Princess to Host First-Ever Live Opera Transmission at Sea

04-03-2008

 

 

Exclusive "Opera Under the Stars" Event Gives Passengers Unique Opportunity to Enjoy Puccini's
La Bohème on Saturday, April 5 as part of The Met: Live on the High Seas

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (April 2, 2008) - In an industry exclusive event, Princess ships will become the first cruise vessels ever to broadcast a live performance from the Metropolitan Opera in New York.  The special The Met: Live on the High Seas presentation of Puccini's La Bohème will be held on Saturday, April 5 as part of the Met's series of eight opera performances that are transmitted live via satellite to movie theaters around the world (The Met: Live in HD).

This unique experience will be offered across Princess' 16-ship fleet.  On vessels equipped with Movies Under the Stars, passengers can enjoy a unique "Opera Under the Stars" event, as they take in the production on the giant poolside LED screens.  Other vessels will show the broadcast in the Princess Theater.  Opera lovers and newcomers alike can enjoy this famous love story while sailing in locations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, or Hawaii, as well as exotic locations such as Cape Horn and Egypt.

Puccini's most popular masterwork, La Bohème tells the story of a community of artists in Paris, and is the opera that inspired Broadway's hit musical, RENT.  Acclaimed soprano Angela Gheorghiu and tenor Ramón Vargas star as Mimi and Rodolfo in Italian director and designer Franco Zeffirelli's iconic production.  Nicola Luisotti conducts.

"It's quite unusual to be able to sit by a pool in the Caribbean and watch a world-class opera live from New York," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president.  "We're very excited to be breaking new ground with this first-ever live Metropolitan Opera broadcast at sea.  It's a rare opportunity to present our passengers with such an enriching cultural experience included in their cruise."

The Met: Live in HD was launched during the 2006-07 season as part of the Met's new mission to revitalize the art form and to attract new and larger audiences to opera.  The initiative expanded from six to eight opera transmissions in 2007-08, and also includes distribution in New York City public schools.  Global distribution of the series triples this season to reach more than 600 participating venues in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.  France and New Zealand join the international network on April 5.

The Met: Live on the High Seas is one of many special events and features shown daily on Princess' giant Times Square-style Movies Under the Stars LED screens.  The unique, 300-square-foot screens show up to seven movies or events daily, including family films and first run hits, as well as concert footage and other special programming.  In the evenings, lounge chairs are covered with special cushions and blankets and Princess' hallmark poolside service is available to enhance the viewing experience with free popcorn plus a variety of drink specials and movie snacks.  Movies Under the Stars is featured on Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess and Sea Princess.

The digital broadcast of the Met's first-ever live event at sea is being made possible by MTN Satellite Services, a division of SeaMobile Enterprises.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

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About the Met:
Under the leadership of General Manager Peter Gelb and Music Director James Levine, the Met has launched a series of bold initiatives designed to broaden its audience and revitalize the company's repertory.  Building on its 76-year-old international radio broadcast history - heard over the Toll Brothers Metropolitan Opera International Radio Network - the Met now uses advanced media distribution platforms and state-of-the-art technology to attract new audiences and reach millions of opera fans around the world.  Metropolitan Opera Radio on SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Channel 85) is a subscription-based audio service broadcasting both live and rare historical performances.  In addition to providing audio recordings through the new Met on Rhapsody on-demand service, the company also presents free live audio streaming of performances on its website once every week during the opera season with support from RealNetworks®.  Performances from the 2007-08 season of The Met: Live in HD will be available on DVD this summer.  The Met: Live in HD will expand from eight to ten transmissions in 2008-09 and is scheduled to begin in October 2008.

About Princess Cruises:
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 16 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service.  A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess offers its passengers the opportunity to escape to the top destinations around the globe, with sailings to all seven continents, ranging in length from seven to 107 days.  The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Princess Cruises is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines.  Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn.  Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets.  Together we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

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