Princess Cruises’ Next Ship to be Based in China Year Round
Carnival
Corporation & plc, the largest cruise company in the world, has announced
that the new ship currently under construction for Princess Cruises will be
based in China year-round when introduced in mid-2017. Based in Shanghai,
the ship will be the first year-round international luxury vessel designed and
built specifically for Chinese guests.
The
as-yet-unnamed ship is being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, and
will carry approximately 3600 guests on a variety of itineraries, to be
announced at a later date. Based on the design of its highly-acclaimed ships Royal
Princess and Regal Princess, the new vessel will feature a number of
new innovations customised for the growing number of Chinese cruise travellers.
“Deploying
our next new ship in China underscores our strong commitment to growing the
China cruise market and providing discerning travellers with amazing holiday
experiences at sea,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises.
Princess
ships began homeport cruising in China just last year, with a successful
inaugural season of Shanghai-based cruises aboard Sapphire Princess.
Sapphire Princess is returning for a second China season which begins on June 4
and runs through October 2015.
Princess’
new ship will be based on the design of the company’s new Royal Princess
and Regal Princess, which have been enthusiastically received by guests
from all over the world for their luxurious and beautifully-designed spaces,
array of entertainment and activity options, and multiple culinary venues.
The new ship
will share many of these special features which include a dramatic multi-storey
atrium serving as the social hub of the ship, an over-the-ocean SeaWalk, a
top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending 8.5 metres beyond the edge of
the ship; the Princess Live! interactive studio; the largest pastry shop at
sea; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds
diners in a curtain of light; Princess Watercolour Fantasy, a fountain and
music show; Movies Under the Stars featuring the largest outdoor screen at sea;
and balconies on all outside staterooms. Accommodations will be configured to
appeal to families and multi-generational travellers.
In addition,
the new ship will showcase the exclusive Princess Class experience designed
specifically for the Chinese market that the company introduced during its
first season. Delivered by the ship’s dedicated and caring crew, Princess Class
enriches the travel experience of each cruise guest, enabling them to
participate in unique cultural, culinary, entertaining and inspiring programs
including the World Leaders Dinner, traditional English afternoon tea, a
Lobster Grill, Ultimate Balcony Dining, an ocean-view hot pot dinner option,
ballroom dancing, and an unparalleled duty-free shopping experience.
Additionally
guests will enjoy the international flavour of cruising with Princess,
including experiencing cuisines from China, Japan, Italy, France, and North and
South America among other regions; as well as an array of international
festivals re-created to celebrate cultures around the world.
“And as this
ship is still in the design phase we are looking forward to creating other new
and exciting venues and experiences catering to the Chinese traveller, which we
will reveal in the coming months,” Ms Swartz said.
