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Friday, March 22, 2013

Princess Cruises Unveils 2014 European Cruises

Princess Cruises' Royal Princess will Sail Europe in 2014.

Princess Cruises opened its 2014 Europe cruise season for sale today, including the debut of the new Regal Princess which will set sail on its inaugural cruise in June from Venice. In total, five ships – including the line’s two newest vessels – will sail on a variety of cruise itineraries throughout the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

A sister ship to the upcoming Royal Princess, Regal Princess, will debut on June 2, 2014 with a seven-day inaugural voyage from Venice to Barcelona – including calls in Kotor (Montenegro), Rome, Florence/Pisa, and Toulon (France, for Provence). The ship will then sail on a 10-day Mediterranean & Aegean cruise, followed by a season of Princess’ signature Grand Mediterranean cruises, with two itinerary choices.

Other highlights of the season include Royal Princess sailing on the line’s popular Scandinavia & Russia cruises, featuring two days in the dramatic city of St. Petersburg; more sailings than ever before to the British Isles aboard Ruby Princess and Ocean Princess; and a variety of seven-day Interlude sailings in the Mediterranean aboard the intimate Ocean Princess.

“With Regal Princess’ debut we will have our two newest and largest vessels sailing on our most popular routes in Europe,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Throughout the season, whether passengers want to explore the diverse cultures and expansive history of the Mediterranean, visit the favorite ports of the Baltic Sea on a Scandinavia and Russia voyage, or conveniently circle the British Isles, they can do so in an environment of a relaxing retreat aboard one of our ships.”

The 2014 Europe program features five ships sailing on 94 departures on 48 itineraries to more than 120 destinations:

Regal Princess will debut with Princess’ signature 12-day Grand Mediterranean itinerary between Venice and Barcelona, with two itinerary options.
Royal Princess will sail for the first time on the line’s popular 11-day Scandinavia & Russia cruises, featuring two days in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Ruby Princess will be based in Southampton for 12-day British Isles cruises as well as one North Cape & Summer Solstice cruise.
Emerald Princess will also be based in Southampton for sailings to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Canary Islands.
Small ship Ocean Princess will feature cruises to both Northern Europe and the Mediterranean including eight-day British Isles cruises, a series of seven-day interlude sailings in the Mediterranean, and new Black Sea and Holy Land voyages, all of which can be combined for a longer voyage.

Mediterranean – Passengers wanting to visit the best of the Mediterranean now have a choice of two itinerary options on the line’s signature 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruises aboard Regal Princess – both feature an overnight stay in Venice, plus calls in Rome, Florence/Pisa, Naples (for Capri & Pompeii), Athens, Mykonos, Kusadasi (for Ephesus) and Toulon (for Provence). One version of the cruise features a call at the intriguing Turkish port of Istanbul and the other calling at medieval Dubrovnik, Croatia. Additional options in the Mediterranean include seven-day Interlude voyages aboard the intimate Ocean Princess, 11-day sailings to the Holy Land or Black Sea on Ocean Princess, and 14-day Mediterranean Medley cruises from Southampton aboard Emerald Princess.

Scandinavia/Russia – Princess’ 2-Day Experience in St. Petersburg – featuring two full days and an overnight stay in the Russian city – will now be is offered on three different Baltic itineraries – Royal Princess on an 11-day itinerary from Copenhagen, Emerald Princess with a 14-day Baltic Heritage route from Southampton and Ocean Princess with a 14-day Scandinavia & Russia collection cruise from Dover.

British Isles – Princess will offer more departures on British Isles sailings than ever before with two itinerary options – a 12-day route on Ruby Princess from Southampton and an eight-day option from Dover aboard Ocean Princess. Five departures will include the option to see the famed Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Iceland & Norway – Several options will take passengers to the northern reaches with a 16-day Land of the Midnight Sun cruise and a 14-day Iceland & Norway journey both aboard the intimate Ocean Princess, as well as a 12-day North Cape & Summer Solstice cruise on Ruby Princess. Two fall transatlantic voyages also feature calls in Iceland – Royal Princess will sail from Copenhagen to New York on a 17-day Iceland & British Isles Explorer cruise, and Ruby Princess will offer a 15-day Iceland & Norway Explorer cruise from Southampton to New York.

