In my years as a cruise specialist, I have found myself cruising on a Princess Cruises ship more often than any other cruiseline. I do have to admit that my first experience of a local Princess ship left me feeling a little “beige”! Happily that first impression didn’t last long. The local fleet has been updated over the years to bring them up to the same standard as the worldwide fleet, so I have no hesitation in putting anyone on a Princess ship – anywhere in the world.
One thing you’ll find when embarking on a Princess Cruise ship, is a feeling of home! The consistency of the fleet means you know what you’re getting, and more than likely where to find it too! From the largest in the fleet [Majestic Princess] to the smallest [Pacific Princess], the more you cruise, the more you’ll feel at home.
All main meals are included when cruising with Princess Cruises (even extending as far as room service!). I always encourage my clients to give the Specialty restaurants a go when onboard. Depending on the ship you’re sailing aboard, try the Sterling Steakhouse, Curtis Stone’s Taste, Cantonese cuisine at Harmony, or grab something casual at Salty Dog Gatropub. Have an amazing steak at Crown Grill, pasta galore at Sabatini’s, fresh sushi at Kai Sushi or a little taste of New Orleans at the Bayou Cafe. My favourite Princess restaurant is La Mer on Majestic Princess – and don’t even get me started about the Chef’s Table experience (a must-do), especially Lumiere on the Royal Class ships.
Princess Cruises are well-known for their annual World Cruise from Sydney (and other selected Australian cities). The Sea Princess departs from Sydney, Brisbane (& Auckland) in May 2019 for a 106 day journey. Cruise to the Subcontinent, Middle East, through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean, North to the the Baltic Sea, England, Ireland, Iceland, Eastern Canada & the USA, through the Panama Canal to Central & South America, and home across the South Pacific. Join the full cruise or maybe a shorter sector. For those wanting to cruise in 2020, let me know as soon as possible. The new itinerary will be ready to book in November 2018!
The local fleet includes the Sea Princess, Sun Princess, Golden Princess & Majestic Princess, which all sail in & around our region for some or all of the year. Ruby Princess will start her first Australian season in 2019! The remaining fleet currently include: Caribbean Princess, Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Diamond Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Pacific Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Sapphire Princess & Star Princess.
New ships joining the fleet soon include Sky Princess (2019) & Enchanted Princess (2020), with Golden Princess & Star Princess leaving the fleet to be transferred to P&O Australia in 2020/2021 respectively.
You’ll be automatically signed up as a Captains Circle member before your first Princess cruise. Work you way through the membership levels (Gold, Ruby, Platinum & ultimately Elite!) and watch your benefits multiply. Don’t forget to purchase a Princess “Future Cruise Deposit” of $100 per person during your cruise, to ensure that you receive a bonus Onboard Credit & no additional deposit on your next cruise.
Along with experiencing multiple cruises & destinations with Princess Cruises, I have also been lucky to be able to inspect all of the home-based fleet over the years. Click on the ship names below to see my photos from each ship!
For itineraries departing from an Australian port, your Onboard Account will be charged in Aussie Dollars & no tipping will be required, as the staff are paid Australian wages. When sailing on Princess from any other port worldwide, the Onboard Currency will be the almighty US Dollar. On a cruise where US Dollars applies, a daily service charge will appear on your account. This charge is split between your cabin steward, waitstaff & many other behind the scenes staff who help to make sure that your cruise experience is fabulous. While you’re having a fabulous holiday, remember the crew in the laundry & kitchen who you never see, and remember just how low US wages can be!
Booking Princess Cruises during a TravelManagers Cruise Sale Week will halve your deposit & give you a bonus Onboard Credit. Ask me more – as well as where & when to cruise on Princess Cruises, and the best deal available for you! ? Christie
CLIA Cruise Master | Top 20 cruise travel agents - Australia
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