SANTA CLARITA, CA — The 50th anniversary of Princess Cruises will be especially memorable for guests cruising in 2015, as they will be treated to festive onboard celebrations including a themed menu, cocktails and entertainment.
“We love helping our guests celebrate their many milestone occasions aboard their cruises, so to be able to mark our company’s golden anniversary with them in 2015 is very special,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “We’ve developed many not-to-be-missed experiences commemorating our 50th and we know our guests will thoroughly enjoy the lively atmosphere found on board during our anniversary year.”
The following anniversary offerings will be introduced across the fleet early in 2015:
Love Boat Disco Deck Party – To honour the iconic role The Love Boat played in the line’s history, a new Love Boat Disco Party will celebrate the program by creating an exciting 70’s theme night with a few surprises.
Festive Food – One night on every cruise, the main dining rooms will present a special souvenir menu, featuring commemorative dishes from the past five decades, including Duck Terrine with Apricot Preserves and Filet of Turbot with Truffle Chive Sauce.
Chocolate Journeys – As part of the new ‘Chocolate Journeys’ experience, renowned master pastry chef and chocolatier Norman Love has created two special 50th anniversary desserts that will be served to guests during their cruise vacations – Chocolate Raspberry Mousse with Vanilla Crème Brulee and Crunchy Shortbread or Moist Chocolate Dome with Raspberry Crème Brulée and Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse.
Cheers to 50 Years – Guests can sip inventive cocktails from renowned mixologist Spike Marchant along with popular drinks through the decades – from a classic martini to a pina colada. A special half-bottle anniversary-labeled Prosecco will be offered and the new Seawitch West Coast IPA craft beer especially brewed for the 50th anniversary will be available.
Let Us Entertain You – A 50th celebration in the signature Piazza will feature a golden balloon drop and some balloons will even feature surprise giveaway items hidden inside. A special anniversary song, ‘Here’s to Princess’, celebrating the line’s history will also be performed.
50th Anniversary Décor and Guest Giveaways – Anniversary décor and signage will be displayed from the time guests arrive in the terminal (domestic home ports only) and be visible through various onboard touches, including a spectacular anniversary display cake presented in the atrium. A 50th anniversary tote bag and commemorative time line will be placed in each guest stateroom upon embarkation. In addition, guests will notice the 50th anniversary logo on their stateroom key cards and on the daily Princess Patter. A series of videos will also play on stateroom televisions that share the company’s history and milestone moments. Each cruise ship in the fleet will also be adorned with a 50th anniversary flag on the bow.
Commemorative Keepsakes – The onboard boutiques, voted ‘Best Onboard Shopping’ six consecutive years by Porthole magazine, will offer limited edition merchandise and exclusive offers during the anniversary celebration. Plus, the photo department will have commemorative backdrops and folios to capture the memories of guests’ cruise vacations.
The 50th anniversary officially kicks off with the naming ceremony of Regal Princess on Nov. 5, 2014, in Ft. Lauderdale by the original Love Boat cast members before she sets sail for her maiden season of Caribbean cruises. Some of the 50th anniversary onboard offerings will be available aboard Regal Princess beginning in November and roll out to the rest of the fleet in early 2015.
More information about various 50th anniversary activities, including a comprehensive historical time line and video, can be found at princess.com/50th-anniversary/.
