Each year Princess offers passengers the opportunity to sample the line’s product with short “coastal” sailings.  These West Coast cruises range from overnight to a week in length, offering a great way for travelers to explore North America’s Pacific coastline while enjoying a taste of Princess’ amenity-filled vessels and renowned service.

For the 2009-10 season, passengers can choose from short escapes of one to four nights in the spring and fall, plus three longer sailings.  These special cruises include a weeklong Coastal Wine Region sailing with special wine-related tours, programs and special guests; a seven-day British Columbia and West Coast cruise showcasing a variety of ports along the coast; and a five-day West Coast Escape.

“We enjoy giving passengers these yearly opportunities to add a short getaway to their schedule,” said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president.  “And many new passengers use these sailings to get a taste of what Princess is all about – whether they choose to sail overnight or spend a week exploring the West Coast’s fabulous wine regions.”

Princess Coastal Sailings for 2009-10 include:

Wine Country Coastal – A seven-day opportunity for passengers to steep themselves in the California wine regions of Santa Barbara and the San Francisco area as well as the microbreweries of Astoria, Oregon.  Passengers can explore the world of food and wine with themed excursions as well as special onboard presentations from a guest wine expert and guest chef who will offer demonstrations, wine tastings and special meals.  The cruise aboard Sapphire Princess departs from Los Angeles on May 8, 2010, sailing to Vancouver with calls at Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Astoria, Seattle and Victoria.

British Columbia and West Coast Coastal – This weeklong voyage explores the west coast from the fall foliage of British Columbia to the shores of Southern California.  The Vancouver to Los Angeles cruise calls at Nanaimo, Victoria, San Francisco, Catalina Island and San Diego.  Golden Princess sets sail on September 20, 2009.

West Coast Escape – A five-day escape from Los Angeles to Vancouver, this Golden Princess sailing offers the opportunity to visit Catalina Island, San Francisco and Victoria.  Golden Princess sets sail on May 9, 2010.

San Francisco/Vancouver – These two-day journeys sail between the “City by the Bay” and British Columbia’s largest city.  Offered on Star Princess on September 21, 2009 and May 6, 2010, as well as on Island Princess on September 14, 2009.

Los Angeles/Vancouver – A choice of three-night getaways between Los Angeles and Vancouver, are offered on Coral Princess on September 21, 2009 and Island Princess on May 14, 2010.   Coral Princess also offers a four-day voyage on May 6, 2010 offering a call in Victoria.

Seattle/Vancouver – These overnight escapes between Seattle and Vancouver give passengers a taste of life aboard, with departures on Golden Princess on September 19, 2009 and May 14, 2010; Star Princess on September 20, 2009 and May 8, 2010; and Pacific Princess on September 17, 2009.

Costal sailings are available for booking on May 22, 2008.  Escape Fares for overnight sailings start at $99 per person, based on double occupancy.  Past Princess passengers are eligible for $10 to $50 in Captain’s Circle Launch Savings on bookings made by December 31, 2008.