Transatlantic Voyages – In addition, passengers can enjoy a variety of other itineraries that travel across the Atlantic in spring and fall, including a 17-day Maiden Passage cruise on Regal Princess from Venice to Ft. Lauderdale. Royal Princess will sail from Ft. Lauderdale to Copenhagen in spring on a 15-day Northern Europe Passage. Emerald Princess will offer a 15-day British Isles Passage from Ft. Lauderdale to Southampton and a 17-day Western Europe Passage from Southampton to Houston. Ruby Princess sails on a 14-day Western Europe Passage from Ft. Lauderdale to Southampton. Ocean Princess ends its extended Europe season with an 18-day Renaissance Passage from Rome to Ft. Lauderdale.

New Ports: Maiden calls for the season include Alta, Norway; Salerno, Italy; and Jersey, Channel Islands.

Cruisetours: Princess also offers a selection of European cruisetours which combine certain sailings with a fully-escorted land tour, including a new Paris and the French Countryside vacation option. Passengers can also choose to explore Ireland’s Ring of Kerry; the imperial treasures in Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin; or the remarkable Swiss Alps and Lake Como.

Regal Princess and sister ship Royal Princess are new-generation ships for Princess Cruises. Among the special features found on board the 3,600-passenger vessels will be a greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship; a dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; the new Princess Live! television studio; a pastry shop; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms.

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Thursday, January 24, 2013

Princess Cruises Adds 2 Short Cruises For The New Royal Princess

Royal Princess Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises has announced two preview cruises aboard Royal Princess, giving passengers a unique opportunity to get a taste of the new ship before its official inaugural voyage. The June 9 and June 14 cruises will sail roundtrip from Southampton on a two-night itinerary featuring a call in St. Peter Port, on the island of Guernsey.

Passengers on the short sailings will be able to sample Royal Princess’ many ground-breaking features, including the dramatic over-water SeaWalk, Princess Live! television studio, and plush new poolside cabanas before the ship’s inaugural sailing on June 16, 2013.

Both voyages will go on sale on January 29, with limited availability. Per person cruise fares start at $530 for an obstructed-view balcony stateroom.

The 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is a new-generation ship for Princess Cruises. Among the special features found on board will be a greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship; a dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; the new Princess Live! television studio; a pastry shop; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms.

The ship’s 2013 maiden season will include cruises on the line’s signature Grand Mediterranean itinerary throughout the summer, followed by Eastern Caribbean cruises beginning in the fall.

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Friday, January 4, 2013

New Ships For 2013

AIDAStellar Under Construction at Meyer Werft Shipyard, Germany

Although the construction of new cruise ships has slowed - there are a number of new ship expected to be introduced in 2013.

Below is a brief listing of the ship expected to be introduced in 2013.

Company - Ship Name - Delivery - Builders

MSC Cruises - MSC Preziosa - March 2013 - STX Europe
AIDA Cruises - AIDAStella - March 2013 - Meyer Werft
Carnival Cruises - Carnival Sunshine - April 2013 (Major Refit Carnival Destiny). Fincantieri
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises - Europa 2 - May 2013 - STX Europe
Norwegian Cruise Line - Norwegian Breakaway - May 2013 - Meyer Werft
Princess Cruises - Royal Princess - June 2013 - Fincantieri
Compagnie du Ponant - Le Soleal - July 2013 -Fincantieri

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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Princess Cruises Unveils the Sanctuary Onboard the New Royal Princess

Sanctuary On-board the Royal Princess

hen Princess Cruises’ new Royal Princess debuts next June, passengers will find that two of the line’s signature features have been enhanced to provide passengers with the ultimate in relaxation. Both The Sanctuary and the line’s popular adults-only pool also will offer private cabanas for the first time.

Located near the forward end of the top deck, these two areas together provide a peaceful haven for passengers looking to recharge. With a new look and feel, the larger Sanctuary will feature fresh décor plus two new private cabana options along with its plush loungers and Serenity Stewards. Meanwhile, the Retreat Pool will provide a serene spot for a dip, along with its new poolside cabanas.

