Cruise

Regal Princess Sets Sail

Regal-Princess-small-May21

The newest cruise ship to join the Princess fleet, Regal Princess, arrived in Venice earlier this week to welcome guests on the maiden voyage.

Sister ship to the acclaimed Royal Princess, its seven-day inaugural cruise includes stops in Corfu, Mykonos and an overnight call in Istanbul.

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome another addition to the Princess family with Regal Princess,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “This new ship now expands our fleet to 18 vessels that visit worldwide destinations, and guests travelling aboard Regal Princess will truly have a special experience while enjoying her exciting features including the showpiece atrium, exceptional dining, relaxing Lotus Spa and innovative features like the over-water SeaWalk.”

Throughout the summer, the new ship will sail on Princess’ signature Grand Mediterranean cruises, with two itinerary choices. Regal Princess will debut in North America in November, when the traditional naming ceremony will take place, followed by a season of Eastern Caribbean cruises.

Special features aboard the 3,560-passenger Regal Princess include:

!!! The SeaWalk – The ship’s most distinguishing design element is an over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed enclosed walkway on the ship’s starboard side extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel. From here guests can enjoy dramatic views, including to the sea 128 feet below.

!!! Dramatic Atrium – The social hub of the ship, the soaring atrium offers a vibrant collection of always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services. Features such as Bellini’s Italian cocktail bar, Ocean Terrace seafood bar, and a gelateria add to the Piazza’s lively atmosphere.

!!! Chef’s Table Lumiere – Princess has set a new standard for the chef’s table experience with the Chef’s Table Lumiere in which guests will be magically surrounded by a curtain of light – providing a soft wall of privacy that envelopes diners as they savor the chef’s special menu.

!!! Princess WaterColor Fantasy – The ship’s central pool area features daily and nightly performances of four separate themed sequences comprised of dancing fountains, special music and live performers. The Movies Under the Stars screen is also incorporated as an additional show element.

!!! Princess Live! – The ship’s television studio features programming throughout the day from 8 a.m. until midnight. Guests can enjoy live talk shows, demonstrations and performers here, including the daily Wake Show.

!!! Super Tuscan Wines – More than 20 choices of these headline-making wines from Tuscany are available in Sabatini’s. Ranging from recognizable Super Tuscans such as Masseto, Solaia or Tignanello to some lesser known vintages such as Castello del Terricio ‘Cappuanino’ or Il Bruciato Bolgheri, these wines are featured by the bottle and in a Sabatini’s Super Tuscan Wine Tasting event, where guests can enjoy the rare opportunity to sample the wines accompanied by delicious small plates from the Italian restaurant.

!!! Horizon Bistro Pastry Shop – At the Horizon Court’s dedicated pastry shop guests can indulge in fresh-baked goodies throughout the day and even get to see Princess’ pastry chefs in action as they demonstrate their skills in chocolate work and cake decorating.

!!! Private Cabanas – Private cabana options give guests the opportunity to personalize their relaxation time, with elegant cabanas in The Sanctuary and poolside cabanas at the Retreat Pool. Cabana guests looking for a gourmet treat can order one of the ship’s new cabana picnic baskets, packed with artisan edibles paired with a premium wine.

Two new features of Regal Princess include an additional aft pool and access to the exterior promenade on deck 7, enabling passengers to walk the length of the ship.

Pictured, the entire ship’s company of the new Regal Princess, along with Princess president Jan Swartz (c), gather to celebrate the ship’s debut.

(http://www.princess.com)