Press

Munich – Selling cruises of the American luxury cruise line Princess Cruises (www.princesscruises.de) now becomes even more attractive to travel agencies.

From now until the end of May, the company will grant a commission of 16% (instead of 13%) of the cruise fare for online bookings concerning balcony cabins ore upper categories so that the commission will increase by 3% during the promotion period. more

A false rumor is spreading that Princess Cruises has intentionally omitted Israel on our port guide maps which are used to provide information to our passengers going ashore on tours. We want to clarify this issue and set the record straight. more

14-Day Cruise Vacation Package Includes Excursions to Some of State’s Most Famous Fishing Grounds
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Author John Maxtone-Graham Will Be Special Guest Lecturer on South America and Europe Sailings more

Passengers Can Experience the Ancient Wonders of Petra or Cruise by Castles on the Rhine more

New Optimism about State’s Business Climate and Reduced Head Tax Prompts Line to Return Fourth Vessel to Gulf of Alaska Route more

Passengers Can Explore Caves, Watch for Monkeys or Visit a Cocoa Plantation more

Island Princess Inaugurates Port’s New Facility, Helping to Reduce Air Emissions in the “City by the Bay” more

Company’s Own Destination Experts Share Their Inspiring Picks for “50 Essential Experiences” to be Revealed Weekly Over Coming Year more

Celebrated Movie Expert to Present Favorite Movies of the Year During December 15 Sailing more

11th Annual C.R.U.I.S.E. Service Awards Recognize Top Local Tour Operators as Rated by Passengers more

Line’s Unique Two-Day Canal Experience Offers Extra Time in Panama

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (September 2, 2010) — Since its debut nearly a century ago, the Panama Canal has been considered one of the world’s most important engineering marvels. This 51-mile passageway between oceans can save a ship more than 7,000 transit miles around South America, and never ceases to amaze cruise passengers. Princess Cruises’ ships have long offered a front-row view of the Panama Canal, and in 2011-12 the line will offer 38 cruises to this signature destination, with five different itinerary options.

The Panama Canal’s history adds to its status as a “must see” destination. The single most expensive construction project in United States history at the time, “big ditch” took more than 30 years to build at a cost of about $375 million. The Canal’s lengthy history included construction efforts by two different nations and the creation of an independent Panama. In total, Canal construction involved as many as 80,000 workers and the excavation of around 268,000,000 cubic yards of earth.

Today the Canal offers passage to approximately 14,000 ships a year. Princess passengers sailing the Canal will enjoy the amenities of two vessels specifically built for Panama Canal cruising — Coral Princess and Island Princess. The sides of these ships just clear the massive locks that use an average of 52 million gallons of water in each chamber as they eventually lift and lower vessels a total of 170 feet as they pass from the Caribbean to the Pacific during the nine-hour transit.

“Our ships have been transiting the Panama Canal for more than 40 years and, in fact, we even christened Coral Princess as it moved through the Canal,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “There really is no better way to watch the fascinating process as the ship transits each lock than from the decks of our ships — it’s an exceptional way to experience this wonder of engineering.”

Princess’ unique Two-day Canal Experience, available on many longer sailings, combines a full transit of the Canal, including the Miraflores, Pedro Miguel and Gatun Locks, with a second day in Panama at Fuerte Amador. This extra day gives travelers time to explore Panama further with excursions such as riding the Panama Canal Railway, exploring a rainforest, visiting an authentic Embera Indian village or touring bustling Panama City.

Beyond the Panama Canal, these itineraries offer calls in Caribbean Islands, Mexican Riviera resort towns, and a number of intriguing ports in Central America. In Costa Rica, passengers will discover a land of tropical rain forests, lush coffee plantations and white sand coastlines set against a backdrop of majestic mountains. In San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, this scenic fishing village offers beautiful white-sand beaches and ecological richness, while the nearby city of Granada is the oldest city in Central America.

Panama Canal itineraries include:

Panama Canal Two-Day Experience Cruises – Coral Princess and Island Princess will feature three itineraries offering Princess’ Two-Day Canal Experience — a full Panama Canal transit combined with a full day at Fuerte Amador on the Pacific side of Panama. The 14-day itinerary sails between Ft. Lauderdale and Los Angeles with calls at Aruba, Cartagena, and Puntarenas (Costa Rica) in addition to the Two-Day Canal Experience. A 15-day option offers an additional call in Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala). And another 15-day option sails from San Francisco to Ft. Lauderdale with calls at Cabo San Lucas, Puntarenas (Costa Rica), Cartagena, and Aruba. Sailings on these itineraries depart between September 25, 2011 and April 27, 2012. Coral Princess and Island Princess also offer longer Grand Adventures of 17, 18 and 19 days, sailing to and from Vancouver.