“The private spa-inspired setting of The Sanctuary and the calm atmosphere of our adults-only pools have made them among the more popular areas on our ships,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “So aboard Royal Princess we’re taking both of these areas and giving them a new twist.”

The three new private cabana options will give passengers the opportunity to personalize their relaxation time, with elegant Sanctuary and Lotus Spa cabanas in The Sanctuary, while the Retreat Pool offers poolside cabanas, perfect for enjoying an extra special day at the water’s edge. Cabana guests looking for a gourmet treat can order one of the ship’s new cabana picnic baskets, packed with artisan edibles paired with a premium wine.

Both areas are detailed in the company’s latest video previewing Royal Princess, available at princess.com/royalprincess.

The Sanctuary – This oasis of tranquility will feature all the special touches that have made The Sanctuary so popular since it was first introduced on Crown Princess in 2006, plus a number of new features. With a 20 percent larger space than on the line’s other ships, The Sanctuary adds four private Sanctuary Cabanas for more luxurious experience, plus two Lotus Spa Cabanas offering an elegant private space for a range of spa treatments. Featuring the air of a romantic hideaway under its distinctive white canopy cover, The Sanctuary design includes strategically placed rock gardens and special topiary planting with atmospheric lighting. These new elements create an inviting path leading to a new central pavilion. Passengers can relax on luxurious plush lounge chairs or circular daybeds, while Serenity Stewards provide healthy refreshments and music players with peaceful music. Space in The Sanctuary can be reserved for $15 for a half day/$25 for a full day, per person.

Sanctuary Cabanas – Within The Sanctuary, four new Sanctuary Cabanas offer an even more exclusive and special experience with amenities such as a personal television with noise-reducing wireless headphones, cushy sofas, luxurious robe and slippers, a welcome cocktail, and healthy snacks including nuts, and dried and fresh fruit. The cabana also features a fully stocked mini-bar with refreshing waters and sodas, as well as a choice of alcoholic options, including beer or wine. Sanctuary Cabanas will be available beginning at $80 for a half day.

Lotus Spa Cabanas – The two new, luxurious Lotus Spa Cabanas offer a truly special alfresco massage experience. These larger, enclosed areas will offer added privacy, a comfortable resting area with a television and plush chairs, a treatment area with two massage tables for a refreshing couples massage and beautiful ocean views looking out over the front of the ship. A variety of packages will be available for the Lotus Spa Cabanas.

Retreat Pool – Adjacent to The Sanctuary, the Retreat Pool will offer an exclusive area for adults to relax and rejuvenate. The Retreat Pool on Royal Princess will offer more space and seating than the adult pools on other Princess vessels, plus add new Retreat Cabanas that can be reserved for an enhanced experience. These cabanas are the perfect way to enjoy private space poolside, or even add the indulgence of one of the ship’s special picnic baskets. The Retreat Pool is open to all adults, and Retreat Pool Cabana rental will be available beginning at $50 for a half day.

Cabana Picnic – Passengers reserving a cabana in The Sanctuary or the Retreat Pool can not only enjoy the privacy and relaxed atmosphere, but can also pamper themselves with a gourmet picnic featuring a premium bottle of wine paired with a gourmet feast of antipasti, artisan sandwiches, pizza and even fresh-baked desserts. Picnic items passengers may find in their basket include Young Spinach Salad with Stilton Crumble, Pancetta Chips, Toasted Pecans and Black Pepper Vinaigrette; Ahi Tuna Poke with Hass Avocado, Red Onions, Sesame Seeds and Crisp Wonton Skins; and Alfredo’s Surf & Turf Pizza with Lobster Medallions & Beef Tenderloin. Baskets serving two people will begin at $40.

The 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is a new-generation ship currently under construction for Princess Cruises. Among the special features found on board will be a greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship; a dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; the new Princess Live! television studio; a pastry shop; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms. The ship’s 2013 maiden season will include cruises on the line’s signature Grand Mediterranean itinerary throughout the summer, followed by Eastern Caribbean cruises beginning in the fall. More information and video previews of the ship are available at www.princess.com/royalprincess.

