By Cathy Carroll
LOS ANGELES -- Princess Cruises said its Grand Princess will
make its May 1998 debut in Europe, not in the Caribbean, as had
been planned.
The line cited growing demand for European itineraries and an
element of novelty in positioning the 2,600-passenger vessel,
which, at 109,000 tons, will become the world's largest cruise ship
when it enters service.
"Big ships don't have to be just in the Caribbean," said Rick
James, senior vice president of sales and corporate relations.
"The infrastructure in Europe for years has supported large
ships, and it will be very easy for it to accept a 109,000-ton
ship."
The world's largest ship currently is the 2,642-passenger,
101,000-ton Carnival Destiny, which was launched in the Caribbean
last November.
The Grand Princess, however, will not be the first mega-ship to
debut in Europe.
Last April, Royal Caribbean International's Splendour of the
Seas and Holland America Line's Veendam both spent their maiden
seasons there.
The Grand Princess will sail 11-night itineraries between
Barcelona and Istanbul, with overnights in both cities, and calls
in between at Monte Carlo, Florence, Naples/Capri, Venice, Athens
and Ephesus, according to the line.
The ship will offer 11 European sailings from May 14 through
Sept. 11 and will debut in North America on Sept. 24 in New York
before beginning her maiden Caribbean season Oct. 4.
Joining the new ship will be the Royal Princess, offering
northern Europe and eastern Mediterranean cruises, and the Pacific
Princess and Island Princess, offering a series of "Connoisseur
Cruises," including exploration beyond the Arctic Circle.
All together, the line will offer 45 European sailings,
featuring 17 itineraries.
The 1998 Europe season will become the longest in the company's
history, beginning March 23 and concluding Jan. 3, following a
Christmas cruise in the Holy Land.
James added, however, that Princess has not lost faith in the
Caribbean.
"Our four grand class ships by 1999 will carry twice as many
passengers in the Caribbean as they do in 1997," he said.
Princess Love Boat Savers program will be offered for the 1998
Europe season, featuring 50% off the second passenger fares, which
are guaranteed through Feb. 14.
A passenger booking the most expensive cabin can save up to
$3,265 per person, according to the line.
Pricing starts at $3,495 for an 11-day voyage aboard the Grand
Princess, according to the line.
The line also announced the creation of Grand Class Gold butler
service for all suites and minisuites on the line's four
Europe-based ships.
The butlers will augment stateroom stewards and offer services
such as polishing golf clubs, developing film and posting mail,
booking shore excursions and delivering in-room afternoon tea
service.