The old tradition of friends or relatives of passengers being allowed to board a vessel on embarkation day to wish them "bon voyage" is set to make a return thanks to
Princess Cruises.
Non-travellers will be allowed to get a taste of the onboard experience while accompanying ticketholders through a new programme dubbed the Bon Voyage Experience.
Accompanying guests will be able to not only enjoy lunch in the company's ships' dining rooms but also have a tour of the vessel as part of the tradition, which had disappeared with the advent of tighter security.
"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," explained Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president.
The programme will be launched in March in the ports of Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale, with vessels such as
Coral Princess participating.
Written by Chris Smith.
