Operations will begin in the summer of 2017, departing from Shanghai.
The new ship will be the first luxury vessel designed specifically for Chinese travelers and will be available year-round.
Carnival Corporation & plc has announced that the ship, currently under construction for Princess Cruises, will be based in China during its inaugural year, beginning in the summer of 2017. Shanghai will be home to the new international cruise ship, designed and built specifically for Chinese customers.
The ship, which is yet to be named, is being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. It will have a capacity of approximately 3,600 passengers and will feature a wide variety of destinations in its itineraries, which will be revealed later. The newest member of the Princess family will boast a number of innovations tailored specifically for the growing number of cruise passengers in China.
The new project is based on the design of the company's Royal Princess and Regal Princess, which have been praised by guests from around the world for their luxurious, beautifully designed spaces, wide variety of entertainment options, activities, and multiple spaces to enjoy the finest cuisine.
“The positioning of our next ship in China demonstrates our strong commitment to the growth of the cruise market in Asia. This will allow us to provide incredible vacation experiences at sea for the most discerning travelers,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises.
Princess Cruises established China as the homeport for some of its ships last year, resulting in an excellent season, departing from Shanghai aboard the Sapphire Princess. This ship will continue for a second season in China, beginning June 4 and running through October 2015.
The new ship will share many of these special features, including a spectacular multi-story atrium that serves as the ship's social hub; a dramatic glass-bottomed observation deck on the top deck that extends 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship; the interactive Princess Live! studio; the largest pastry shop at sea; the Chef's Special Lumiere Table, a private dining experience that surrounds guests in a curtain of light; Watercolor Fantasy, a musical fountain show; Movies Under the Stars, offering the largest outdoor screen at sea; and, of course, balconies in all outside staterooms. Accommodations have been designed for families and multigenerational travelers.
In addition, passengers can enjoy the Princess Class experience, designed specifically for the Chinese market. This exclusive program was introduced during the ship's inaugural season in the Asian country. Based on the complete dedication and care of the ship's crew, it enriches the onboard experience for every cruise guest, allowing them to participate in cultural, culinary, and entertainment programs, as well as unique and inspiring moments. These include the World Leaders Dinner, traditional English afternoon tea, delicious grilled lobster, balcony dining, a hot pot dinner option with an ocean view, ballroom dancing, and an unparalleled shopping experience in the duty-free shops.
Guests will be able to enjoy international cuisine on board, including Chinese, Japanese, Italian, French, North and South American cuisine, among other regions; as well as a wide variety of international festivals to learn about cultures from around the world.
“While the ship is still in the design phase, we are analyzing the adaptation of new places, new and exciting experiences aimed at the Chinese tourist, which we will reveal in the coming months,” Swartz added.
More information about Princess Cruises is available by visiting www.princesschina.com.
