Princess Cruises Launches Search for “The Greatest Romantic” Today

Contest Unveils New Website Section for Line’s Department of Romance

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (February 14, 2008) – The undisputed leader of love on the high seas, Princess Cruises is launching a nationwide search asking “Are You the Greatest Romantic?”  In the spirit of romance, the contest debuts today, Valentine’s Day, on the new website section for the company’s Department of Romance, www.princess.com/romance.  All “romantics at heart” can nominate themselves or someone they believe deserves this highest honor of amorous aptitude. 

                “The Greatest Romantic” will be chosen from a field of entries narrowed down to five finalists determined by the line’s Department of Romance experts.  After a public vote, he or she will become an “ambassador of love” for the department for one full year, in addition to receiving a romantic cruise for two. 

“Who better than the ‘Love Boat’ line to search for the greatest romantic?” asked Gavin MacLeod, the actor who played the series’ Captain Stubing. “’The Love Boat’ and Princess celebrated romance during every show for its 10-year run.  And now as the show commemorates its 30-year anniversary, what a fitting celebration of love on the high seas.”

MacLeod is one of the members of Princess’ Department of Romance, which also includes experts Trish McDermott, “Vice President of Love” for Engage.com and former “Vice President of Romance” for Match.com; feisty and provocative couples therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer; and Lisa Light, destination wedding expert and author.   Together they will select the five most inspiring finalists before the vote is put out to the general public.

Starting today, Princess invites all romantics to submit a video telling why they deserve this honor.  Videos can be entered until March 20, and then from April 1-14 the five finalists will be posted and the general public will have the chance to vote for their favorite “Greatest Romantic.”  The winner will be announced on April 15 and receive a romantic, seven-day cruise for two to Mexico or the Caribbean, including airfare.  While onboard they will receive a special romantic couple’s package from Lotus Spa.  “The Greatest Romantic” will also enjoy a year-long title of Princess’ “ambassador of love” as a member of its Department of Romance.  They will be featured on the company’s website telling their story, offering advice and discussing romance on a special podcast.

 “From a personal love story to an original poem or creative stunt, we’re seeking compelling video entries expressing romance from many perspectives,” said Jan Swartz, senior vice president for Princess Cruises.   “Be it in small or dramatic ways, we’re looking for someone who can channel their inner romantic and espouse the meaning of romance for others, plus share how they make romance a part of their daily lives.  And we’re looking for someone who has the attributes to be a great addition to our Department of Romance.”

Videos should be no longer than three minutes and compellingly convey why the person is the ultimate romantic.  Contestants can nominate themselves, a spouse, friend or relative but can enter only once and must be at least 21 years of age.  All videos become property of Princess Cruises.  For a complete list of rules and video requirements, as well as sample video entries for romantic inspiration, visit http://greatestromantic.princess.com.

Simultaneously Princess is also conducting a sweepstakes giving one of the contest voters a chance to win their own romantic cruise for two.  Visitors to the contest website during the voting period can sign up for a chance to win a seven-day cruise for two to the Caribbean or the Mexican Riviera.  Other contest prizes include decadent chocolates from Godivia Chocolatier, pampering products from Princess’ exclusive Lotus Spa, and flowers from Teleflora.

In addition to the contest information, Princess’ new online home for its Department of Romance features tips and articles from its romance experts ranging from the best ways to reinvigorate your romance, to tips on planning a destination wedding.   It also features a series of podcasts, inspiring quotations and romantic desktop downloads.