Full Panama Canal Transit Sailings – A new 14-day itinerary between Los Angeles and Ft Lauderdale, offering a full Panama Canal transit plus visits to Cabo San Lucas, San Juan del Sur (Nicaragua), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), Cartagena and Aruba. Coral Princess offers four sailings on this route, with departures on October 25, November 8, 2011, February 28, and March 13, 2012.

Roundtrip Panama Canal Cruises – Island Princess will sail on this classic 10-day roundtrip itinerary from Ft. Lauderdale, which offers a partial Panama Canal transit to Gatun Lake followed by a call in Colon, plus calls in the Caribbean ports of Aruba, Cartagena, Limon (Costa Rica), and Grand Cayman or Ocho Rios. The ship offers 20 departures between October 10, 2011 and April 17, 2012.

Ancient Monuments, Roaming Wildlife and Sweeping Savannahs Capture Travelers’ Imaginations on a Collection of Multi-Continent Adventures more

Passengers Can Explore the Islands of Aloha, French Polynesia, Samoa and Other Idyllic Pacific Islands

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (July 29, 2010) — Sun, sand, swaying palm trees, the scent of topical flowers in the air and breathtaking island scenery set the stage for a South Pacific cruise vacation. Princess Cruises will take passengers on a variety of island voyages in 2011-2012 with a full schedule of cruises to Hawaii, Tahiti and the South Pacific. The company will offer 43 sailings of 10 itineraries to 33 ports throughout these idyllic islands.

Cruise passengers will find that each of these island destinations has its own charms. In Hawaii they’ll enjoy the spirit of Aloha throughout the island chain, while Tahiti and the other islands of French Polynesia showcase a unique mix of South Seas appeal and French culture. Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanuatu each offer their own style and island allure, and all feature the stunning vistas found throughout the South Pacific.

Travelers interested in the convenience of a roundtrip voyage from Los Angeles can choose to sail aboard Golden Princess or Sapphire Princess to the Hawaiian Islands or on a new 28-day Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific cruise aboard Sapphire Princess. Cruisers to Tahiti will enjoy the small ship ambiance of Ocean Princess on several itineraries, and Princess’ Aussie-style sailings from Down Under feature Sun Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess sailing roundtrip from Sydney or Brisbane.

“Everyone dreams of running away to an idyllic Pacific island,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Our cruises can bring these wonderful islands to life, with more choices than ever to find the perfect vacation.”

The Hawaiian Islands each have their own personality. On Oahu, the state capital of Honolulu offers a wealth of historic, cultural and scenic attractions, including famous Waikiki Beach, America’s only royal residence the Iolani Palace, and Pearl Harbor. The Big Island, the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands, has the most varied in landscape — with striking black sand beaches, tropical rain forests, and the famed Volcanoes National Park, home to three volcanoes, including the actively erupting Kilauea.

Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai offers lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls and geological wonders, such as the dramatic Nã Pali Coastline, and spectacular Waimea Canyon. The second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Maui boasts some of the world’s most superb beaches and dramatic mountain landscapes. Visitors can also explore the port town of Lahaina which was once King Kamehameha’s capital.

Made up of more than 130 islands, French Polynesia includes some of the most dreamed about South Seas islands, such as Tahiti and Bora Bora. This is the South Pacific of Melville, Gauguin and Michener. Particularly immortalized by Gauguin’s paintings, Tahiti evokes exotic island images and the South Seas state of mind. Nearby Moorea boast precipitous mountains that reach for the sky, creating picture postcard views. No name captures the imagination of paradise as well as Bora Bora. Perhaps the most stunning island in the South Pacific, its majestic landscape was sculpted by ancient volcanoes, showcasing a shimmering lagoon and barrier reef. Passengers on Ocean Princess’ 10-day Tahiti & Polynesia itinerary will enjoy a full Two-Day Experience in Bora Bora with extra time to enjoy the island’s charms.

The two islands of Huahine are surrounded by a deep lagoon encircled by a coral necklace. Connected by a bridge, both islands boast white-sand beaches, vanilla and banana plantations, and some of Polynesia’s most significant cultural sites. The largest atoll in French Polynesia, divers from all over the world flock to Rangiroa, to explore the undersea world of its 42-mile aquamarine lagoon filled with unique marine life and magnificent underwater scenery.

Samoa and American Samoa lie at the heart of the South Pacific. Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa, the southernmost territory of the United States. Here abundant rain creates a lush green landscape marked by ancient volcanoes and thriving coral atolls. Apia, the main township of Samoa, personifies the fa’a Samoa (the Samoan Way), and conjures up images of the perfect South Seas island town.

Hawaii, Tahiti and South Pacific cruises:
Princess Cruises ships sail to the Hawaiian Islands, between Hawaii and Tahiti and throughout the island paradises of the South Pacific.