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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Princess Cruises Reveals Top Deck Features Aboard Royal Princess

Royal Princess’ top deck will feature the SeaWalk, dancing fountains and a larger Movies Under the Stars Screen

Princess Cruises today unveiled additional details about the outdoor entertainment features that will be found on the top deck of the new Royal Princess, including the dramatic SeaWalk, the pool areas, an evening light show and a 30 percent larger Movies Under the Stars poolside theater.

The top deck features are detailed in the company’s latest video previewing Royal Princess, viewable at princess.com/royalprincess.

“We’re placing even more emphasis on our outdoor entertainment options with this new ship,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “With all of these exciting features on the top decks, passengers will truly enjoy their time under the sun – or stars.”

Among the new top-deck features of Royal Princess are:

Sea Walk – Extending 28 feet beyond the starboard side of the ship, the SeaWalk will be one of the ship’s most striking features. At 60 feet long and hovering 128 feet above the ocean, this dramatic glass-bottomed walkway offers unparalleled views available on no other ship. Just as the captain on the bridge can look through glass panels in the floor of the bridge to get a look at the sea conditions below, passengers will now have that same sense of stepping out from the side of the ship for a breathtaking experience. Across the ship the SeaView Bar also extends over the waves for cocktails with unbeatable vistas.

Fresh Water Pools – Directly adjacent to the SeaWalk on the ship’s expansive top deck area passengers will find a host of lounging options, beautiful palm trees, and two fresh water pools flanking an island area between them. During the day passengers can relax and rejuvenate poolside in a variety of seating options, including circular loungers, garden-style furniture, bar-height tables and stools, and chaise lounges. In the pool areas, entertainment options will include games and live music inspired by the ship’s ports of call.

Water and Light Show – At night, the top deck of Royal Princess will transform with architectural lighting effects to set the mood. The island area between the two pools will become a stage showcasing an interactive sound and light show featuring dancing fountains. With a sophisticated lighting and sound system, and a computerized fountain featuring 85 water jets, passengers will marvel as streams of water shoot 33 feet into the night sky.

Movies Under the Stars – Princess’ signature poolside theater will feature a 30 percent larger screen for true widescreen viewing, coupled with a high-tech visual and audio system for an unforgettable open-air movie-going experience. Passengers can enjoy movies, sporting events, and concerts while relaxing on a comfortable chaise lounge, complete with pillow, blanket, and free popcorn. For those who’d like to watch from the water, the ship’s large whirlpool spas above the pools offer great sightlines for enjoying Movies Under the Stars while soaking.

Evening Entertainment – On select evenings, the island will be transformed into an outdoor dance floor and will play host to the popular Ultimate Deck Party. Perched two decks up on a special balcony, a DJ will get the crowd moving with an energetic music mix.

The 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is a new-generation ship currently under construction for Princess Cruises. Among the special features found on board will be a greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship; a dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; the new Princess Live! television studio; a pastry shop; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms. The ship’s 2013 maiden season will include cruises on the line’s signature Grand Mediterranean itinerary throughout the summer, followed by Eastern Caribbean cruises beginning in the fall. More information and video previews of the ship are available at www.princess.com/royalprincess.

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Saturday, May 5, 2012

Princess Unveils TV Studio Entertainment Venue On Board the New Royal Princess

Princess Live! will give passengers the opportunity to be part of the action in a television studio. New Amenity onboard the New Royal Princess

Princess Cruises today raised the curtain on Princess Live!, a new type of cruise ship entertainment venue that passengers will enjoy aboard the new Royal Princess. Taking the audience behind the scenes to share the excitement of a working television studio, the high-tech Princess Live! will showcase live television broadcasts, intimate performances from musicians, and special events such as cooking shows, plus will feature an adjacent café.

Located on Royal Princess’ deck 7 just aft of the Piazza, Princess Live! will be a flexible, 280-seat venue based on a television broadcast studio. When the ship debuts in June 2013, Princess Live! will serve as a venue for daily broadcasts of “The Wake Show” with a new twist -- a daily live audience. This popular daily show staring the cruise director and special guests from around the ship is a staple across the Princess fleet, but is rarely staged live.

