PRINCESS Cruises will roll out phase two of its “Across the Ditch Program”, expanding the offering over the next 12 months to introduce 50 new shore tours and a refreshed menu.
Launching on Princess Cruises’ New Zealand itineraries this summer, the additions follow the program’s launch last year (CW 01 Nov 16).
Princess said this year’s edition had been “designed to further immerse guests in NZ culture and cuisine,” with fresh offerings including expansion of the Matariki Festival to provide more opportunities to learn about Maori heritage and participate in traditional customs.
A new menu will serve up local delicacies such as a traditional Hangi dinner, NZ lamb & Pavlova, washed down with NZ beers.
Fresh shore tours include a Piha bush and beach eco tour in Auckland, a Te Puia Thermal Reserve, Maori arts and Agrodome tour in Tauranga and Mt Sunday.
Also new is a Lord of the Rings sights tour in Akaroa and an Oamaru and Moeraki Boulders adventure in Port Chalmers.
Princess Cruises vice president Australia & New Zealand, Stuart Allison said the expansion follows the success of the program.
“Australians’ love of visiting their trans-Tasman neighbours shows no signs of waning,” Allison said, adding “with the expansion of our Across the Ditch program, these guests will now be able to enjoy an even more enriched, uniquely NZ experience”.
