Crown Princess, Debuting in 2006, is Name of Sister Ship to Caribbean Princess
Innovative Vessel Will Feature new Dining Opportunities and Design Features
SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Dec. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Reprising the name of a
former Princess ship, the line will name the next new vessel to join its fleet
Crown Princess. A sister ship to the highly praised Caribbean Princess, it
will debut in May 2006. Like her sibling, Crown Princess will also offer a
year-round Caribbean deployment.
But Crown Princess will not be an identical twin. Similar to Caribbean
Princess, Crown Princess will feature a number of innovations designed for
cruising in the balmy Caribbean waters, but the ship will also offer a number
of new design evolutions to create additional options for passengers,
including a piazza-style atrium, even more dining venues and redesigned public
spaces.
New choices include several new eateries -- an International Cafe, Wine
and Seafood Bar, pub fare in the Wheelhouse Bar, and a Steak and Seafood House
-- as well as a redesigned Skywalkers nightclub and larger space on the top
deck for the line's trademark Italian trattoria, Sabatini's.
Among the ship's signature spaces will be the ship's atrium area, which
will take on a new flare and offer some tasty added options with an open
piazza-style design. Within this street cafe environment, passengers will
find a new International Cafe serving up fresh pastries and baked goods in the
morning and assorted other offerings throughout the day, as well as a wine and
seafood bar to tempt passengers with an assortment of fine wine and a bar
featuring chilled seafood "cocktails." The ship's Internet Cafe will be
housed in the atrium as well as the Travel Cafe -- a place to plan future
travels.
The 113,000-ton ship takes over the name of a Princess vessel that left
the fleet in 2002. The original Crown Princess, which debuted in 1990, was
the first ship built for Princess by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, and
construction of her successor ship is soon to be underway at the same yard.
The first Crown Princess became the A'Rosa Blu for sister company Aida
Cruises, a brand serving the German market.
"Crown Princess is clearly the perfect name for a Princess ship, and this
seemed like the appropriate opportunity to bring this moniker back into our
fleet," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service
and sales. "More importantly, her debut will further our growth in the region
and our goal of providing one of the best cruise experiences in the
Caribbean."
Crown Princess' public areas on decks six and seven will also offer new or
redesigned spaces. Meeting planners will appreciate the new conference
center, available to the many onboard groups. The ship's casino will now
feature a private cocktail lounge for those who want to indulge in cigars and
spirits. Princess' signature Wheelhouse bar will be expanded and moved
forward (as on Diamond Princess), offering a club-like atmosphere with the
addition of a menu of traditional pub fare and draft ale. The line's popular
martini bar, Crooners will move its menu of 50 specialty martinis to an
intimate location on the port side of the vessel.
An evolution from previous ships' Sterling Steakhouse concept, a new Steak
and Seafood house will move into the area traditionally held by Sabatini's and
the Wheelhouse Bar. This showplace eatery will feature an open, theater-style
kitchen where chefs will custom-prepare steamed shellfish -- such as lobster,
scallops, clams and mussels -- and cooked-to-order steaks and chops.
Passengers can choose to sit at the kitchen's eat-up counter and watch the
show as they dine. Larger than the Sterling Steakhouse venues, this 180-seat
restaurant will feature the privacy of booths as well as tables and counter
seating.
Up on the top decks other changes are afoot. The ship's profile will more
resemble that of Diamond Princess with the signature Skywalkers nightclub
moved forward towards the ship's funnel. A sports court will crown the top of
this trademark disco and observation lounge. And the company's Lotus Spa will
grow to a two-story space.
New to the top decks is Trattoria Sabatini, which will offer additional
space for diners to enjoy this eight-course Italian extravaganza. The space
will also offer a lounge area where Sabatini diners can enjoy a convenient
pre-dinner cocktail. The stunning venue offers views on three sides with
dramatic vistas over the ship.
Of course Crown Princess will offer many of the special features than
passengers have come to love on her sister ship. The vessel will sport the
dramatic "Movies Under the Stars" poolside screen, featuring outdoor viewing
of first run movies and special events complete with reserved padded lounge
chairs, drink specials and movie nibbles. Cafe Caribe will continue to serve
up tasty Caribbean specialties in a deluxe buffet setting, with a focus on a
different island or region each night.
Princess passengers will also enjoy the many Personal Choice options they
know from the line's other vessels. Princess continues to be the only line
offering a choice in the ships' main dining rooms between Traditional seating
and the restaurant-style Anytime Dining. Crown Princess will offer multiple
show lounges and main dining rooms, as well as a variety of intimately
designed public spaces for the "big ship choice, small ship feel" atmosphere
that defines the line. Other ship features include a wedding chapel with
Internet wedding cam, and an extensive children and teen's center with splash
pool and outdoor play area, sports and fitness facilities, a wide array of
educational ScholarShip@Sea classes, and a Princess trademark -- nearly 900
staterooms with private balconies.
Additional information about Crown Princess is available through a
professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the
company's website at http://www.princess.com.
About Princess Cruises:
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global
cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 14 modern ships renowned for
their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and
amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A
recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess offers its passengers to
opportunity to escape to the top destinations around the globe, with sailings
to all seven continents, ranging in length from seven to 30 days. The
company, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2005, is part of Carnival
Corporation.
Princess Cruises is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our
exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America,
Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, Windstar Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn.
Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value,
our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together
we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable
destinations.