The colorful Princess Live! studio will also host a variety of events, including game shows, interactive cooking shows, art house films, enrichment classes, murder mysteries, trivia, and “Meet the Experts” presentations from the crew. Additionally, Princess Live! will serve as a more intimate performance venue for onboard musicians who will offer “unplugged” and “in-the-round” shows, providing an opportunity for entertainers to connect with the audience in a unique environment.

“Princess Live! will be an exciting new experience for passengers,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Not only will they enjoy the high energy of being part of a live television production, but they also will have a new opportunity to see more intimate performances from many of our onboard entertainers.”

The adjacent Princess Live! Café will surround passengers with interactive, wall-mounted screens showing the ship’s position, ports of call, points of interest and even international newspapers. The café will serve up specialty coffees, teas and freshly squeezed citrus juice, plus will offer a selection of fresh-baked croissants and pastries in the morning.

Royal Princess will also feature the line’s largest Princess Theater ever, with unobstructed sight lines from every seat, plus will see the return of an updated Vista Lounge at the aft of the ship to serve as an alternate evening performance venue.

The line has released a preview video showcasing Royal Princess entertainment venues, hosted by Princess Cruises Executive Vice President Rai Caluori and Vice President of Entertainment Martin Hall, available at www.princess.com/royalprincessentertainment.

Additional information about other ship features will be released in the coming months.

The 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is a new-generation ship currently under construction for Princess Cruises. Among the new features found on board will be a greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship; the dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed enclosed walkway on the ship's starboard side extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; a dazzling water and light show; more dining options including a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, wine cellar dining area and an expanded Horizon Court with pastry shop. Eighty percent of the ship’s staterooms will feature a balcony.

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Monday, March 26, 2012

Princess Cruises Announces New Dining Option On New Royal Princess

Princess Cruises revealed more details about several of the main dining room and specialty restaurant options that will be available aboard Royal Princess when the cruise ship debuts in June 2013, including new special venues and experiences, plus fresh twists on some Princess favorites.

Among the new options are several distinct dining spaces, including a special Chef’s Table Lumiere surrounded by a curtain of light to take the Chef’s Table experience to a new level, as well as wine cellar-inspired private dining spaces in the main dining rooms.

The ship will offer a larger Horizon Court buffet with a brand-new layout, new action stations, intriguing new bistro options – such as a crab shack and fondue restaurant – and even a dedicated pastry shop, an industry first.

For a full evening experience, several restaurants and lounges have been located together, including the Crown Grill which has been combined with the Wheelhouse Bar, and Sabatini’s Italian restaurant which is now adjacent to Vines wine bar.

“These evolutions of our dining program will offer some exciting new options, as well as showcase our signature features which have become passenger favorites,” said Jan Swartz, executive vice president for Princess Cruises. “Royal Princess certainly will take our dining options to the next level.”

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Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Princess Cruises Unveils New Features and Itineraries for the New Royal Princess

Princess Cruises today marked Valentine’s Day by unveiling the maiden season itineraries of its highly anticipated Royal Princess debuting in June 2013, as well as some additional features of the ship’s signature, and greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship.

Preceding the ship’s inaugural program of 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruises between Barcelona and Venice beginning on June 23, Royal Princess will sail on her inaugural voyage, a seven-day Iberia cruise from Southampton to Barcelona departing June 16.

The Royal Princess maiden season cruises will open for sale on March 15, 2012. There will also be two three-day preview cruises sailing roundtrip from Southampton on June 10 and 13 that will be available for booking at a later date.

“It’s fitting that our new ship will cruise on our most popular Europe itinerary, the Grand Mediterranean,” said Jan Swartz, executive vice president for Princess Cruises. “And the shorter preview cruises prior to the Mediterranean season certainly offer a unique opportunity to sample the new Royal Princess ex

perience our passengers are eagerly awaiting.”

