One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises
first set sail in 1965 with a single ship cruising to Mexico.
Today, the line has grown to become the third largest cruise
line in the world, renowned for innovative ships, an array
of onboard options, and an environment of exceptional customer
service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess
offers approximately 1.3 million passengers each year the
opportunity to escape to the top destinations around the
globe, aboard a fleet of 17 modern vessels.
Princess Cruises was catapulted to stardom in 1977 when
one of its ships, Pacific Princess, was cast in a starring
role on a new television show called "The Love Boat."
The weekly series, which introduced millions of viewers
to the concept of a sea-going vacation, was an instant hit
and both the company name and its "seawitch" logo
have remained synonymous with cruising ever since. The show,
which can still seen around the world, has been widely credited
with fueling the dramatic expansion of the industry.
A History of Innovation
Since the line's beginnings, Princess has frequently paved
the way in the cruise industry, evolving to meet the needs
of today's vacationer. In fact, a number of Princess concepts
have since been adopted by the entire cruise industry.
The company has long been the leader in building ships
specifically designed to accommodate an extensive number
of the most sought-after shipboard luxury -- the private
balcony. In the 1980s Princess pioneered the concept of
the affordable veranda, once an exclusive feature incorporated
in only the most expensive suites. Today, Princess' fleet
offers one of the highest percentages of balcony cabins
in the industry, across all cabin categories.
In the mid-1990s the company pioneered the concept of putting
passengers in control of their own cruise experience with
the introduction a wide range of flexible onboard facilities,
amenities and services in order to create a personal vacation
experience. The company also pioneered 24-hour dining with
the first ‘round-the-clock restaurant. Dining options
were further revolutionized in 2001 as Princess became the
first cruise line to offer passengers a choice in their
main dining room experience -- either the traditional seating
or a restaurant-style Anytime Dining, in which diners could
eat when and with whom they chose.
Some other Princess innovations over the years include
the first wedding chapel hosting modern-day weddings at
sea; the unique Times Square-style Movies Under the Stars
poolside movie screen; and The Sanctuary, an adults-only
oasis that has become exceedingly popular with passengers
looking to relax.
A Consummate Host
No matter where Princess ships sail, passengers enjoy warm
and gracious service in an atmosphere of comfortable elegance.
Princess crew members are dedicated to providing exceptional
service to ensure guests can escape the everyday with an
unforgettable vacation.
Public spaces on Princess ships are designed to feel intimate,
even on the largest vessels, and feature contemporary decor,
allowing passengers to enjoy themselves in an informal,
relaxed onboard atmosphere that mirrors today's lifestyles.
Princess' C.R.U.I.S.E. customer service training program,
with its credo of Courtesy, Respect, Unfailing in Service
Excellence, has worked to ensure superior service levels
for more than a decade, making it the longest running such
program in the industry. This guiding philosophy defines
the Princess onboard experience and includes a variety of
programs to make sure that onboard staff members work in
unison to serve passengers, and provide an remarkable cruise
experience.
Worldwide Destinations
Princess' more than 100 different itineraries offer travelers
the opportunity to literally cover the globe, with sailings
to all seven continents that call at approximately 350 ports
and destinations around the world. Destinations include
the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Europe, Mexican Riviera,
South America, Australia/New Zealand, South Pacific, Hawaii,
Tahiti/French Polynesia, Asia, India, Africa, Canada/New
England, Antarctica and world cruises. Princess passengers
can enhance their cruise experience through the Adventures
Ashore® program featuring nearly 4,000 in-port excursions
worldwide, and the company's expanding cruisetour offerings
enable passengers to combine their cruise with a full land
tour.
In particular, having led the way in Gulf of Alaska cruising,
Princess maintains a strong presence in the 49th state.
Through its Seattle-based Princess Tours division, the company
operates a wide variety of spectacular land and sea experiences
in the majestic "Land of the Midnight Sun." The
largest cruise and tour operator in the state, Princess
operates as many as eight cruise ships, five riverside wilderness
lodges, a fleet of deluxe motor coaches, and luxury domed
rail cars -- which provide easy access to Alaska's interior
with the line's unique "Direct to the Wilderness"
service. As a result, Princess passengers can connect seamlessly
between cruise ship and a land tour, giving them the opportunity
to experience Alaska's most popular attractions in a single
vacation.
Princess Cruises is part of Carnival Corporation, one of
the largest vacation companies in the world.
