Whether it’s the timeless cities of the Mediterranean, the splendor of Scandinavia and Russia or the intriguing ports of the continent’s northern reaches, Princess Cruises passengers may have a hard time choosing from among next summer’s array of Europe sailings. In 2012, the line will offer more itineraries and capacity than ever before.
The season features seven ships sailing on 57 itineraries to 116 destinations, with more than 125 departures between April and December. Highlights of the program include the European debut of Caribbean Princess, which brings additional capacity to the region, and a new 14-day Baltic Heritage itinerary offering more time to explore the fascinating ports of Scandinavia and Russia.
In addition, Princess sailings continue to give passengers extra time in fascinating ports throughout Europe, with 2-day experiences in Istanbul, St. Petersburg, Egypt, and Israel. Especially popular are the overnight stays in one of the continent’s most sought-after destinations – Venice – on all 12-day Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises.
Two new ports will debut during the season – the beautiful island of Korcula, Croatia, the reputed birthplace of explorer Marco Polo; and Nessebar, Bulgaria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site because its ancient city is a unique example of a synthesis of numerous civilizations with important Greek and Byzantine ruins.
“The vast diversity of attractions in Europe – from the ancient ruins of Rome, to the imperial splendor of Russia, fascinating modern cities and a variety of important UNESCO World Heritage sites – has inspired our growing collection of intriguing cruise options,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “And our passengers have the opportunity to choose from a variety of ships, from our intimate small ships to the largest amenity-filled vessels.”
The 2012 Europe program features:
- Ruby Princess returns to again offer the line’s signature 12-day Grand Mediterranean itinerary and Greek Isles routes.
- Crown Princess also cruises the Mediterranean, taking over the 12-day Egypt, Greek Isles and Mediterranean itineraries.
- Emerald Princess again offers the best of Scandinavia and Russia including Princess’ signature two-day experience in St. Petersburg.
- Caribbean Princess takes over British Isles sailings, as well as voyages to Norway and Iceland.
- Grand Princess sails from London to the Mediterranean, as well as on Northern Europe voyages.
- The intimate Ocean Princess offers a variety of seven-day Interlude itineraries that can be combined into 14-day or longer voyages, giving passengers the opportunity to explore boutique ports.
- Small ship Pacific Princess sails to the Holy Land and Black Sea, and offers experiences in classic destinations such as Egypt, Israel, Ukraine, Greece and Turkey.
Mediterranean, Greek Isles and Holy Land – Five ships will sail throughout the sunny waters of the Mediterranean, offering voyages from seven to 30 days to historic cities, Greek islands, the Holy Land and Egypt. Both Ruby Princess and Crown Princess will offer the line’s signature Grand Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries, as well as Egypt & Aegean sailings, and Grand Princess sails to the region from London, giving passengers more than 25 different itinerary options to choose from in the Mediterranean. A variety of itineraries aboard Ocean Princess and Pacific Princess will provide small-ship sailing options in the region as well.
Scandinavia, Russia and Norway – Emerald Princess returns to the Baltic region for the line’s popular 11-day sailings from Copenhagen. In addition, Grand Princess debuts a new Baltic Heritage route sailing roundtrip from London and including calls at Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Gdansk and Oslo. Together with sailings to the spectacular Norwegian Fjords, four Princess ships offer eight itineraries options in the region.
British Isles, Iceland and Canary Islands – The British Isles, the northern reaches of Iceland, Norway and Greenland, and even the Canary Islands round out Princess’ Europe itinerary options. The lineup includes sailings from London ports aboard Caribbean Princess, Grand Princess and Ocean Princess, as well as adventurous ocean crossings, for a choice of more than 10 itinerary options ranging from eight to 16 days.
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