For the first time in four years, Princess Cruises will return to Florida for summertime Caribbean sailings in 2014 aboard Caribbean Princess. The May through September schedule includes 12 departures of the line’s seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, which can be combined into a 14-day Caribbean Adventure voyage. In addition, the ship will operate 13 shorter getaway cruises of three, four and five days.
All cruises depart roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale and call at popular Caribbean ports such as San Juan, St. Thomas, Costa Maya, Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman. The mix of longer and shorter sailings gives travelers flexibility to choose a vacation that fits their time and budget, from a quick weekend escape to a full two-week exploration of the region.
“Summertime is prime vacation season and we’re happy to be back in the Caribbean next year,” said Jan Swartz, executive vice president of Princess Cruises. “No matter how much time passengers have to get away, we’ve got the perfect voyage to help them escape completely.”
The 2014 summer deployment of Caribbean Princess from Fort Lauderdale marks a strategic return to Caribbean cruising from Florida, expanding options for travelers based in the southeastern United States. By offering a combination of seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean routes that connect into a 14-day itinerary, the line provides both classic port highlights and the opportunity to experience a broader range of destinations without changing ships.
Shorter three-, four- and five-day getaways are designed for those seeking a brief break or a chance to sample the onboard experience before committing to a longer voyage. These sailings are particularly attractive for families, couples and solo travelers who want to enjoy Caribbean beaches, shore excursions and the ship’s amenities during an abbreviated timeframe.
Sailing from Fort Lauderdale also offers convenient air connections and ground transportation for many travelers, making it an easy embarkation port for passengers across the region. The ports of call on the itineraries—San Juan, St. Thomas, Costa Maya, Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman—each provide a range of activities, from historic sightseeing and duty-free shopping to snorkeling, beach excursions and cultural tours.
With the return of Caribbean Princess to Florida for the summer season, Princess Cruises aims to meet growing demand for Caribbean vacations during peak travel months. The varied schedule ensures that passengers can select voyages that match their preferred length and interests while enjoying the amenities and service for which the cruise line is known.