Princess Cruises is offering some dazzling deals on its stunning Diamond Princess this summer season, with trans-Tasman fly/cruise packages starting from $1745*.

The deal includes a 12-night cruise around New Zealand on Diamond Princess – the largest luxury ship to be based in Australasian waters this cruise season – and one-way flights between Auckland and Sydney.

Diamond Princess’ season features six cruises from December 2008 to February 2009, with each scenic voyage visiting Melbourne, Hobart, the beautiful Fiordland National Park in New Zealand, as well as Dunedin, Christchurch and Tauranga.

Special reduced balcony cabin fly/cruise fares have also been released for the ship’s December departures on this spectacular trip, and are available from $2225*.

Carrying 2700 passengers and 1100 crew, Diamond Princess is renowned for her state-of-the-art features and wide range of amenities.

The ship boasts five pools, eight jacuzzis, 10 restaurants and cafes, a wedding chapel, a mini golf course, 13 bars and lounges, the biggest internet centre at sea, two nightclubs including one overhanging the ship, a luxury spa sanctuary and 1337 cabins – 750 of them with their own private balcony.

Launched in 2004 and stretching 290 metres, the 116,000-tonne Diamond Princess took three million hours, 281,000 litres of paint and 3000 kilometres of wiring to build.

Bookings are available via travel agents, Princess Cruises Australia on 13 24 88 or visit www.princess.com.au