Recognized for offering the best itineraries in Europe, Princess Cruises continues to offer top-rated journeys in the Mediterranean and North Europe for the upcoming 2018 season.

Open for sale Dec. 1, these itineraries also include the cruise line’s new “Local Connections” program, featuring enriching vacation experiences ashore and onboard that connect guests with authentic resident experts.

Highlights from Princess Cruises 2018 cruise vacations to Europe, include the maiden call of Sapphire Princess to this region, as well as roundtrip British Isles voyages aboard Royal Princess departing from Paris (Le Havre). The 2018 season features five ships sailing to 115destinations from the corners of the Mediterranean to the northernmost tip of Europe. Guests can choose from 57 unique itineraries on 168 cruise departures, visiting 35 countries.

“We’re proud to continually earn awards for the best cruise itineraries around the globe and we’re sure to live up to our reputation with the 2018 Europe season,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “We’ve worked hard to not only showcase the famous sites of Europe to our guests but also provide them authentic local experiences to immerse themselves in the culture, food, landscape and charm of these iconic destinations.”

The industry-first “Local Connections” program aims to inspire the line’s guests by sharing the passion and pride the company’s port partners have for their destination, while taking full advantage of the suggestions and creativity of those partners who know the destination best. Elements include a video series of local port partners sharing their thoughts, experiences and recommendations of the places they call home, local expert onboard speakers, new tours, partner port guides and walking maps, new port welcome and departure experiences, and an insider’s guide including “cool things” made in each port.

Highlights of the April – December 2018 Europe season include: