The world’s leading premium cruise line, Princess Cruises, has announced a number of new and exciting itinerary enhancements to Sapphire Princess’ inaugural season in Western Australia. As part of its Greatest Hits program with 27 new voyages around the state, Princess Cruises will now take guests to the Kimberley region this winter season visiting some of the country’s great wilderness areas.
On sale now, Sapphire Princess’ program will include nine maiden calls along Western Australia’s coast with visits to Albany, Broome, Exmouth, Geraldton, Kimberley Coast, including Kuri Bay and Yampi Sound (scenic cruising), Busselton (Margaret River) and Perth (Fremantle).
Speaking on the expanded Western Australia program today, Michael Mihajlov, Destinations Director, Princess Cruises said for the first time the cruise line will make calls to the Kimberley’s Kuri Bay and Yampi Sound. “The Kimberley is renowned for being a vast and untouched destination with never-ending rugged coastlines, ancient land formations and iconic boab trees. Exploring it by sea opens up new opportunities to access and experience this quintessentially Australian environment. It’s a deeply rewarding place to visit,” Mr Mihajlov said.
“This coming winter season, we’re launching two new experiences in Kuri Bay. Princess will take guests in the sky above the Kimberley with our new Local Connections tour onboard a rare 1940s Mallard ‘Flying Boat’. We’ll also be offering our guests guided walking tours* for the first time to give them the best vantage of the abundant wildlife and expansive landscapes of the area,” Mr Mihajlov said.
Western Australia’s Tourism Minister, Paul Papalia, said the new Princess Cruises itineraries would shine a spotlight on the unique beauty of the Kimberley region.
“We are proud of the McGowan Government’s investment in making the Port of Broome accessible 24/7 for large cruise ships. It means cruise guests can more easily enjoy the region’s attractions, while providing a welcome boost for the local tourism industry.” said the Hon. Minister Papalia.
Cruise Broome’s Chairman, Shayne Murray said, the new Princess itineraries would enable guests to attend some of the region’s most sought-after events including the Broome Cup and Staircase to the Moon.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming and introducing Princess guests to Broome’s hallmark events including Broome’s Cup Week which attracts visitors to its spectacular racecourse from all around Australia. Broome’s natural phenomenon of the Staircase to the Moon will give guests the unique chance to see the moon’s reflection across the mudflats of Roebuck Bay creating a glowing image of a stairway leading to the moon. Sapphire Princess will visit the port three times during these events,” said Mr Murray.
Tony Thiel, General Manager, Paspaley’s Pearl Production and Operations said, “We’re delighted to welcome the biggest cruise ship ever to the Kimberley’s Kuri Bay and showcase one of Paspaley’s working pearl farms to guests. It’s a great opportunity for Paspaley to share our story on how the finest Australian South Sea pearls are cultured in one of the most untouched remote areas on the planet.”
Mr Mihajlov said highlights of the expanded Sapphire Princess itineraries included:
· An 8-night Coral Coast voyage sailing from Perth (Fremantle), visiting West Australia’s coastal destinations such as Broome during Staircase to the Moon, Geraldton and Exmouth. Departing May 4, 2020, fares start from $599 per person twin share.
· A 10-night Coral Coast voyage sailing from Perth (Fremantle), visiting Kuri Bay and Yampi Sound for the first time. Departing May 12, 2020, fares start from $699 per person twin share.
· A 17-night Northern Explorer between Perth (Fremantle) and Sydney visiting Broome during the Broome Cup and destinations such as Geraldton and Cairns. Departing Perth (Fremantle) on August 10, 2020, fares start from $1,999 per person twin share.
The award-winning** cruise ship will arrive in Perth (Fremantle) on May 1 to commence a 117 day deployment in Western Australia following a multi-million dollar refurbishment.
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