The popularity of Princess` current schedule of Hawaii cruises has prompted the company to more than double its…
The popularity of Princess` current schedule of Hawaii cruises has prompted the company to more than double its capacity for the upcoming 2004-05 season. The larger Island Princess will now sail on the 15-day round-trip sailings from Los Angeles, in place of the previously announced Regal Princess. In addition, the schedule now features five additional sailings, giving the line a total of 15 departures to the island paradise.
Princess is going big in Hawaii, said Dean Brown, executive vice president of customer service and sales. We`ve been incredibly pleased by the response to our first full regular program of Hawaii sailings this season, so next year we`re making a dramatic expansion. Next season we`ll offer twice as many departures compared to our 2003-04 program, and we`re deploying one of our newest and most amenity-filled vessels there.
Island Princess will now offer sailings beginning September 21, 2004 through April 19, 2005 , including a special holiday voyage on December 20, during which passengers can celebrate both Christmas and the New Year.
Regal Princess has been redeployed on a series of Panama Canal voyages. The ship`s itinerary travels to all of major islands within the Aloha State, with visits to Hilo, Kona, Honolulu, Nawiliwili (Kauai) and Lahaina (Maui). In addition, passengers can take advantage of the ship`s many Personal Choice Cruising options and services during a series of relaxing days at sea between the islands and Los Angeles. A highlight of the ship`s visit to the Big Island is an evening cruise-by of one of the world`s most active volcanoes, Kilauea; providing the perfect vantage point to watch as glowing lava flows down to the sea.
Hawaii passengers will also enjoy the comfort of sailing on the new Island Princess, one of cruising`s most advanced passenger vessels. The 92,000-ton, 1,970-passenger ship offers an array of amenities, including the line`s largest number of staterooms with private balconies – perfect for enjoying the tropical climate and idyllic island views. The ship`s features include the Bayou Cafe, the first New Orleans-style restaurant at sea; and the Universe Lounge, a dramatic two-deck performance venue equipped with the latest lighting and digital sound and video systems.
This lounge is also home to the new ScholarShip@Sea enrichment program, which will keep passengers fascinated during their sea days with a variety of entertaining classes in culinary arts, photography, web design and ceramics, among others.
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