Princess Cruises is offering the chance for Australians to indulge in some shopping in Melbourne before relaxing in the largest Japanese bath area at sea on the leisurely cruise home with great new fares on Diamond Princess’ pre-Christmas short break.
On sale from $599* per person twin share, the roundtrip five-night itinerary departs Sydney on Sunday December 14 and includes a night and a full day in Melbourne, giving guests the chance to enjoy some culinary gems in the nation’s epicurean capital while also stocking up on some last-minute Christmas shopping without having to worry about excess baggage fees.
Following its $30 million dollar refurbishment earlier this year, Diamond Princess is now home to a stylish 817 square metre bath and garden complex offering a classic Japanese bath experience with unparalleled ocean views.
Made from stone and other natural materials, the bathhouse features an open-air hydrotherapy pool, an ocean view bath and a refreshing gentle mist sauna in a setting similar to a popular Japanese onsen, or hot springs.
“Diamond Princess’ bathhouse is the perfect antidote to a long day of Christmas shopping. This cruise offers a fantastic way for our guests to shop til they drop and then flop in the bathhouse as they cruise back to Sydney. Thanks to this great sale fare they will have a little extra to spend on themselves or their loved ones,” Princess Cruises Vice President Australia & New Zealand Stuart Allison said.
During their cruise, guests can enjoy superb seafood at Diamond Princess’ new sushi restaurant, Kai Sushi, while the ship’s tasty new pastry shop provides the perfect opportunity for a post-shopping afternoon pick-me-up.
For any last minute purchases, onboard luxury shopping includes a watch boutique anchored by a special OMEGA shop, the Essence fragrance bar at sea, a full crystal Swarovski installation as well as Jacqueline Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn collections at Meridian Bay and a new Limelight luxury boutique selling designer leather and accessories from the likes of Burberry, Fendi, Ferragamo, Coach and Ralph Lauren.
The 2670-guest Diamond Princess is also home to the popular Movies Under the Stars poolside theatre, the Lotus Spa and an exclusive top-deck retreat – The Sanctuary.
For more information and bookings travel agents can call 1300 587 472 (Australia) or visit princess.com
*Fares are in AUD, per person, twin share and subject to availability.