Sapphire Princess to Sail from Shanghai in 2014

Carnival Corporation is to introduce its Princess Cruises brand to China in 2014, with Shanghai confirmed as home port for Sapphire Princess during a four-month season expected to carry 70,000 passengers.

The new round trip cruises will begin in May 2014.

Quickly expanding throughout the Asia region, Princess Cruises has placed China foremost in the company’s deployment plans. Carnival Corporation & Plc, parent group of Princess Cruises, has already opened offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.

Princess Cruises invites some of world’s most celebrated women to officially name the ships in their fleet. The women include such iconic figures such as actresses Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren , former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, Diana Princess of Wales and, most recently, The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton who named Royal Princess in June.

Passengers on the new China-based cruises will be treated to numerous programs including world leader dinners, sommelier wine excursions, daily English high tea, a 24-hour buffet, Tai Chi and Zumba, a “Princess Night” bedtime experience, and a complete shopping experience. Personal enrichment courses will also be offered for adults and children.

The 2014 China season will feature four different itineraries ranging from three to seven days which - according to Princess research - shows is the ideal number of vacation days for the Chinese market.

The 7-day cruise will see Sapphire Princess take passengers to the vibrant Korean capital of Seoul, on to the culturally rich beach resort of Busan and finishing at the magical Island of Jeju, before returning to Shanghai. The four-day cruise will call at Busan and Jeju, the five-day cruise will call at Jeju and Inchon, while the three-day cruise calls at Jeju.

Alan Buckelew, President and CEO of Princess Cruises said, “We’re excited to bring a new premium cruise travel experience to China’s shores. Though we have carried thousands of Chinese travelers on our ships over many years, we think the time is right for a new premium cruise experience that offers a new type of vacation experience for the Chinese consumer, sailing from China.”

The 116,000-ton Sapphire Princess carries 2,670 passengers and, at 952 feet long, has 18 decks and 28 premium suites with private balconies. The ship also includes a casino, duty-free shops, fitness center and spa, sports deck, children’s and teen’s centers, library, internet café, wedding chapel, art gallery and a golf putting course, among other features.

Princess’ new 2014 season of cruises will go on sale to the public on 1 November 2013. The line is currently inviting charter opportunities through 1 October 2013.