Strong Euro, Falling Dollar: Cruising with Princess is the Way to Explore Europe

With the rising value of the European Euro making prices higher than ever for Americans, travelers planning their vacations across the pond are turning to the high seas for an affordable, safe and convenient solution.  Princess Cruises offers a uniquely authentic European experience in the Mediterranean, where travelers can experience multiple European cities in one trip with an all-inclusive US price that covers daily accommodations, meals, and a diverse range of activities and amenities.  The cruise line debuted its newest ship, Emerald Princess, in the Mediterranean last May.

Emerald Princess is sailing on four different itineraries through the Mediterranean from April through October 2008.  The ship exudes a European vibe from its onboard décor, amenities and European wait staff.  Passengers will truly feel like they're in a European city whether on land or at sea.  Some highlights:

• The Piazza: Located at the center of the ship, it is truly the hub of the vessel.  Passengers gather with friends and family in the lively and inviting Piazza to grab a quick drink or bite to eat, sit and chat, take in a performance or go solo to enjoy a snack while reading a book or typing away at their lap top.  Decorated with cobble stone flooring, comfortable tables and chairs reminiscent of a European sidewalk café, the Piazza comes alive with strolling performers such as stilt walkers, balloon makers, contortionists, jugglers, do-wop singers, pianists, opera singers, martini and cake decorating demonstrators, and much more.  Surrounding the open Piazza are two eateries, the International Café and Vines, both of which defy the stereotypical cruise meal:

• International Café - Serving up rotating themes throughout the day, the International Café is the place for an ever-changing array of snacks and coffee selections from cappuccino to café au lait.  Freshly baked croissants or beignets are available in the morning, crêpes, tapas or bonbons are served in the afternoon, and petit fours, chocolate fondue or desserts are prepared for an evening snack. A colorful selection of Italian gelato is available throughout the day as well.
• Vines - Vines wine and seafood bar is open throughout the day with an extensive menu of unique food pairings, offering fine wines by the glass and appetizers including Raclette and other fine cheeses, salmon, caviar, sushi, gravlax and more treats from the sea.  A sushi chef and sommelier are on hand to help passengers choose from an array of appetizing offerings.   

·         Sabatini's - Princess' famed Sabatini's Italian trattoria is located aboard Emerald Princess on the top deck at the back of the ship, offering fine dining with spectacular views of the ocean.  With an intimate and tasteful Italian décor, passengers may feel like they are at a trattoria in Rome or Florence, rather than on the high seas.  Indulge in an eight-course Italian extravaganza of antipastos, pizza, soups, salads, and a selection of seafood, chicken and veal for a main course, with suggestions from the waiter from an extensive wine list and a sinful dessert menu.  Enjoy a pre- or post-dinner cocktail on the adjacent outdoor veranda or Adagio lounge, offering a cozy venue for diners to enjoy relaxing piano music while mingling with other passengers.

·         International staff:  Princess Cruises' ship staff comes from all over the world to accommodate guests aboard the new Emerald Princess.  Many of the waiters and staff are European, offering stories of their homeland, recipes of their favorite dishes and their personal touch, providing an authentic ambience for guests on a Mediterranean cruise.  Whether it's their Italian charm or Portuguese flair, guests are given the utmost attention and individual service, building friendships with their dedicated staff throughout the cruise.  Mediterranean dishes are inspired by Princess' Italian Executive Chef and members of the corporate culinary team.

Emerald Princess' Mediterranean itineraries include the Grand Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Greek Isles & Mediterranean, and Mediterranean Transatlantic sailings.  Other Princess ships sailing throughout Europe this year are Crown Princess, Grand Princess, Pacific Princess, Royal Princess and Sea Princess.

For more information on Princess Cruises' European itineraries, ship features or further details, please contact me at boffa@redpointpr.com or 212.229.0119.  I look forward to hearing from you.