Golden Princess debuts in Hawaii with most Hawaii Cruises from West Coast; Tahitian Princess introduces enhanced itinerary

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. Princess Cruises has announced its 2008-09 itineraries to the island paradises of Hawaii and Tahiti, featuring a variety of itineraries aboard the intimate Tahitian Princess and the amenity-filled Golden Princess.

The new schedule includes Golden Princess’ debut in Hawaii featuring roundtrip sailings from Los Angeles to Hawaii, with more west coast departures to Hawaii than any other line. In Tahiti, the intimate Tahitian Princess sails French Polynesia with an enhanced 10-day itinerary as well as two Hawaii/Tahiti sailings, two one-way cruises between Hawaii and Vancouver, and even an extended voyage from the South Pacific to Easter Island, South America and through the Panama Canal.

“Of our many worldwide destinations, Hawaii and Tahiti evoke some of the most vivid images of a tropical paradise,” said Jan Swartz, Princess’ senior vice president. “Passengers always love these voyages — whether they choose to enjoy the lush Polynesian isles and the personal feel of one of our smallest vessels, or the popular amenities of one of our larger ships as they sail to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands.”

Roundtrip Hawaiian Islands – Golden Princess takes over Princess’ popular Hawaii cruises conveniently sailing roundtrip from Los Angeles. The 2,600-passenger ship’s debut in the region offers passengers a 14-day itinerary that includes Hilo, Kilauea Volcano Scenic Cruising, Honolulu, Kauai (Nawiliwili), and Maui (Lahaina). The ship offers 14 sailings between October 1, 2008 and April 1, 2009.

One-way Hawaiian Islands – Tahitian Princess passengers can enjoy two sailings between Honolulu and Vancouver with a 10-day itinerary that features calls in Maui, Kauai and Hilo on May 19, 2008 and September 18, 2008.

Hawaii & Tahiti – Tahitian Princess will offer two journeys between Tahiti (Papeete) and Honolulu in 2008 . An 11-day sailing departing May 8 will feature calls in Moorea, Bora Bora, Christmas Island, Hilo, Maui (Lahaina), and Kauai (Nawiliwili). On September 28, a 12-day adventure will be available featuring Hilo, Kilaueau Volcano Scenic Cruising, Kona, Maui (Lahaina), Hilo, Christmas Island, Bora Bora, Raiatea and Moorea.

Tahiti &Polynesia – An enhanced 10-day roundtrip itinerary featuring an overnight in Tahiti (Papeete), plus calls at the lush Polynesian isles of Huahine, Rangiroa, Raiatea (overnight), Tahaa Scenic Cruising, Bora Bora (overnight), and Moorea. The ship will sail on seven departures of this route beginning October 10 through December 9, 2008.

South Pacific & Andes Explorer – Tahitian Princess will also take passengers across the Pacific from Tahiti and on to South America and through the Panama Canal. This 26-day journey from Papeete to Ft. Lauderdale features calls in Bora Bora, Moorea, Pitcairn Island (scenic cruising), Easter Island, Pisco (San Martin, Peru), Lima (Callao, overnight for Machu Picchu), Quito (Manta), Cristobal (Panama), San Blas (Panama) and Limon (Costa Rica). The extended voyage departs on December 19, 2008.

Early booking fares for Golden Princess Hawaiian Islands cruises begin at $1,845, per person based on double occupancy. Tahitian Princess sailings begin at $1,445 for a 10-day Tahiti & Polynesia voyage.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through your travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com. Bon Voyage!