Princess Cruises has stated that the number of UK guests taking Australia and New Zealand voyages will nearly double year-on-year in 2018. Bookings for sailings down under are now at their highest ever level and are the fastest-growing of all Princess' worldwide destinations.

A series of voyages from Sydney or Brisbane to Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef have experienced the biggest spike in demand, with year-on-year bookings up by over 750% for the 10-night sailing.

Princess Cruises' roundtrip sailings from Sydney or Melbourne direct to New Zealand are the next fastest-growing voyage. The 12 or 13-night cruises take in stops including Auckland, Wellington and the Fiordland National Park.

Furthermore, 2019 bookings are already 60% up on those made at this time last year for 2018. The figures bear out the most recent information from Tourism Australia, which stated that tourists from the UK now make up the fourth-highest number of visitors to the country.

Cruises can be combined with multiple-night land tours, which visit locations including Sydney and the Australian outback. A number of these cruises start in Australia and end in New Zealand, or vice-versa, allowing guests to spend additional time in both countries.

Five Princess Cruises ships will sail across Australia and New Zealand in 2018 and 2019 including the 3,560-guest Majestic Princess, the newest addition to the line's fleet.

A wide variety of local shore excursions are available, such as:

·        A 'Lord of the Rings' tour through the Wellington and Wairarapa regions, where visitors can see locations used during filming
·        A visit to the Maori Matariki Festival in Auckland
·        A trip to the 100-acre Rainforestation National Park in Cairns, which is set in a World Heritage rainforest. A guided rainforest tour is on offer as well as the opportunity to view crocodiles, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, wombats and other native Australian animals
·        Camel riding along the shore of the Indian Ocean on Cable Beach in Broome, Australia

A range of onboard activities including Haka lessons are also available, while the ship's locally-themed menus contain the likes of New Zealand lamb, Pavlova dessert and a traditional Maori 'Hangi' dinner. Authentic local beers and wines, such as Australian Shiraz, are onboard for purchase.

Tony Roberts, Princess Cruises' vice president UK and Europe, said: "Australia and New Zealand cruises are booming as holidaymakers combine its striking destinations with the comfort and style of a Princess cruise. The sailaway from Sydney harbour is truly stunning, while other spectacular settings including the Great Barrier Reef and New Zealand's Fiordland National Park are equally not to be missed.

“Combining the trappings of a cruise with a longer stay on land before or after sailing is proving particularly appealing as more and more guests get onboard with Princess down under.”

Princess Cruises is offering a 12-night Australia & New Zealand sailing, on Majestic Princess, departing February 18, 2019. Prices from £2944* per person. Sailing from Sydney to Auckland, ports of call include Melbourne, Hobart (Tasmania), Fiordland National Park (scenic cruising), Dunedin (Port Chalmers), Akaroa and Tauranga.

To book visit www.princess.com, call 0344 338 8663 or contact your local travel agent.

ENDS

Notes to Editors
Further images are available on request.

*Fare price based on two people sharing an inside stateroom. Price includes accommodation, return flights, transfers, all main meals onboard and entertainment.

About Princess Cruises:
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern cruise ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided with the experience of exceptional customer service. A recognised leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries two million guests each year to more than 360 destinations around the globe on more than 150 itineraries ranging in length from three to 114 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).

For more information:
Rachel Vane – rachel.vane@princesscruises.co.uk / 023 8065 6754