SINGAPORE 23 January, 2019: For the first time in Southeast Asia, two Princess Cruises’ ships – Princess and Sapphire Princess – have docked in several ports in Southeast Asia on the same days.
The two sister ships were sailing in the region for the Singapore homeporting season.
On 14 January, both ships met in Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City), followed by Laem Chabang (Bangkok) 16 January and Samui a day later.
Both ships finally met up again in Singapore, 19 January, where over 5,000 guests disembarked at Marina Bay Cruise Centre.
Bidding farewell to Diamond, Sapphire sounded her horn and continued her voyages in the region until March when she will return to Southampton for her second European season. It will depart from Singapore on a 37-night Indian Ocean and Europe Grand Adventure Cruise. Meanwhile, Diamond prepares for dry dock.
“This dual-ship homeporting marks the fifth year sailing out of Singapore, carrying over 200,000 guests during this time, marking a pivotal moment for Princess Cruises in Southeast Asia.
Princess Cruises claims to also contribute economic benefit from each homeporting season estimated to be about SGD250 million spent in Southeast Asia over the last five years.
However, figures relating to perceived financial benefits from cruising are vigorously challenged by groups and critics who say cruises deliver very little benefit other than half-day sightseeing to the local destinations.
Japan itineraries
She will then commence year-long sailing in Japan out of Yokohama and Kobe, featuring 60 departures on 40 itineraries, visiting 41 destinations in seven countries.
After Diamond’s dry dock is completed in early February, she will embark on a 12-night sailing from Singapore to Phu My, Nha Trang, Hong Kong, Taipei, Osaka and Shimizu (Mount Fuji) before arriving in Yokohama on Valentine’s Day, 14 February.
Princess Cruises is a global cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 17 ships, carrying 2 million guests each year to more than 380 destinations worldwide.
