Princess Cruises today debuted its long-awaited web site, the largest such site in the cruise industry with a total of nearly 1,000 electronic pages, the most comprehensive destinational information available on line and an array of unique features including the first-ever live BridgeCam at sea.

Visitors to www.princess.com will find a wealth of information about Princess’ ships, on board experience, itineraries and destinations, along with some “cool stuff” such as a downloadable screen saver and cruise-themed icons, and a special video clip of more than 1,000 couples renewing their wedding vows which took place this past Valentine’s Day aboard Grand Princess.

A camera positioned on the bridge of Grand Princess, the line’s new 109,000-ton ship which is the largest cruise vessel in the world, gives site visitors a live view of the scenery seen by officers, whether the ship is at sea or in port. The BridgeCam updates the image every 60 seconds. Visitors to the site will also enjoy these other features of princess.com:

? Explore Princess’ more than 150 worldwide itineraries, see maps of every cruise Princess offers, get in-depth information about the destinations and activities ashore, and access the most comprehensive Alaska cruisetour information in the industry;

View the largest selection of 360 IPIX photos available on any cruise line site, enabling viewers to tour Princess’ new Grand Class ships. Site visitors can preview cabins, step out on one of the private balconies or tour the colorful children’s facilities, for example;

Read “May We Suggest” recommendations from Princess captains, cruise directors and past passengers about their favorite ships and ports of call. This area is the only one which recommends cruises based on an individual’s interest in such things as families, singles, history, exploration and photography;

Search for a travel agent and locate the agent’s office on a detailed local area street map, again a unique agent-oriented enhancement from Princess;
An interactive calendar will allow visitors to search for a cruise to fit into their vacation schedule.

“Our new site is much more than just an electronic brochure,” said Rick James, Princess’ senior vice president of customer service and sales. “We felt that in order for the site to be really valuable to a consumer, it needed to be entertaining, informative and allow users to interact as much as possible. The site is quite extensive and we think users will enjoy exploring its many facets. And the fun things like our BridgeCam, large selection of 360 photos and an interactive cruise planner will keep them interested and wanting to come back.”

The site includes two special password-protected areas. One is for the media, who can access the largest on-line library of news releases, press materials and downloadable photography, breaking news, plus link directly with the line’s public relations staff. The other exclusive area is for travel agents who have been certified as “Princess Experts.” Here they can log into a special area for information, sales tips and a travel agent chat room.

“Our site conveys our trademark message of ‘choice,’ which is what a Princess cruise is all about,” said James.

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