Also revealed today were more details about the ship’s atrium and its vibrant collection of always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services. This signature space will be 50 percent larger than on the newest class of Princess ships and will debut a number of brand new features, including Bellini’s Italian cocktail bar, Ocean Terrace seafood bar, a gelateria, and Celebrations, a new gift shop for those marking special occasions onboard.

Favorite passenger spaces also return, many with a new twist, including the International Café, Sabatini’s Trattoria, and Crooners martini bar which will now feature dueling piano entertainment and a dramatic ocean vista. And the stunning Bar Piazza will feature an exclusive twin tea tower with over 300 tea and infusion combinations.

“Many features aboard the new Royal Princess will be exciting evolutions of the popular and successful features found throughout our fleet, and the atrium is no exception,” added Swartz. “The expansion in size of this space provided us an opportunity to add some brand new venues to what is already a favorite passenger area.”

Inaugural Season Cruises

3-day Advance Preview Sailings departing June 10 and 13, 2013

These cruises will sail roundtrip from Southampton with a call at St. Peter Port on the Island of Guernsey in the English Channel. The preview sailings will open for booking at a later date when the inaugural celebrations for the ship are in place. Interested passengers are advised to follow www.princess.com for the availability of these cruises.

7-day Maiden Iberia Voyage departing June 16, 2013

The ship’s maiden voyage sails from Southampton to Barcelona with calls at Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Gibraltar and Malaga.

12-day Grand Mediterranean Sailings departing June 23 through September 27, 2013

The nine Grand Mediterranean sailings will cruise between Barcelona and Venice, with calls at Toulon (for Provence), Livorno (for Florence and Pisa), Civitavecchia (for Rome), Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), Mykonos, Istanbul, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Athens and finally an overnight stay in the beautiful Italian city of Venice. Passengers on the seven-day voyage can combine their sailing with the first Grand Mediterranean cruise for a 19-day Grand Adventure.

18-day Maiden Venetian Passage departing October 9, 2013

This cruise begins in Venice with an overnight in this iconic city, and sets sail to Fort Lauderdale with calls at Messina (Sicily), Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), Civitavecchia (for Rome), Cannes (for Monte Carlo), Barcelona and Funchal (Madeira Island).

Atrium Features

Royal Princess’ expanded atrium is designed to enhance the lively street-café atmosphere passengers have become accustomed to on current Princess ships. With more open space for viewing live entertainment in the Piazza from decks 6 and 7, as well as new venues that appear to float mid-air, this new atrium represents a prototype design that builds on the line’s classic style. Atrium features include:

Deck 5:

International Café
As on most Princess ships, the International Café will be serving fresh-baked pastries, panini sandwiches, salads, fresh-baked cookies specialty coffees, and sweet desserts, but aboard Royal Princess this favorite venue will have an expanded seating area and an eye-catching new lighting feature, making it the perfect area to grab a light meal, meet friends for coffee or enjoy an a snack while watching the array of Piazza entertainers.

Celebrations Gift Shop
A new shopping stop, Celebrations will offer gifts especially for passengers celebrating a special occasion, or those looking for a well-deserved indulgence. Passengers will find premium chocolates, colorful flower arrangements, and other gift items perfect for someone enjoying a special day.

Gelato
For a delicious desert or afternoon delight, Royal Princess’ gelateria will serve up a variety of tempting treats such as designer sundaes, sweet crespelle (Italian crepes), creamy fruit smoothies, frosty shakes, and delightful homemade waffle ice cream cones.

Vines
A Princess passenger favorite, Vines wine bar will be pouring as many as 30 different wines by the glass, plus serving up an selection of tapas or sushi to accompany the many vintages. Passengers can also find favorite bottles for purchase or a gift for their favorite wine lover at Vines shop.

Bar Piazza and Tea Tower
This classic cocktail bar complements the Piazza vibe by offering an endless array of “anything you can think of” libations, complemented by a twin tea tower of artisan-crafted varieties and infusions for custom creations with over 300 possibilities.

Mini-Piazza with Water Feature
Just adjacent to the Piazza, a sparkling water feature will set off an extension area featuring the Passenger Services Desk and Shore Excursion Desk. This dazzling Mini-Piazza will provide a special atmosphere for passengers making a visit to ask questions of Princess’ gracious crew members.

