Princess Cruises announces biggest ever ex-UK season for 2018

Princess Cruises has announced that 2018 will see its biggest ever season of cruises departing from the UK.

Sapphire Princess will make its maiden visit to Europe, sailing from Southampton to the Mediterranean and northern Europe.

The ship will also sail from Singapore to Southampton on March 28, 2018 on an Indian Ocean & Europe Grand Adventures 38-night cruise. Ports of call include Colombo, Cochin and Dubai.

After six months sailing Europe roundtrips from Southampton, it will return to Singapore, providing two opportunities for guests to sail the unique 38-night itineraries.

Royal Princess will also return to the UK offering round-Britain cruises. New for 2018 will be late night stays in Belfast and overnight stays in Dublin, Glasgow and Edinburgh

Further to this, Pacific Princess will sail from Dover. It will feature a new 12-night European capitals cruise calling at destinations including Amsterdam, Oslo, Copenhagen and Paris.

The line also announced that Alaska will have its largest ever deployment with seven ships sailing the region from May to September.

Select itineraries provide ‘More Ashore’ overnight stays at destinations including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, St Petersburg, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Boston and Venice.

Tony Roberts, vice president Princess Cruises UK and Europe, said: “Having seen a significant increase in popularity of Princess cruises from the UK, we are thrilled to announce that our 2018 programme will be our biggest ever season. With over 40 sailings, there are more holiday options than ever before from the UK. And with just a 5 per cent deposit, guests can secure a seven night cruise for under £40.

“We are very excited to welcome Sapphire Princess, which has never sailed in Europe before and boasts unique features that we are confident our UK guests will enjoy. And the return of Royal Princess will be a special moment as 2018 will mark five years since she was launched in Southampton by HRH, the Duchess of Cambridge.”

Andy Harmer, director of Clia UK and Ireland, said: “Cruise holidays from the UK continue to surge in popularity. It’s great to see that Princess Cruises is helping drive this demand by increasing their UK season to help meet the ever-growing number of people who choose to cruise from these shores.”