As if it weren’t enough that Princess Cruises Adventures Ashore program has grown to almost 800 choices in over 40 ports, Princess has decided to launch three new cruisetour options for
the 2008-09 season adding even more exciting and educational opportunities for passengers on South America, Asia or Australia cruises. Already respected worldwide for their creativity in designing pre and post cruise adventures, these latest land/sea vacations enable passengers to marvel in the areas surrounding their already impressive list of cruise ports of call, including cruisetours to the Galapagos Islands, and its unique varities of tortoises, prehistoric marine iguanas, and flightless birds, and one of China’s most scenic cities, Hangzhou, in the Yangzi Delta area about 100 miles from Shanghai. Princess cruisers will be able to visit three of the new Seven Wonders of the World and many of the UNESCO World Heritage sites like Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China, the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio, Angkor Wat and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

The three new tours debuting next season include Galapagos Discovery, which is offered in conjunction with a South America and Panama Canal cruise; Beijing, Hangzhou and Xian, which is combined with several Asia voyages; and Tropical Highlights of Australia which is an add-on to Australia/New Zealand or Asia/Australia sailings.
“These unique cultural itineraries offer a wonderful opportunity for passengers to expand their vacation options with visits to some of the world’s most memorable destinations and sites,” said Jan Swartz, Princess’ senior vice president of customer service. “It’s a seamless way to enjoy Princess hospitality and service on an unforgettable journey beyond their cruise.”
South America - Machu Picchu and Rio de Janeiro’s landmark Christ the Redeemer statue both were recently voted among the new Seven Wonders of the World - and both are featured on Princess cruisetours in South America. For the first time, Princess will offer a tour, featuring air travel from Guayaquil, Ecuador to the Galapagos where the will be their home for three days of exploring the islands that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Passengers will have four days to view the unique indigenous wildlife on various islands, including sea lions, iguanas, the world’s largest colony of waved albatross, and the famous Blue-footed Booby.
Rounding out the South America program’s five itinerary options are tours to Rio and Iguaçu Falls as well as Machu Picchu via the historic cities of Lima and Cusco.
Asia - Passengers on Princess Asia cruises can explore another of the new Seven Wonders of the World - China’s Great Wall. Three China cruisetour options each offer the opportunity to visit Beijing and see this world-famous barrier, along with many of the country’s famed attractions such as the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian, cruise the Yangtze River, and a new destination for Princess, the historic city of Hangzhou. One of the most prosperous cities of China for much of the last 1,000 years, Hangzhou was once called “the most splendid and luxurious city in the world,” by none other than Marco Polo. Today this ancient capital is ranked as one of the ten most scenic cities in China, drawing visitors from around the world particularly for the natural beauty of West Lake and the city’s historic treasures.
Passengers on Princess Asia cruises can explore another of the new Seven Wonders of the World - China’s Great Wall. Three China cruisetour options each offer the opportunity to visit Beijing and see this world-famous barrier, along with many of the country’s famed attractions such as the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian, cruise the Yangtze River, and a new destination for Princess, the historic city of Hangzhou. One of the most prosperous cities of China for much of the last 1,000 years, Hangzhou was once called “the most splendid and luxurious city in the world,” by none other than Marco Polo. Today this ancient capital is ranked as one of the ten most scenic cities in China, drawing visitors from around the world particularly for the natural beauty of West Lake and the city’s historic treasures.
Asia visitors can also experience the highlights of Southeast Asia with the Bangkok and Angkor Wat option, which includes a visit to Cambodia to see the celebrated temple complex - a UNESCO World Heritage site - plus Thailand’s capital and the northern city of Chiang Mai.
Australia - Four different cruisetour options offer travelers the opportunity to visit the iconic sights of Sydney plus visit the Great Barrier Reef. In addition, some tour options include travel to the outback to see Ayers Rock, Kakadu National park and Kuranda, an aboriginal village surrounded by the World heritage Wet tropics of Queensland. New for the season, the tour features extra time for a longer visit in Queensland.
Four different cruisetour options offer travelers the opportunity to visit the iconic sights of Sydney plus visit the Great Barrier Reef. In addition, some tour options include travel to the outback to see Ayers Rock, Kakadu National park and Kuranda, an aboriginal village surrounded by the World heritage Wet tropics of Queensland. New for the season, the Tropical Highlights of Australia tour features extra time for a longer visit in Queensland.
Early booking fares for Princess cruisetours begin at $3,499 per person based on double occupancy for a 20-day land and sea package.