Last call coming soon for two classic Princess cruise ships
Fans of Princess Cruises’ two earliest megaships, Golden Princess and Star Princess, might want to book another cruise soon: both ships will leave the Princess fleet in the next few years.
The line recently revealed the 2,600-passenger Star Princess will be transferred over from Princess to Carnival Corporation brand P&O Australia at the end of 2021. This follows the earlier announcement that sister-ship Golden Princess, launched in 2001, will also be decamping for P&O Australia, entering service with the line under a new name beginning in October 2020.
Golden Princess and Star Princess were the second and third ships, respectively, in Princess Cruises’ Grand Class of ships that began with the launch of the Grand Princess in 1998. With their distinctive profiles marked by a sweeping curved bow and the “shopping cart”-esque Skywalkers Lounge, perched high atop the stern, they redefined the megaship movement at the start of the new century.
Their departure will leave Grand Princess as the only remaining member of the original class of ship that Princess pioneered two decades ago, though similar vessels (Crown Princess, Sapphire Princess and others) continue to serve in the Princess fleet.
Why is this important news? For many cruisers — myself included — Golden Princess and Star Princess have provided numerous enjoyable cruise vacations. Both are big, but cozy and have interesting public areas, and some of the best open deck space afloat. Unlike newer ships that seem to restrict open decks as a luxury offering, Princess’ Grand Class ships offered open sun decks, viewing areas above the bridge wings, and a wraparound promenade deck that even goes to the very tip of the ships bow.
But all is not lost — both ships are kicking around for a few more seasons.
For those who have never experienced them — or those that still want to — Golden Princess can be found spending her summers in Alaska and off the Pacific Coast, with winters spent off the warm waters of Australia.
Star Princess does likewise, dividing her time between summers in Alaska and winter cruises to Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera and South America.
There is still plenty of time to experience these classic and comfortable ships, but don’t wait too long: ships leaving the fleet tend to book up fast, as past guests seek to have one last trip.
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