The NEW Pacific & Tahitian Princesses
Princess Adds Two Former Renaissance Ships to Fleet
Vessels Debut as Tahitian Princess and Pacific Princess
Expand Line's Exotic Destinations With Year-Round French Polynesia Sailings; Small Ships Will Offer Princess' Personal Choice Cruising Experience and Trademark Balconies
The new Pacific Princess in Princess Livery (formerly R3)
SANTA CLARITA, Ca Aug. 9, 2002 - 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.
Tahitian Princess and Pacific Princess Fast Facts
Entered Service: 1999
Builder: Chantiers de lAtlantique in France
Former Names: R3 Pacific Princess; R4 Tahitian Princess (operated by Renaissance Cruises)
Joins Princess Fleet: December 24, 2002 is first cruise departure for Tahitian Princess; Spring 2003 Pacific Princess will enter service for Princess
Gross Tonnage: 30,227
Length: 594 feet
Beam: 83.5 feet
Draft: 19.5 feet
Total Decks: 11
Passenger Decks: 9
Speed: 20 knots maximum
Propulsion: Diesel electric - Two 6750 Kw propulsion motors.
Passengers: 688
Passenger Space Ratio: 44
Crew: 373
Stabilizers: Yes
Registry: Gibraltar
Passenger Cabins: 344 total: 317 outside (92%) and 27 inside; 232 with private balcony (73% of outside); 10 suites; 52 mini-suites; 3 wheelchair-accessible
Cabin Amenities: Television with CNN, ESPN and first-run movies, VCR, personal safe, refrigerators, hair dryer, 110/120v current
Passenger Facilities: 4 restaurants: Main Dining Room, Sabatinis Trattoria, Sterling Steakhouse, and 24-hour Lido Café, Poolside Barbeque Grill, Showlounge, Eight Bars, Observation Lounge, Swimming Pool, 2 Whirlpool Spas, Casino, Spa, Fitness Center, Jogging Track, Beauty Salon, 2 Shops, Library, Card Room, Photo Gallery, 4 Elevators, Self Service Launderette, Medical Center
Itineraries:
Tahitian Princess
Year-round 10-day French Polynesia Sailings. The inaugural sailing date for Tahitian Princess is 12/24/02. She will sail the following itinerary throughout 2003:
Day 1 Papeete (overnight)
Day 2 Papeete depart 5pm
Day 3 Huahine 8am-5pm
Day 4 At Sea
Day 5 Rarotonga 8am-5pm
Day 6 At Sea
Day 7 Raiatea noon-11pm
Day 8 Moorea 8am-5pm
Day 9 Bora Bora arrive 8am
Day 10 Bora Bora depart 5pm
Day 11 Papeete arrive am
Pacific Princess
Operates on a split deployment, spending six months in service for Princess Cruises and six months for P&O Cruises Australia brand, debuting November 18, 2002 from Sydney. It will join the Princess fleet in Spring 2003.
First Voyage for the Pacific Princess is 4/27/03, 15-night cruise from Sydney to Papeete. After that voyage, she will sail the 10-night cruise itinerary listed above.
Check out the Stateroom Floorplans (from the last brochure published by Renaissance Cruises)
More About Princess Cruises