Press Release: Princess Cruises
August 12, 2002
SANTA CLARITA, CA -- P&O Princess Cruises announced today that two former Renaissance vessels, R3 and R4, will
soon be joining the Princess fleet, introducing Princess' trademark "big ship choice" in a smaller, more
intimate cruise environment. The ships will offer sailings in Tahiti and the wider Pacific Ocean region.
The 688-passenger R3 will premiere as Pacific Princess, while sister ship R4 will debut as Tahitian Princess. Both
vessels, which originally entered service in 1999, are well suited to offer many of the Personal Choice Cruising
options that have become Princess trademarks, according to the company. This includes a wide variety of dining
experiences including a 24-hour Lido and alternative dining programs with both an Italian restaurant and an American
steakhouse; and 92 percent outside staterooms -- with over two-thirds of these including a private balcony.
Beginning with a holiday cruise on December 24, 2002, Tahitian Princess will sail year-round in Tahiti and the
South Pacific, debuting the only 10-day sailings in the region. Three unique itineraries, with a total of 50 departures
roundtrip from Papeete, Tahiti, each include calls at the tropical paradises of Bora Bora, Moorea and Raiatea.
Passengers can choose one of the 34 French Polynesia/Cook Islands sailings that explore ports like mystic Huahine
and Raratonga and feature overnight stays in both Papeete and Bora Bora; enjoy one of eight French Polynesia/Samoa
cruises to discover the dramatic beauty of Pago Pago and Apia; or travel on one of eight French Polynesia/Marquesas
voyages to unwrap the secrets of Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa. A full range of pre- and post-Tahiti packages will also
be available.
The Pacific Princess will operate on a split deployment, sailing half the year throughout French Polynesia and
the wider Pacific region for Princess Cruises, and the other half for the P&O Cruises Australia brand, serving
the growing Australian market in the South Pacific region. The specific Princess itineraries for this ship are
in the process of being finalized, and are expected to be available soon.
"This announcement is exciting to us on several levels," said Phil Kleweno, president of Princess Cruises.
"First, these smaller Princess ships will complement our fleet of larger vessels, furthering our commitment
to provide passengers with exotic itineraries that allow them to discover the world in their own way. Our choice
of three different 10-day French Polynesian itineraries are the most extensive in this part of the world, and should
be a must for any traveler looking to fully experience the beauty and unique character of this fascinating region.
"Additionally, the design of these small, modern ships will enable us to provide a `boutique version' of our
Personal Choice Cruising program, with over two thirds of the ship's cabins having balconies and with a variety
of dining and entertainment options. At the same time, the Princess onboard staff will be providing the high levels
of service that we've come to be known for wherever we cruise. And finally, no other cruise to the French Polynesia
region is as affordable as those offered aboard these new ships. The combination of itinerary, onboard service
and affordability will clearly differentiate Princess from the competition."
Special promotional pricing for 10-day Tahitian Princess sailings begins at $799 per person, double occupancy.
Princess Cruises, one of the best-known names in North American cruising, currently operates a fleet of ten ships
deployed on many different itineraries calling at more than 180 ports worldwide. Cruises range from 7 to 32 days
in length to destinations including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, the Panama Canal, Mexico, the South Pacific,
South America, Hawaii, Asia, Canada, New England and Bermuda.
Further information about Princess' French Polynesia and South Pacific sailings is available through a professional
travel agent. Brochures are available by calling 1-800-PRINCESS.
Note:
The line's current Pacific Princess, known as the original Love Boat, is on a Bermuda deployment until the end
of October. Following a trans-Atlantic/Mediterranean sailing departing October 27, 2002, the ship will retire from
the Princess fleet.
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Contact:
Princess Cruises, Santa Clarita
Julie Benson, 661/753-1530
jbenson@princesscruises.com