Princess Cruises has sped up the transition of two of its ships to sister company, P&O Cruises Australia.

Star Princess and Golden Princess will move to the P&O Australia fleet, a move that was announced in 2018.

Under their new names as Pacific Adventure (Golden Princess) and Pacific Encounter (Star Princess), the two ships are anticipated to sail in 2021.

Princess Cruises president, Jan Swartz, said: “Golden Princess and Star Princess have sailed all over the world, creating lifelong memories for the millions of guests who sailed upon these beloved cruise ships.

“We know their wonderful legacy will continue under sister brand P&O Cruises Australia, which has become so well-known for delivering unforgettable cruise holidays for Aussies and Kiwis to some of the most idyllic destinations in the South Pacific.”

Golden Princess first joined the Princess Cruises fleet in May 2001, followed by her sister ship Star Princess in January 2002.

Princess Cruises cites both Golden Princess and Star Princess as playing a key role in the evolution of the cruise line.

Both ships were ahead of their time when they launched, using a new approach called Personal Choice Cruising.

This allowed passengers to dine where, when and with whoever they wanted – giving them the choice between casual main dining rooms and traditional dining with waiting staff and an assigned dining time.

Both ships were also some of the first in the fleet to include the popular Lotus Spa and fitness centres.

Guests booked onto a cruise with either Star Princess or Golden Princess will be notified, along with travel agents.

They will then receive information on how to book onto another Princess Cruises sailing when operations resume, or receive a refund.

It’s been a busy year for cruise ship sales and transitions, with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines purchasing two ships from Holland America Line, five CMV ships being up for auction and P&O Cruises announcing the departure of Oceana.