22 Jul 2008 - Sunwing sets sail with Princess Cruises

Sunwing Vacations has announced its latest milestone: the company will be offering luxury Caribbean cruises in conjunction with the legendary cruise company Princess Cruises for departures beginning this winter.

The one week cruise packages will include airfare from Toronto or Montreal to San Juan, Puerto Rico on board Sunwing Airlines, cruise accommodation, transfers, on board meals, as well as snacks and entertainment. In a significant departure from the industry norm, Sunwing has included the gratuities to cabin stewards and dining room staff in its cruise prices .

Two one week itineraries are being offered: The Classic Southern Caribbean visits Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, plus St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Southern Caribbean Explorer sails to Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Thomas. Both itineraries include a day at sea for passengers to explore their luxurious floating hotel.

And what a “hotel” it is! Princess calls the Caribbean Princess the “Grand Daddy” of its fleet, at 952 feet in length with up to 3,100 guests. There are 13 dining options, five swimming pools (and five hot tubs), and sports options from digital golf simulators to a swim-against-the-current lap pool. Spacious cabins range from 158 to 324 square feet, many with balconies – the perfect perch from which to view some of the loveliest sights in the Caribbean.

“Our expansion into cruising is the logical next step for us,” says Daryl McWilliams, Sunwing’s vice-president of sales and marketing. “In a few short years we’ve gained a reputation for offering great-value all inclusive holidays to sun destinations. Now our customers can also experience the fun of a cruise combined with our ever popular Sunwing service.”

All flights will be on board Sunwing Airlines, which offers a “more frills” Elite Service. Passengers can enjoy a "welcome aboard" glass of champagne, a choice of hot meals served with wine, and in-flight movies and music with yours-to-keep headsets on all flights. This year the carrier is introducing its Elite Plus Service where for as little as $40 per flight sector passengers will receive advance seat selection, additional-legroom seats, 30 kg baggage allowance, priority check-in in Canada and priority boarding.

Sunwing’s cruise packages are now available for sale, with rates starting from $1,269 (plus taxes) including Sunwing Airlines airfare from Toronto and $1,789 including taxes from Montreal, per person based on double occupancy. For further information, visit www.sunwing.ca.; for reservations, see your travel agent.