The iconic wonders of the ancient world, the continent’s bustling cities and the majestic beauty found along dramatic coastlines will be showcased with Princess Cruises’ just-announced 2010 Europe program, which offers an unprecedented choice in itineraries and departure dates on six ships.
Princess’ 39 different itinerary choices throughout the unforgettable destinations of the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and Russia, the British Isles, the Norwegian Fjords, and the Holy Land feature nine new routes – including five new “Interlude” voyages that offer the opportunity for shorter seven-day getaways from London or Rome. Plus, the line’s signature two-day experiences will give passengers the opportunity for a more in-depth exploration of regional highlights in Egypt, Israel and St. Petersburg.
The line’s 2010 Europe program will features 96 departures, and its ships will visit 130 destinations, including 11 added ports of call. Cruise lengths range from seven to 25 days during the April to December season. Bookings for the season open April 9, 2009.
“Our 2010 season underscores how we use our more than two decades of experience in Europe to design the widest array of fascinating cruise choices for our passengers,” said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president. “We innovate our itineraries every year by introducing different combinations of marquis and emerging ports, and we offer both our returning favorite itineraries plus new, innovative routes that enable passengers to explore the region on either our large amenity-filled ships or smaller vessels for a more intimate experience.”
Princess ships sailing throughout Europe next summer include:
· Ruby Princess returning to cruise the line’s signature Grand Mediterranean itinerary and Greek Isles routes
· Star Princess sailing to Scandinavia and Russia during the summer, then to the Mediterranean and Egypt in the fall – including a new Mediterranean Odyssey itinerary
· Crown Princess begins the season with several Greek Isles and Mediterranean cruises before sailing to the British Isles, Norway and Iceland
· Grand Princess offers convenient seven- and 14-day Mediterranean cruises from Southampton
· The intimate Ocean Princess features a selection of Mediterranean, North Cape, Iceland and Greenland routes, and debuts new seven-day Interlude voyages in Norway, Scandinavia, the British Isles and the Mediterranean
· Small sister ship Pacific Princess sails the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Holy Land
Highlights of Princess’ 2010 Europe itineraries are:
Seven-Day “Interludes” – For travelers looking for a quick European getaway, or the opportunity to combine a cruise with a land stay, Princess is introducing a series of new seven-day Interlude itineraries. Passengers can explore the Greek Isles, Western Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Norway or Ireland and Scotland with these shorter voyages, which can be combined with an optional hotel stay in London or Rome. Featuring the intimate small-ship atmosphere of Ocean Princess, Interlude itineraries also offer a variety of new ports of call to explore, including the Greek islands, medieval villages and beach resorts. Passengers can also take advantage of special events such as the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, featured on the Ireland and Scotland Interlude.
New Ports – Eleven fascinating ports of have been added this season, including seven maiden calls and four ports where Princess ships are returning after an extended absence. New ports include Lübeck (Travemünde), a German UNESCO World Heritage site with a well-preserved medieval old city; Iteá, the gateway for the archeological site of Delphi in Greece; Cephalonia (Argostoli), the largest of the Greek Ionian islands known for stunning beaches and charming villages; Khios, a Greek isle off the Turkish coast noted for medieval villages and the eleventh century Nea Moni monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Eidfjord, a picturesque Norwegian village located at the heart of stunning Hardangerfjord; Koper (Slovenia), gateway to the capital city of Ljublijana; and Nice (France), the French Riviera beach resort town near Monte Carlo and Cannes. Also new to the season are Newcastle in Northern England on River Tyne with access to Hadrian’s wall; Portimao, (Portugal), for the scenic Algarve Coast; the exotic and historic city of Tangiers in Morocco; and Constanta (Romania), a seaside resort on the Black Sea.
Signature Two-Day Experiences – Select Princess itineraries feature two-day experience opportunities to give passengers more time to explore the culture and sights of some of the region’s most intriguing places, including the ancient wonders of Cairo and Giza, the landmarks of the Holy Land, and the magnificent palaces and sights of St. Petersburg.
Mediterranean and Greek Isles – Princess offers 22 different itineraries – including five new routes – to the sunny Mediterranean. Ruby Princess will again sail on the line’s signature Grand Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries, with additional departures on Crown Princess and Star Princess. Grand Princess offers roundtrip voyages from Southampton to the Western Mediterranean, while Pacific Princess and Ocean Princess offer the small ship experience on a variety of sailings including the Holy Land and Black Sea and the new Interlude voyages.
Scandinavia/Russia and Norway – Seven itineraries ranging from seven to 18 days give travelers more choices than ever to the popular cities of Scandinavia and northern Europe. Star Princess returns to offer the line’s classic 10-day Scandinavia/Russia voyages, featuring a two-day St. Petersburg experience. Two new seven-day sailings on Ocean Princess provide a small ship perspective with Scandinavian and Norwegian Interludes as well as an 18-day Land of the Midnight Sun adventure, while Grand Princess offers roundtrip sailing options from Southampton, and Crown Princess sails to the stunning Norwegian Fjords.
Northern Europe – Ten Northern European vacation options cover the popular British Isles, plus remotely beautiful Iceland and Greenland. Passengers can choose to explore the British Isles in depth aboard Crown Princess or travel to the top of the world on Ocean Princess. Options also include a selection of extended Passage and Explorer voyages between continents.
Princess also offers three European cruisetours which combine some sailings with a fully-escorted land tour to explore the Italian destinations of Rome and Florence, Ireland’s wild west and the breathtaking Ring of Kerry, or the imperial treasures in Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin.
Launch Fares for seven-day Europe sailings start at $1,199 per person, based on double occupancy. Captain’s Circle Launch Savings discounts of $100 per person are available to Captain’s Circle members who make their Europe bookings by September 30, 2009.
