25th November 2024

This week we’re taking a look at some interesting bits & pieces from Princess Cruises. They've got an epic 131-day voyage that deserves swooning over and a shiny new ship too – here’s what's on the horizon for one of the best-known names in cruising…

Seas the day - all 131 of them, on this extended cruise

Break out the bucket list and get ready to make a serious dent on those dream destinations. Princess have unleashed their latest extended itinerary, and it’s a doozy! Sailing to 60 destinations across 19 countries and covering 29,000 nautical miles over 131 days, it’s the ultimate voyage of discovery. From tranquil temples and shrines in Japan to footprint-free beaches in French Polynesia, let’s take a deeper dive at some of the destination highlights…

Paradise found in the Pacific Islands

Honing in on Samoa, Vanuatu, Fiji, French Polynesia and New Caledonia – don’t be fooled into thinking these islands are interchangeable. Sprinkled across the South Pacific and teeming with a wealth of tropical treasures, swaying palms are where the similarities begin and end. From hidden waterfalls and lush rainforests in Fiji to crystal-clear lagoons and soaring mountains in Tahiti, these heavenly pockets of paradise will live on in your mind long after you’ve left.

Reach new heights in Japan

Few places will make your jaw drop like Japan’s highest mountain, Mt. Fuji. Sacred, snow-capped and standing proud at 12,389 feet above sea level, the site was officially granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2013. A perfect volcanic cone (technically still classed as active despite 1707 being the last recorded eruption), the natural beauty of the landscape has inspired artists for centuries. If you don’t fancy getting up-close-and-personal, there’s plenty of scenic spots from the port at Shimizu to catch a glimpse on clear days.

Visit Vietnam’s otherworldly landscapes

Another UNESCO site to add to your collection, Halong Bay is arguably one of Vietnam’s most iconic attractions. Spectacular limestone pillars soar from deep jade waters, while tree-carpeted islets bathe in the warm Gulf of Tonkin. Teeming with caverns and beaches it looks like it’s been pulled straight from a film set. Which might be because it has! A Hollywood-approved backdrop for big-name blockbusters like Bond and Kong – and arguably the inspiration behind Avatar’s imaginary planet, Pandora – the ethereal natural beauty of the Bay belongs on every bucket list.

The sights don’t stop there…

Scenic sailing

There’s plenty more to check off on your list too, including scenic cruising through New Zealand’s Milford Sound, Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park, plus the engineering marvel, the Panama Canal. As well as 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some of the world’s most legendary landmarks.

Commitment issues?

If 131 days is too long for your taste, Princess have plenty of segment sailings on offer for the slightly less time-rich. From a 59-day cruise across the South Pacific from LA to Singapore, to a 16-day Panama Canal itinerary from ocean to ocean – the choice is yours!

See Star Princess Segment Sailings

 

The newest star of the show

There's no sibling rivalry here!

Taking a leaf out of her older sister’s book, the new Star Princess is a stunning replica of the Sun Princess (which made its debut this year). From its astronomical size (the sisters are 20% larger than any of the line’s existing ships) to its stellar design (both ships showcase the first geodesic domes at sea) – Star Princess comes with a few shiny surprises of her own...

• A new SkyDeck sports court and track will also feature a jogging track, splash pad and shaded seating areas.
• Featuring Princess’ largest-ever casino, the expanded design includes newly designated non-smoking sections and additional slot machines.
• Returning restaurant favourites like Love by Britto and O’Malley’s Irish Pub have expanded to accommodate more guests.

A glass act

If you’re not yet acquainted, allow us to shine some (sun)light on what makes Princess’ two newest ships so special. Boasting ‘The Dome’ as a standout feature, the multi-level sphere of glass is inspired by Santorini's terraces. The central European-style Piazza spans three decks, offering seating areas with out-of-this-world ocean views and a central LED screen for live entertainment. Not to mention the indoor and outdoor pool areas that transform into an entertainment space with aerial performances by night.

See all Star Princess Sailings