For the first time in four years, Princess Cruises will offer summer Caribbean cruises, including transits of the Panama Canal, in 2018, the line has announced.
The 3,192-guest Caribbean Princess will return that year to sail a full summer season, with itineraries ranging from seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings to a 20-day Caribbean and Panama Canal Explorer. All summer Caribbean cruises are open for booking December 1.
The 2018 April to October summer program includes 47 departures, roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, including eight unique itineraries visiting 23 destinations in 22 countries. In addition, four ports offer late night stays so guests have more time to explore the evening offerings in these destinations.
New for 2018, 20-day Caribbean and Panama Explorer voyages combine a 10-day Panama cruise and a 10-day Southern Caribbean Medley or Eastern Caribbean Voyager cruise.
Highlights include:
Eastern Caribbean (7 days) – Guests can enjoy calls at the ports of Princess Cays, St. Thomas, Grand Turk or Amber Cove with a multitude of water activities to choose from. Sailings depart May 26; June 9, 23; July 7, 21; August 4,18; and September 1.
Western Caribbean (7 days) – Alternating with the Eastern Caribbean voyages, this itinerary includes calls at Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Roatan and Belize, highlighting the Mayan culture and history of the region. Caribbean Princess sets sail on this route on May 19; June 2, 16, 30; July 14, 28; and August 11, 25.
Guests can combine these seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages for a 14-day Caribbean East/West Adventure.
Southern Caribbean (8 days) – One Southern Caribbean cruise will be offered with stops in Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire; departs May 11.
Eastern Caribbean Voyager (10 days) – This extended Eastern Caribbean cruise visits Princess Cays, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, and St. Kitts. Cruises depart May 1 and September 28.
Southern Caribbean Medley (10 days) – Guests can travel to the beautiful beaches in the Southern Caribbean, including Princess Cays, St. Thomas, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire and Curacao. Departures on April 11; September 8 and October 18.
Panama Canal with Costa Rica (10 days) – Transiting the new Agua Clara Locks with a Panama Canal partial transit, including a day of scenic cruising through Gatun Lake, guests will also visit Grand Cayman, Cartagena, Colon, Costa Rica (Límon) and Falmouth (Jamaica). Sailings depart April 1, 21; Sept. 18; and Oct. 8.
Guests can combine the cruise line’s 10-day Panama Canal voyage with the 10-day Southern Caribbean Medley or Eastern Caribbean Voyager for a 20-day cruise vacation.
Captain’s Circle Savings
Princess Cruises past guests are eligible for a special promotion when they book before August 31, 2017. Captain’s Circle members booking a seven- to 10-day cruise, will receive a savings of $50 per person and those booking a 14- or 20-day cruise will save $100 per guest (does apply to third and fourth berth guests).
Shore Excursions
Select itineraries in the Caribbean offer extended stays in Aruba, Curacao, Cozumel and St. Maarten with departures of 9 pm or later.
Through the cruise line’s exclusive partnership with Discovery and Animal Planet, guests can choose from excursions for the whole family, including:
- America’s Cup Yacht Race (St. Maarten) – Discovery Recommended
- Antilla Shipwreck Snorkel (Aruba) – Discovery Recommended
- Mayan Ruins at Tulum (Cozumel) – Discovery Recommended
- Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica (Límon) – Animal Planet Exclusive
Locally-Inspired Onboard Events
While guests sail aboard Caribbean Princess they can continue to enjoy the destinations they visit with the following offerings:
- Locally-inspired cuisine, such as Caribbean island-spiced chicken
- Festivals of the World – live entertainment celebrating Mardi Gras and Festival de Panama (Panama Canal cruises)
- Steel Drum Lessons, Local Crafts, Talk Like a Pirate Day, Rum Tastings
- Live narratives while sailing through the Gatun Locks (Panama Canal)
- Discovery Encounters – local guest speakers sharing authentic stories and passion for their homelands
Club Class Mini-Suites
Summer 2018 Caribbean Princess guests can choose a new premium stateroom category offering VIP amenities and exclusive dining with the new Club Class Mini-Suite. This elevated mini-suite category has perks including new Club Class Dining, a reserved dining area with expedited seating and expanded menu options; priority embarkation and disembarkation; complimentary wine and luxurious bathrobes.
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