Hawaiian Islands Cruises – Golden Princess and Sapphire Princess will sail from Los Angeles on a 14-day roundtrip voyage to the Land of Aloha with calls at Hilo on the Big Island, Honolulu, Kauai, and Lahaina on Maui, plus Ensenada, Mexico. The ships will sail between September 28, 2011 and April 25, 2012.

Tahiti & Polynesia – This classic Princess itinerary sails roundtrip from Papeete, Tahiti for 10 days among the islands of Polynesia, with two overnight visits. Ocean Princess starts with an overnight in the Tahitian capital and then calls on Huahine, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora (Two-day Experience includes two full days and an overnight), and Moorea. Sailings depart on December 17, 2011; January 18 and 28, 2012.

Hawaii & Tahiti – Travelers can enjoy the intimacy of a small cruise ship on a voyage that features both the Polynesian paradises of Hawaii and French Polynesia. These 11-day sailings between Papeete and Honolulu on Ocean Princess include calls at Moorea, Bora Bora, Hilo, Maui, and Kauai. Sailings depart December 27, 2011; January 7, February 7 and 18, 2012.

Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa – This new 28-day itinerary aboard Sapphire Princess offers an unusual roundtrip voyage from Los Angeles, to three island groups in one convenient roundtrip sailing. The ship calls at Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, Maui, Pago Pago, Apia, Bora Bora, Moorea and Papeete. The sailing departs on October 22, 2011.

South Pacific & New Zealand Cruises – Sailing between Sydney and Papeete, Ocean Princess offers a 16-day voyage including Tauranga, Auckland, Suva (Fiji), Apia, Pago Pago, Bora Bora, and Moorea. The ship departs on December 2, 2011 and February 29, 2012.

Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific – Sea Princess sails across the Pacific between San Francisco and Sydney on a 29-day voyage to Honolulu, Maui, Moorea, Papeete, Bora Bora, Pago Pago, Suva, Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Fiordland National Park scenic cruising. The sailings depart on September 17, 2011 and April 15, 2012.

Aussie Experience Voyages
Sailings aboard Sun Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess head to the islands from Sydney or Brisbane and feature onboard amenities to appeal to Australian tastes.

Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific – Dawn Princess will sail on a 35-day roundtrip voyage from Sydney, with calls at Nuku’Alofa (Tonga), Apia, Hilo, Kilauea Volcano scenic cruising, Maui, Honolulu, Kauai, Kona, Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Pago Pago, Suva and Nouméa (New Caledonia). The ship sets sail on April 13, 2012.

New Caledonia & Vanuatu – Dawn Princess takes a 12-day jaunt roundtrip from Sydney to call at Nouméa, Isle of Pines and Lifou in New Caledonia; and Vila, Wala and Champagne Bay in Vanuatu. The ship sails on May 13, 2011.

Fijian Jewels – Sun Princess sails roundtrip from Brisbane on an 11-day journey to Nouméa and Isle of Pines in New Caledonia; three Fiji ports, Suva, Port Denarau, and Dravuni Island; and Vila (Vanuatu). The ship sails on January 11 and February 5, 2012.

Fiji & South Pacific – A popular roundtrip sailing from Sydney featuring 14 days with calls at Lifou, five ports in Fiji: Vila, Port Denarau, Suva, Savu Savu, and Dravuni Island; plus Nouméa. Available on Dawn Princess, Sea Princess and Sun Princess, sailings depart October 5, November 1 and 28, 2011; February 6 and March 16, 2012.

Latin-Flavored Cruises Explore Pulsating Rio de Janeiro, the Mighty Amazon, Mysterious Machu Picchu, and Legendary Cape Horn more

From Ancient Temples to Modern Skyscrapers This Land of Contrasts Offers an Array of Cruise Vacation Options
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Artists Such as Wyland, Michael Godard, Alexandra Nechita to Make Onboard Appearances

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (June 22, 2010) — Some of today’s top contemporary artists will be making appearances aboard nine upcoming Princess Cruises sailings as part of the line’s Art Connoisseur Cruises. Featuring as many as 10 contemporary artists in a single voyage, these special sailings offer activities for both avid collectors and art newcomers.

A wide range of internationally acclaimed artists will join the ship for Art Connoisseur cruises, including names such as painter Howard Behrens, bas relief sculptor Bill Mack, pop artist Allison Lefcort, and marine life artist Wyland. The voyages offer a variety of events with the artists, such as meet-and-greet sessions or demonstrations. Some artists, including pop fusion painter Eric Waugh even entertain crowds with live painting sessions set to music. Other famous names onboard will include young phenomenon Alexandra Nechita and “rock star of the art world” Michael Godard.

Art Connoisseur cruises are part of Princess’ Fine Arts program, an onboard program that offers passengers the opportunity to see and learn about some of the notable artwork produced in the last century. Each ship features artwork from collectable artists for sale on board with art auctions during each cruise.

