SANTA CLARITA — Princess Cruises has created a new department specially designed for group shore excursions that both travel agents and guests can access.
The department centres around Princess Cruises’ ‘Local Connections’ program, tapping the knowledge of destination experts and locals for creative feedback and suggestions for shore excursions. Using ‘Local Connections’ the department can better cater to a group’s interest and personalize excursions for those passengers. Both the onboard team and the shore team will work together to ensure seamless organization and execution, says the cruise line.
“Getting out to truly experience the magnificent destinations around the world as a group is one of the many ways Princess can introduce guests to the world’s most memorable destinations,” said Bruce Krumrine, Princess Cruises Vice President of Shore Excursions. “We offer competitive net pricing and a wide array of excursion options through the personal assistance of our destination experts. Through our Local Connections program, we continue to innovate our tour experiences ashore and our groups team will take full advantage of the suggestions and creativity of those partners that know the destination best.”
The department works with both small (six to 15 passengers) and large (16 passengers or more) groups including family reunions, sports, church, special interest groups and more. Private cars, vans, transfers and boats are available and the department can accommodate a variety of budgets. Customized tours arranged through travel agents are commissionable.
Sample tours include:
- A Michelin Restaurant Experience: A Cooking Class at Kokkeriet – Located on a corner in Nyborder, Copenhagen, Kokkeriet is a gourmet restaurant that was awarded one Michelin star in 2006. A modern European cuisine, Kokkeriet uses fresh ingredients of the season with the menu changed monthly. With the chef, guests learn about the techniques used to create Michelin quality food; the raw materials used; their background and personal story; and enjoy the ‘home made’ meal with Michelin wines matching the menu.
- Phillip Island Penguin Tour by Helicopter – Touring in a ranger, guests explore Melbourne’s bayside coastline and the Mornington Peninsula en route to Phillip Island, with about 45 square miles to view the home of seals, koalas, mutton birds and the largest colony of little penguins in existence. Guests can see the packs, sometimes 300 strong ‘rafts’ of penguins, to protect them from predatory sharks and seals. After, passengers can enjoy a meal at a local restaurant with homegrown ingredients before returning to Melbourne and the ship on a private vehicle.
For more details e-mail GroupShoreExcursions@princesscruises.com.
