Cruise line reintroduces decades-old custom

(Princess)

A US cruise line is to allow friends and family of passengers on board its ships ahead of departure, reincarnating an old tradition.

Before the tightening of security regulations, passengers on board grand cruise liners were normally allowed to bring families and friends on board to show off the ship before setting sail. Now, a cruise line plans to reintroduce this decades-old custom by allowing passengers to invite their friends and family for a tour of the ship and lunch to wish them "bon voyage."

The new "Bon Voyage Experience" from Princess Cruises enables passengers to extend an invitation to their guests to join them onboard during sailing day for a four-course dining room lunch with wine and a ship tour. The cost will be $39 (€28.60) per person and the tours will debut on Princess cruises leaving the ports of Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale in March.

"Long-time cruisers will recall the fun of the bon voyage send-off with their family and friends, and we're excited to re-introduce a new, modern version of this experience," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president.

http://www.princess.com