“These special sailings offer our passengers the opportunity to go behind the art by meeting the artists and learning more about what inspires their work,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Passengers often find a new artist whose work they enjoy, or learn more about one they’ve admired. Others simply like exploring the world of art and the work of an artist.”

Princess’ upcoming Art Connoisseur cruises include:

July 4 – 16
Ruby Princess – 12 days Grand Mediterranean
Howard Behrens, Michael Godard, Dorit Levi, Aldo Luongo, Sharie Hatchett Bohlmann, Allison Lefcort, Alexandra Nechita, Bill Mack, Manoukian Martiros

July 16 – 28
Ruby Princess – 12 days Grand Mediterranean
Bill Mack, Howard Behrens, Michael Godard, Eric Waugh, Sharie Hatchett Bohlmann, Dorit Levi, Alexandra Nechita, Aldo Luongo, Manoukian Martiros, Alexandre Renior

Sept 17 – 27
Crown Princess – 10 days Classic Canada New England
Wyland, Walfrido Garcia, James Warren

Oct 4 – 20
Diamond Princess – 16 days Southeast Asia & China
Alina Eydel, Sharie Hatchett Bohlmann, Bill Mack

Oct 17 – 29
Star Princess – 12 days Egypt & Aegean
Allison Lefcort, Nobuaki Haihara, Michael Godard, Nicola Berardino, Des Brophy

Nov 3 – 19
Diamond Princess –16 days Southeast Asia & China
Eric Waugh, Nobu Haihara, Sharie Hatchett Bohlmann, David Schluss, Bill Mack

Nov 11 – 13
Pacific Princess – 12 days Holy Land
Allison Lefcort, Dorit Levi

Nov 19 — Dec 5
Diamond Princess – 16 days Southeast Asia & China
Dorit Levi, Sharie Hatchett Bohlmann, Aldo Luongo

Dec 28 — Jan 7, 2011
Emerald Princess — 10 days Caribbean
Bill Mack, Allison Lefcort, Martiros

Many of these artists also sail individually on Solo Artist voyages throughout the year. For a schedule of these sailings, contact 1-800-PRINCESS.

In addition to presenting works from collectable contemporary artists, Princess also offers a special ScholarShip@Sea presentation for those who would like to learn more about the world of art. The free course, Art History@Sea: Botticelli to Warhol, The Evolution of Art, was developed in conjunction with Dr. Thomai Serdari, Professor of Art History and Director of Research Collections for New York University. Presented by the onboard art director, this course makes 500 years of art come to life in a one-hour session. This course is available on Art Connoisseur Cruises and most other Princess sailings.

Pacific Princess and Dawn Princess Set Sail on Round-the-World Adventures

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (June 16, 2010) — Princess Cruises will offer adventurous passengers two opportunities in 2011 and 2012 to experience one of travel’s most grand voyages — the World Cruise. Sailing to multiple continents and encompassing dozens of the globe’s treasured places, these fascinating itineraries will give travelers the unique opportunity to experience the world while enjoying Princess’ famed style and service. more

Due to the continuing political unrest in Thailand, port of arrival or departure for the following voyages have been changed. We will no longer embark or disembark passengers at the port of Laem Chabang, Thailand (the port for Bangkok), replacing it with Singapore. Laem Chabang will, however, continue to be a port of call on many of these voyages. Additional itinerary changes include some new ports and changes to the dates for some ports of call.

Voyages with revised itineraries are:

Diamond Princess
So. East Asia & China — November 19, 2010 — Beijing/Singapore
Eastern Australia & Asia — December 5, 2010 — Singapore/Sydney
Grand Adventure — December 5, 2010 — Singapore/Auckland
Grand Adventure — February 8, 2011 – Sydney/Singapore
Far East — March 3, 2011 — Beijing/Singapore
Far East — March 19, 2011 — Singapore/Beijing
Far East — April 4, 2011 — Beijing/Singapore
Far East — April 20, 2011 — Singapore/Beijing
Grand Adventure — April 20, 2011 — Singapore/Anchorage

Ocean Princess
Grand Adventure — November 21, 2010 — Capetown/Singapore
South China Sea — December 22, 2010 — Singapore/Singapore
South China Sea — January 7, 2011 — Singapore/Shanghai
South China Sea — January 23, 2011 — Shanghai/Singapore
South China Sea — February 8, 2011 — Singapore/Shanghai
South China Sea & Japan — February 8, 2011 — Singapore/Osaka

“Exotics” Voyages Explore the Globe with Journeys to Asia, Africa, South America, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific
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Award Follows Other Environmental Honors Including Venice Blue Flag and Port of Los Angeles Vessel Speed Reduction Flag
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Local Tastes, Entertainers and Cultural Programs Highlight Upcoming Sun Princess and Dawn Princess Sailings more