Princess Cruises Adds Some “Aloha” to 2010-11 Voyages

While they aren't bidding a permanent “adios” to the Mexican Riviera, Princess Cruises has mixed things up a bit on the west coast by adding seven new sailings to its fall 2010 to spring 2011 schedule. In addition to three two-week Hawaiian cruises Sapphire Princess, will offer two leisurely Pacific crossings between California and Sydney, plus a short northwestern repositioning cruise, and a longer-than-usual Mexican Riviera sailing.

“Due to the enthusiastic response to our 2009 Trans Pacific sailing we wanted to offer additional opportunities to experience this unique itinerary,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “The two new month-long sailings visiting 13 tropical ports of call will give cruisers a true taste of the idyllic South Pacific.” Swartz added that increased interest in roundtrip Hawaii sailings prompted Princess to add several more of these sailings to its west coast lineup as well.

The new Sapphire Princess voyages include:

• 2-day Pacific Coastal (Vancouver to San Francisco) – Sept 20, 2010
• 30-day Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific (San Francisco to Sydney) – Sept 22, 2010
• 29-day Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific (Sydney to Los Angeles) – Oct 23, 2010
• 10-day Mexican Riviera (roundtrip out of Los Angeles) – Jan 5, 2011
• 14-day Hawaiian Islands (roundtrip out of Los Angeles) – Jan 29, 2011
• 14-day Hawaiian Islands (roundtrip out of Los Angeles) – Feb 26, 2011
• 14-day Hawaiian Islands (roundtrip out of Los Angeles) – March 26, 2011

To accommodate the new cruises, which were added as a result of shifting demand in the west coast cruise market, Princess has cancelled 15 previously scheduled Mexican Riviera sailings. However, an additional 17 Mexican Riviera cruises will still sail as scheduled during this time period. The new sailings are currently open for booking. Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at Princess.com.