Princess Cruises is amping up on-board and at-sea experiences in creative and immersive ways.
Building on its reputation for immersive travel experiences, Princess Cruises’ new “Local Connections” program offers groups of all sizes immersive destination experiences that are designed by local experts.
“Getting out to truly experience the magnificent destinations around the world is one of the many ways Princess can introduce groups to the world’s most memorable destinations,” says Bruce Krumrine, VP of shore excursions. “We offer competitive net pricing and a wide array of excursion options through the personal assistance of our destination experts.”
Available tours include a cooking class at Kokkeriet, one of Copenhagen’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Chefs will share their personal stories and tricks of the trade, and groups will also get to enjoy the Michelin-quality meal they have made together. Another creative option is a guided penguin-spotting helicopter tour of Phillip Island in Melbourne with views of seals, koalas and mutton birds, as well as the largest colony of little penguins in the world. The experience winds down at a local restaurant before returning to the ship.
“Through our Local Connections program,” Krumrine explains, “we continue to innovate our tour experiences, and our groups team will take full advantage of the suggestions and creativity of those partners that know the destination best.”
Johnny on the Spot
Princess has also recently unveiled the innovative Ocean Medallion, a wearable device that functions as a personalized concierge service for cruise ship guests. The device debuted at a tech trade show this past January and will be available onboard the Regal Princess this November, followed by the Royal Princess and Caribbean Princess in early 2018.
“We continue to innovate our tour experiences, and our groups team will take full advantage of the suggestions and creativity of those partners that know the destination best.”
Ocean Medallion can be worn on a wristband or as a pendant, and can be used by attendees to expedite embarkation, unlock cabin doors or have F&B orders delivered to where they are or where they will be at a given time. Another feature is the Ocean Compass, which helps attendees navigate their way around the ship, easily locate colleagues or other group members, and communicate with one another through an instant messaging service.
“We are in the business of providing [groups] with incredible experiences that create memories that they will cherish for a lifetime,” says Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “Ocean Medallion Class will deliver an elevated cruise experience by connecting people, places and cultures from around the world in a more profound way. The service groups have always loved will be amplified by the Ocean Medallion.”
Meanwhile, a new partnership has been announced with Michelin-star chef Emmanuel Renaut, who will develop a specialty restaurant concept called “La Mer – A French Bistro by Emmanuel Renaut” for the cruise line. Renault is executive chef of the acclaimed Flocons de Sel restaurant, which is located in the French Alps village of Megeve.
“What I like most about my job is that dining experiences touch people’s emotions,” says Renaut. “I’ve worked enthusiastically to design delicate and flavorful dishes and I’m proud that the dinner menu I created will be served in the elegant environment of La Mer.”
The Parisian Bistro concept will debut on the Majestic Princess this April, Princess’ newest ship. It adds to an existing partnership with Michelin-star chef Richard Chen, whose restaurant, Harmony, will also debut on the Majestic Princess.