Sabatini’s
Also located in the Mini-Piazza will be Princess’ signature Tuscan-inspired specialty restaurant, Sabatini’s. Known for its celebrated pastas, seafood and Italian specialties, Sabatini’s will feature a fresh menu of sophisticated Italian favorites with an a la carte experience. With a refined yet casual Italian ambiance, Sabatini’s offers attentive personal service and the feeling of having just stepped into a ristorante in the heart of Tuscany.

Deck 6:

Bellini’s
This brand new Italian-inspired cocktail venue is a perfect place to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the atrium’s activities, while indulging in a Bellini-inspired drink. Passengers will also enjoy views of the Piazza below in this “floating” space.

Alfredo’s
After quickly becoming a passenger favorite since its debut aboard Grand Princess, Alfredo’s Pizzeria has kept up Princess’ reputation for serving the best pizza at sea. Aboard Royal Princess the sit-down restaurant will feature an expanded menu and more spacious seating, perfect for enjoying the fresh toppings and crisp crusts of a personal pizza right from the eatery’s stone oven.

Photo and Video Gallery
Now conveniently located in the atrium, the Photo and Video Gallery will offer new high-tech digital photo stations to help passengers easily find their images.

Deck 7:

Ocean Terrace
The new Ocean Terrace seafood bar will offer pearls of the ocean, fresh from the sea. Seafood lovers can indulge in an array of treats, including sushi, sashimi, ceviche and caviar in a space that seems to be floating over the atrium levels below.

Crooners
An expanded Crooners Bar will not only offer the venue’s famous menu of 75 different martinis and classic 1960s-style “Rat Pack” atmosphere, but also a new entertainment option with dueling glass pianos for a lively show to go with the breathtaking views.

Additional information about other ship features will be released in the coming months.

The 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is the first of two new-generation ships for Princess which are being built by Fincantieri at their Monfalcone, Italy shipyard. Some additional new features found aboard will be an over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed enclosed walkway on the ship’s starboard side extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel, and the similarly-unique cantilevered SeaView bar, featuring cocktails with unbeatable vistas. Also on her top decks, Royal Princess will feature a new adults-only pool surrounded by seven plush private cabanas that appear to be floating on the water, two additional pools, a dazzling water and light show, an expanded version of Princess’ signature adults-only haven, The Sanctuary, and the popular poolside theater, Movies Under the Stars.

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Thursday, February 2, 2012

Royal Princess To Feature Passenger Photos as Part of Contest.

Princess Cruises is looking for 1,000 passenger-submitted cruise vacation photos to permanently showcase aboard its new Royal Princess when the ship debuts in spring 2013.

The line has launched a “1,000 Memories at Sea” contest inviting passengers to submit their best cruise vacation shots, which will be displayed on the walls of hallways between staterooms and in other locations around the ship. In addition, one lucky photographer will win a cruise for two, including airfare, on Royal Princess.

Whether they captured the perfect Caribbean sunset, caught Alaska wildlife in action, found a breathtaking rainbow over Hawaii, or snapped a meaningful moment onboard, passengers can submit their favorite cruise photos on Facebook, at princess.com/royalprincesscontest or by mail. The “1,000 Memories at Sea” contest will be judged by a panel which is looking for creativity, originality, style, and images that capture the spirit of what it means to “escape completely.” Contest judges include Rai Caluori, Princess’ executive vice president of fleet operations; Teresa Anderson, the line’s vice president of interior design, and Ian Johnson, director of photography and video for Princess.

“With the introduction of Royal Princess, we wanted to pay tribute to our passengers and their vacation memories made aboard our ships,” said Jan Swartz, executive vice president for Princess. “This contest will be a fun opportunity for 1,000 of our passengers to be permanently recognized aboard our new ship, so they should start sifting through their travel photos now, and submit a remarkable shot to be considered.”

The “1,000 Memories at Sea” contest runs through March 31, 2012 and is open to entrants 21 years of age or older, residing in the United States, Canada (excluding Quebec), the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Full entry details for the contest can be found at princess.com/royalprincesscontest.

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