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The Rebirth of Two Renaissance Ships Opens Up Introductory South Seas Cruises From $799

As former patrons of the Renaissance ships, which we have praised highly over the years, mourn the line's passing, there is a bit of good news. Princess Cruises has purchased two former Renaissance vessels, R3 and R4, and they will soon be joining the Princess fleet as the Pacific Princess and Tahitian Princess. Promotional 10-day sailings by the latter ship will start at $799 per person, sharing a double cabin.

The 688-passenger ships, which entered service originally in 1999, will be ready by late 2002. On December 24, the Tahitian Princess begins its year-round schedule of 10-day cruises around the South Pacific, based in Tahiti. Three different itineraries, with a total of 50 departures per year, will sail roundtrip from Papeete, each including calls at such tropical paradises as Bora Bora, Moorea and Raiatea. There are 34 French Polynesia/Cook Islands sailings to ports such as Huahine and Raratonga, with overnight stays in both Papeete and Bora Bora. In addition, eight French Polynesia/Marquesas voyages will visit Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa. Pre- and post-package itineraries will also be available.

The Pacific Princess will sail half the year throughout French Polynesia and a wider Pacific area for Princess Cruises, the balance of the year for P&O Cruises Australia, specific itineraries not yet announced.

The company likes these "smaller" ships, saying that two-thirds of the staterooms have balconies and a variety of dining and entertainment options. They claim "no other cruise to the French Polynesia region is as affordable as those offered aboard these new ships."

If you're wondering what happened to the original Pacific Princess. TV's Love Boat, it's sailing around Bermuda from now through late October, 2002. Following a transatlantic/Mediterranean sailing departing October 27, 2002, the ship will be retired from the Princess fleet. Sic transit gloria Love Boat!

For more information and to make reservations, contact Princess Cruises through your local travel agent or go online to www.princesscruises.com. Brochures are available by calling 800/PRINCESS.


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