"We know our guests are looking forward to being onboard our beautiful ships again and enjoy all the comforts of a cruise holiday as they travel to ports around our region and the world," says Princess Cruises' sales and marketing director Nick Ferguson.
"This latest program is packed with some fantastic itineraries designed to inspire our New Zealand guests as we prepare to cruise together again."
While the maritime border order has closed New Zealand's ports to cruise traffic for over 18 months, the cruise line hopes that the raft of new itineraries will bring Kiwis back on board.
The early release of the 2023/24 program was made following positive long-term booking trends and signs that New Zealand and Australia's border restrictions were easing.
For New Zealanders not ready to commit to the marathon Round the World sailing, there will be a chance to join the Coral Princess on a 31-day sailing of the South Pacific from March 2024 and seven, separate New Zealand and Australia sailings calling at Sydney Hobart and Fiordland, ranging from 4 to 17 nights.
The Medallion Class ships will allow guests to sail from port to port while enjoying views from the Sea Walk glass walkway and the cruise line's largest top-deck swimming pool.
The cruise line is opening bookings 11 months ahead of schedule.
International cruise lovers will be eager to book a place after almost two years without calling into a New Zealand or Australian port following the introduction of Coronavirus travel restrictions and the Ruby Princess outbreak. It is unclear if the maritime border order will be further extended, however it is hoped that news of easing border restrictions is a sign that travellers will soon be able to return to sea on cruise ships.
