Explore ancient civilisations

18 May 2006

Explore ancient civilisations aboard a modern Princess

Kiwis are discovering that one of the easiest, most affordable and definitely comfortable ways to see Europe is by ship.

And with Princess Cruises releasing its 2007 European itinerary, lovers of cruising are spoilt for choice. A record five state-of-the-art ships is departing on 81 luxury cruises from seven to 24 days in the new European season.

The ships call at an unprecedented 110 destinations in Europe, many with historic links with New Zealand from times of war.

They include ports on the Crimean Coast and in the Holy Land, Mediterranean, Scandinavia, British Isles, Baltic, Iceland and Egypt between April and December next year. The five ships have a total of almost 3,000 balcony cabins - the most of any fleet in Europe.

The ships include the two latest vessels for Princess Cruises - the 680-passenger boutique liner Royal Princess and the brand new 3100-passenger megaliner Emerald Princess.

"Taking a European cruise is one of the easiest, most affordable and most comfortable ways to see multiple countries in Europe in one hassle-free holiday, with fares including all main meals and entertainment," says P&O Cruises New Zealand manager Shannon Currie.

Highlights of Princess' new 2007 Europe brochure for Downunder include:

* The debut of Royal Princess with a series of 12-night voyages featuring Troy, Kotor, Split, Ravenna, Sardinia, Corsica, the castle-studded Crimean coast on the Black Sea and Princess' first sailings to the Holy Land destinations of Nazareth and Jerusalem in five years.
* The inaugural season of megaliner Emerald Princess hosting Princess' popular 12-day voyages between Venice and Barcelona as well as cruises to the ancient Greek ruins of Olympia, the spectacular Roman ruins at Ephesus in Turkey and the beautiful Greek islands.
* Voyages through northern Europe, including Iceland, Norway, Greenland and the British Isles aboard the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess.
* Exotic cruises to Russia, Scandinavia, Poland and Germany aboard the 2,600-passenger Star Princess.
* A series of seven or 14-day voyages aboard the 1,950-passenger Sea Princess from Southampton to some of Europe's most popular destinations.

Fares are available from NZ$1,583 per person (complete twin cabin) for a seven-night cruise on Sea Princess from Southampton to Spain and France. Balcony cabins are available from NZ$2,584 pp. Air and hotel packages are also available. Conditions apply and fares are subject to availability.

Bookings for Princess Cruises are via travel agents or Princess Cruises on 0800 95 12 00 or visit www.pocruises.co.nz

ENDS