Princess Cruises has announced its biggest ever season of cruises departing from the UK in 2018.

For the first time, the line will offer more than one million cruise nights on sailings to northern and southern Europe, a significant increase on recent years.

The announcement forms part of Princess Cruises’ 2018 programme, which includes Europe, Alaska, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Canada and New England.

Highlights include:

• A longer season of cruises from Southampton will be offered on the 2,700-guest Sapphire Princess on her maiden visit to Europe. Some 16 departures, ranging from three to 14 nights, will be on offer from April – October. Prices start from £799pp for a seven-night voyage.

Sapphire Princess will also sail from Singapore to Southampton on March 28, 2018 on an Indian Ocean & Europe Grand Adventures 38-night cruise. Ports of call include Colombo, Cochin and Dubai. After six months sailing Europe roundtrip from Southampton she will return to Singapore, providing two opportunities for guests to sail the unique 38-night itineraries.

• In May 2018, the 3,560-guest Royal Princess will sail the British Isles roundtrip from Southampton, marking five years since she was launched by HRH, the Duchess of Cambridge. New to the programme will be late departures from Belfast on every sailing and overnight stays in Dublin, Edinburgh and Glasgow on select voyages. Prices start from £1,539pp for a 12-night sailing.
• Pacific Princess will sail from Dover and feature new a 12-night European capitals cruise calling at destinations including Amsterdam, Oslo, Copenhagen and Paris.
• For the first time in three years summer Caribbean cruises will be available
• Alaska will have its largest ever deployment with seven ships sailing the region from May to September
• 36 voyages in Europe over the school holidays

The programme will go on sale on Thursday, December 1 at 4pm with a reduced deposit of 5% available until February 28, 2017.

Tony Roberts, vice president Princess Cruises UK and Europe, said: “Having seen a significant increase in popularity of Princess cruises from the UK, we are thrilled to announce that our 2018 programme will be our biggest ever season. With over 40 sailings, there are more holiday options than ever before from the UK. And with just a 5% deposit, guests can secure a seven night cruise for under £40.

“We ar excited to welcome Sapphire Princess, which has never sailed in Europe and boasts unique features that we are confident our UK guests will enjoy. And the return of Royal Princess will be a special moment as 2018 will mark five years since she was launched in Southampton by HRH, the Duchess of Cambridge.”

Visit www.princess.com/holiday or call 0843 374 2402.