Princess targets China with new ship

Princess Cruises‘ next new ship will be based in China all-year-round when it enters service, offering facilities specifically designed for Chinese guests.

The as-yet-unnamed ship is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, and will be based in Shanghai following its launch in summer 2017. It will weigh approximately 143,000 tonnes and be able to carry 3,600 passengers.

“Deploying our next new ship in China underscores our strong commitment to growing the China cruise market and providing discerning travellers with amazing vacation experiences at sea,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises.

“And as this ship is still in the design phase we are looking forward to creating other new and exciting venues and experiences catering to the Chinese vacationer, which we will reveal in the coming months.”

Based on the design of the existing Royal Princess and Regal Princess cruise liners, the new vessel will feature a range of facilities, including a glass-bottomed ‘SeaWalk’ that extends 8.5 metres over the side of the ship, a fountain and music show, a large outdoor movie screen and duty-free shopping area.

In terms of accommodation, Princess said cabins will be configured “to appeal to families and multi-generational travellers”, and all outside cabins will have balconies. F&B offerings will include a traditional English afternoon tea, a lobster grill and ocean-view hot pot dinners.

Princess began homeport cruising in China just last year, when the Sapphire Princess operated its inaugural season of cruises from Shanghai. This ship will return for a second China season on 4 June, running until October 2015.

sourced:traveldailymedia.com