Princess Cruises has begun the countdown to the launch of the Enchanted Princess, which will take place in Southampton (United Kingdom) on June 30, 2020. With a capacity of 3,660 passengers and a tonnage of 143,700 tons, the cruise line's new ship is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone (Italy).
Once completed, the ship will set sail for the Mediterranean for its inaugural season – beginning July 1, 2020 – with a 10-night cruise to Rome, stopping at the ports of Bilbao, Lisbon, Gibraltar, Barcelona, Toulon/Provence (La Seyne), and Florence/Pisa (Livorno). Later, it will head to the Caribbean in the fall of next year.
The Enchanted Princess will represent an evolution compared to its sister ships, including the Royal Princess, the company's most recent vessel to be christened in Southampton, specifically in 2013 by the Duchess of Cambridge. Other sister ships include the Regal Princess, the Majestic Princess, and the Sky Princess. The latter will join the fleet in October 2019.
Among its improvements, some of which will also be present on board the Sky Princess, are:
- Two Sky Suites, featuring the largest balconies at sea, will be located centrally on the upper decks. One will measure 94 square meters (facing starboard) and the other 88 square meters (facing port). These suites will offer a prime vantage point from which to view the Movies Under the Stars outdoor cinema screen on the main deck, as well as breathtaking 270-degree panoramic views and a capacity for up to five guests. Each suite will include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dining area with a skylight, and many other exclusive amenities.
- The Princess Medallion Class, thanks to the Ocean Medallion, a wearable device about the size of a 1 euro coin, provides an innovative level of service while simplifying holidays, offering a much more personalized and worry-free travel experience with:
- From the departure terminal to the ship's pool in a snap: Passengers who upload their travel documents (passports) to their profile before arriving at the terminal will enjoy a faster boarding process.
- Order and delivery of drinks on demand: From smart devices, passengers will be able to order drinks, food and other items and receive them anywhere on the ship, including their cabin.
- Ocean Compass: Available on travelers' smart devices, as well as on portals and screens throughout the ship, the Ocean Compass allows the Ocean Medallion to easily locate and communicate with friends and family on board. It's a tool that guides passengers on their journey by providing directional information so they can easily reach their next point of interest.
- New entertainment options include the jazz lounge, a redesigned Vista Lounge, and an improved Princess Theatre.
- More than 25 food and beverage outlets and bars, including the World Fresh Marketplace and specialty restaurants La Mer (French bistro), Crown Grill steakhouse and Sabatini's Italian trattoria.
- A redesigned Sanctuary area, the spa-inspired adults-only retreat on the upper deck, will feature an enhanced contemporary design with twice as many private cabanas as the other ships. It will also include new lounge and spa treatment options.
According to Mundomar Cruceros, General Agent for Spain and Portugal and Preferred Agent in Mexico,“Just one year after the launch of the Enchanted Princess in Southampton, we are at a truly exciting time for Princess Cruises as the company prepares to add a new ship to its fleet. This vessel will once again demonstrate our unwavering commitment to offering premium services and other attractions, as well as maintaining the Princess experience that has captivated our passengers.”
