Cruise line will offer a longer Mediterranean season from Southampton next summer
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Princess Cruises is to offer its most extensive range of UK and European sailings in 2016.
Next year, the cruise line will provide a series of three to 48-night itineraries as part of its longer Mediterranean season from Southampton. The 3,000-guest Emerald Princess will make 15 departures between April and September next year, compared to ten this year.
For the first time in three years, Princess will offer a three-night sampler cruise from Southampton and will also sail a 48-night voyage from the UK port to Sydney, Australia in September 2016.
Princess’ two newest ships will be based in Europe next year. Royal Princess will sail in the Mediterranean sailing seven to 21-night itineraries out of Civitavecchia, Italy; Athens, Greece; or Barcelona, Spain. Regal Princess will sail from Copenhagen in Denmark to destinations in Northern Europe.
In addition, the 3,000-guest Caribbean Princess will sail from Southampton on ‘Round Britain’ cruises, while the 670-guest Pacific Princess will offer a split season, sailing out of the UK port of Dover for half of the summer and spending the second half of the season offering Greek Isles fly cruises.
“There really is a cruise in Europe for everyone and our 2016 programme is packed with options,” said Paul Ludlow, Princess Cruises managing director UK and Europe. “We have some returning guest favourites such as the Canaries, while the addition of a three-night sampler cruise is a must for anyone wishing to try Princess for the first time.”
Other highlights include free drinks packages on all European voyages and the return of cruises to the Canaries and Iberia.
“Meanwhile our free drinks package offers great value for anyone who wants to know their bar bills are taken care of in advance of their trip,” said Ludlow.