Princess Cruises' history."

  Princess Cruises has revealed that 2024 is set to be the biggest UK and Europe season in the line’s history, with almost four million cruise nights available, up 28 per cent compared to 2023 and 42 per cent compared to 2019. 162 departures are available on 85 unique itineraries across five MedallionClass ships, including the new Sphere-class Sun Princess. Cruises go on sale December 14, 2022.   More than 130 destinations in 34 countries are included, with voyages sailing from February through to November 2024. Programme highlights include:  

• Brand new Sun Princess to stay overnight in Southampton during inaugural season

  The 4,300-guest Sun Princess, the line’s newest and most sustainable ship yet, spends her inaugural season in Europe, with 10-night ‘Grand Mediterranean’ and ‘Western Grand Mediterranean’ itineraries departing from Barcelona or Rome (Civitavecchia), and seven-night cruises departing from either Rome (Civitavecchia), Barcelona or Athens. These seven-night cruises are combinable for the ultimate 21-night Mediterranean exploration.   In addition, Sun Princess will make an inaugural visit to Southampton for an overnight stay on September 22 to 23, 2024.   Island Princess joins Sun Princess in the Mediterranean, on 10 to 20-night voyages, with some itineraries featuring visits to the Holy Land.  

• The line’s largest-ever roundtrip Southampton deployment

  Sky Princess returns to Southampton as its homeport for the fourth year running, sailing on a variety of voyages from four to 31 nights to destinations including Iceland and Norway, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean, and a 31-night adventure to New England and Canada with overnights in both New York City and Quebec, a first for the line.   Regal Princess sails roundtrip Southampton on 12-night British Isles voyages featuring Dublin, Belfast, Liverpool, and the Orkney Islands. Guests sailing on the 7 August 2024 departure will have the opportunity to see the awe-inspiring Edinburgh Military Tattoo, as Regal Princess stays overnight in Greenock.   Caribbean Princess joins the Southampton homeport line-up, sailing to destinations throughout Europe, including Northern Europe capital cities on a 12-night ‘Oktoberfest European Capitals’ itinerary, departing 12 September 2024, and above the Arctic Circle on a 14-night ‘Search for Northern Lights’ voyage, departing 24 September 2024.   Furthermore, Sky Princess and Caribbean Princess will spend the Summer Solstice at the top of the world where the sun never sets on a 14-night (Sky Princess) or 16-night (Caribbean Princess) Land of the Midnight Sun and Summer Solstice voyage.  

• Short Cruises

  Sky Princess sails two short five-night cruises from Southampton in 2024. The 3,660-guest ship will offer a ‘Scandinavian Sampler’, calling at Oslo and Skagen, and a ‘European Sampler’ with an overnight in Hamburg. Both five-night itineraries are a first for the line.   Details of the 2024 Europe programme were revealed during an event held in London, attended by journalists and travel agents.   Eithne Williamson, vice president Princess Cruises UK and Europe, said: “With four million cruise nights available, UK guests will have more choice than ever before to sail across Europe with Princess Cruises, and we hope travel agents are as excited as we are to have the brand new Sun Princess based in the Mediterranean for her inaugural season in 2024.   “Sailings from Southampton remain in high demand, and 2024 will see the longest ex-UK season in Princess Cruises’ history. With three ships sailing from Southampton between March and November, we have increased capacity by more than 40 per cent compared to 2022, providing travel agents with even more opportunity to sell with Princess. Furthermore, the addition of two short cruises on Sky Princess provides a perfect opportunity for new guests to sample the Princess Difference for the first time.”

Diamond Princess welcomed guests after its refurbishment, sailing from its new homeport, San Diego. It completes the Princess Cruises fleet. Through February 2023, Diamond Princess is offering a series of  new cruise itineraries ranging from five- to 16-night and calling at ports along the Mexican Riviera, California Coast, and Hawaii. In addition, the ship sails a unique 20-night cruise to Central America, roundtrip from San Diego on November 27. “We are happy to welcome Princess Cruises back as a homeported line, we look forward to a successful cruise season,” said Dan Malcolm, Chairman, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners.

  Princess Cruises is offering a brand-new summer season of cruises roundtrip from Los Angeles in 2023. This will mark the line’s first-ever summer season to Mexico, Hawaii, and the California Coast, with Emerald Princess sailing on a series of voyages ranging from five- to 16-nights between May and August 2023.   Itineraries, which went on sale today (July 12), include:  

• Mexican Riviera with La Paz – seven-night cruises with stops in Cabo San Lucas, La Paz and Ensenada. Departure dates: June 24 and July 29, 2023.
• Hawaiian Islands – 16-night cruises with stops in Hilo, Honolulu, Maui (Lahaina), Kauai (Nawiliwili), and Ensenada. Departure dates: May 4, June 1, July 6, and August 5, 2023.
• Classic California Coast – seven-night cruises including an overnight in San Francisco with San Diego and Ensenada. Departure dates: May 20, June 17, and July 22, 2023.
• Cabo San Lucas Getaway – five-night cruise with an overnight in Cabo San Lucas. Departure date: May 27, 2023.
• West Coast Getaway with San Francisco – five-night cruise featuring San Francisco and Ensenada. Departure date: July 1, 2023.

  The 3,080-guest MedallionClass Emerald Princess features nearly 700 balconies, world-class dining, and dazzling entertainment. Plus, guests can choose from a variety of curated shore excursions in every port to soak up the local sights, culture, and cuisine.   Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 0344 338 8663 or by visiting the company's website at princess.com.