Princess Patricia® the company's first cruise ship
Princess Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015. It was in 1965 that Stanley B. McDonald, the company's founder, chartered his first ship, the Princess Patricia®, to Mexico, marking the cruise line's inaugural voyage. Since then, a series of historic milestones have unfolded, making this company unique.
Princess Cruises was a pioneer in regularly scheduling cruises through the Panama Canal. It was in 1968 that the company chartered its third ship, the Princess Carla.
In 1974 the company was acquired by The Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O) and the television series "The Love Boat" began filming aboard the Pacific Princess.
It was with this same ship, Pacific Princess, that the company launched its first Mediterranean cruise season in 1985.
In 1987, Caribbean cruises began with departures from Miami, and the first cruises to Asia and Northern Europe debuted.
In 1995 the company included the largest number of balcony cabins to date on its ship Sun Princess and the first 24-hour cafeteria.
A year later, in 1996, the RUISE customer service program was launched. It was created with the idea of distinguishing Princess Cruises from other cruise lines through excellent customer service.
In 1998, the Grand Princess, christened by Olivia de Havilland, joined the fleet, the largest cruise ship in the world at the time.
In 2003 Carnival Corporation acquired P&O Princess International.
Ten years later, in 2013, the Royal Princess, christened by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, joined the fleet.
This past year, 2014, Princess opened local offices in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Singapore and the new Regal Princess joined the fleet, christened by the original cast of actors from "The Love Boat" as a launch of the celebrations for this 50th anniversary.
Today, the company offers its guests fantastic destinations around the world aboard its exclusive cruise ships while introducing new and unforgettable experiences. 2015 will be filled with numerous special events and surprises. Onboard celebrations will coincide with regional and global holidays such as carnivals and Chinese New Year. Musical performances will pay tribute to renowned groups like the Beatles. Commemorative menus will feature some of the finest dishes from the past 50 years. Guests can enjoy exclusive chocolate desserts from the famous pastry chef Norman Love and deck parties like "Holidays at Sea." Vintage memorabilia will be available in the ship's boutiques, and of course, exclusive drinks will be offered in honor of this 50th anniversary.
Princess Cruises invites you to toast these 50 years and board one of its 18 magnificent ships that will make this year a unique and exclusive experience.
