By
Rebecca Gibson |
Princess Cruises is to base its 2,670-passenger Sapphire Princess in Shangahi, China in May 2014.
By deploying the ship in China the cruise line, which expects to carry 70,000 passengers over a four-month period, aims to capitalise on the country’s burgeoning economy and increasing cruise market. Earlier this year, Carnival Corporation – parent company of Princess Cruises – opened offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu to support the brand’s growth in the region.
“We’re excited to bring a new premium cruise travel experience to China’s shores,” said Alan Buckelew, president and CEO of Princess Cruises. “Though we have carried thousands of Chinese travellers on our ships for many years, we think the time is right for a premium cruise experience that offers a new type of vacation experience for the Chinese consumer sailing from China.”
Sapphire Princess will offer a seven-day itinerary calling at Korea’s capital Seoul, Busan and the Island of Jeju, before returning to Shanghai. The ship will also sail five-day cruises to Jeju and Inchon, four-day trips to Busan and Jeju and three-day itineraries to Jeju.
Passengers on the new China-based cruises can also enjoy a range of cultural, culinary and entertainment programmes including world leader dinners, sommelier wine excursions, daily English high tea, the only 24-hour buffet at sea, Tai Chi and Zumba, ‘Touch of Class’ personal enrichment courses and more.
The 116,000 gt Sapphire Princess features 28 premium suites with private balconies, a casino, duty-free shops, fitness centre, spa and sports deck, youth areas, a library, a wedding chapel and more.