For the first time in four years, Princess Cruises is going to be offering Caribbean cruises in the summer, beginning in 2018. The 3,192-guest Caribbean Princess will return to sail a full season, include 7-day eastern and western Caribbean voyages to a 20-day Caribbean and Panama Canal Explorer.
The April to October summer program will feature 47 departures roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, including 8 unique itineraries visiting 23 destinations in 22 countries. Four of those ports of call with also offer late night stays, so that guests can experience the destination in the evening golden hours as well.
Highlights for Princess’ summer Caribbean 2018 program will include:
Eastern Caribbean (7 days) – Guests will enjoy an adventurous week, stopping in Princess Cays, St. Thomas, and Grand Turk or Amber Cove. 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 sailings, this itinerary features calls in Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Roatan, and Belize. The ship sets sail on the route on May 19; June 2, 16, 30; July 14, 28; and August 11 and 25.
Guests can combine the week-long eastern and western voyages for a 14-day Caribbean East/West Adventure.
Southern Caribbean (8 days) – For a more in-depth experience, one southern Caribbean cruise will be offered with stops in Curacao, Aruba, and Bonaire – departing on May 11.
Eastern Caribbean Voyager (10 days) – For more time to relax, guests will enjoy an extended cruise to the eastern Caribbean. This itinerary will call in Princess Cays, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, and St. Kitts. Cruises will depart May 1 and September 28.
Southern Caribbean Medley (10 days) – For those looking for deeper exploring opportunities, guests can travel to the southern Caribbean, stopping in Princess Cays, St. Thomas, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire, and Curacao. These voyages depart 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, and Jamaica. Sailings depart April 1, 21; September 18; and October 8.
Guests can combine the 10-day Panama Canal voyage with the 10-day Southern Caribbean Medley or Eastern Caribbean Voyager for the ultimate 20-day cruise vacation.
More Ashore and Top-Ranked Excursions
Offering guests more time to explore local cultures, select itineraries will feature extended stays in Aruba, Curacao, Cozumel, and St. Maarten with departures at 9 pm or later.
Through Princess’ partnership with Discovery and Animal Planet, guests can choose from immersive family-friendly excursions, including:
- America’s Cup Yacht Race (St. Maarten)
- Antilla Shipwreck Snorkel (Aruba)
- Mayan Ruins at Tulum (Cozumel)
- Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica (Límon)
Locally-Inspired Onboard Events
When guests sail aboard Caribbean Princess, the destination experience will continue onboard with special activities inspired by the destinations visited, including:
- Locally-inspired cuisine such as Caribbean-island spiced chicken
- Festivals of the World – live entertainment celebrating Mardi Gras and Festival de Panama (Panama Canal voyages)
- 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
Bookings are open for these 2018 summer Caribbean cruises on December 1, 2016.
Featured photo: Flickr Creative Commons
