Drawing on more than 40 years of experience in the region, Princess has announced its 2008-09 season of cruising to the sun and spice of the Mexican Riviera. The seductive atmosphere of Mexico, with its dramatic scenery, tropical beaches and a welcoming culture, has made it a passenger favorite since the line first sailed “south of the border” in 1965.

Two of the line’s amenity-filled vessels, the 116,000-ton Sapphire Princess and the 109,000-ton Star Princess will offer sailings from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Together, the two floating resorts will offer 38 Mexican journeys from which to choose, with a choice of fun-filled seven-day or 10-day vacations.

“Since Princess’ beginnings, we’ve offered the ultimate way to escape south of the border,” said Jan Swartz, Princess’ senior vice president of customer service and sales. “Next year we’re offering sailings on two of our most amenity-filled vessels which offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the fun and sun of Mexico combined with our attentive service.”

Sapphire Princess will sail from the Port of Los Angeles for a season of 32 departures to the sunny Mexican Riviera. This favorite seven-day roundtrip route takes in the prime ports of call of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. Sapphire Princess will depart on Saturdays between September 27, 2008 and May 2, 2009.

Princess is the only cruise line to offer Mexican Riviera sailings from San Francisco during the 2008-09 season. Star Princess will sail a more in-depth exploration of the Mexican Riviera with 10-day cruises from San Francisco featuring calls at Acapulco, Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. The ship will offer six roundtrip sailings between Oct 11, 2008 and April 27, 2009.

While in Mexico, passengers can choose from a number of unique Princess shore excursions, such as a “salsa and salsa” hands-on cooking/dance class, being a dolphin trainer for a day, and America’s cup racing in Cabo San Lucas.

All Mexican Rivera cruises feature Princess’ distinctive amenities, including the line’s signature Personal Choice Dining, Lotus Spa, youth centers, internet cafes, and an extensive array of entertainment options and venues, all in an intimately designed, personalized environment offering the line’s renowned Princess service.

Early booking fares for Princess’ Mexican Riviera sailings begin at $599 per person, based on double occupancy, for seven-day sailings.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.