Rare Original Declaration of Independence Copy to Tour Princess Alaska Ships July 4th Week

Exclusive Opportunity for Passengers to View Historic Document During Juneau Visits

Santa Clarita, Calif. (Vocus) June 17, 2009 -- A rare, original copy of the United States of America's founding document will make an exclusive appearance aboard Princess Cruises (http://www.princess.com/)' Alaska (http://www.princess.com/learn/destinations/alaska/index.html)-based ships the July 4th week, giving passengers the unique opportunity to see the only traveling copy of the Declaration of Independence - just as the country celebrates Independence Day. The historic exhibit will be showcased aboard all Princess ships calling in Juneau (http://www.princess.com/learn/ports/alaska/ports/JNU.html) between July 1-8, 2009.

Hosted in partnership with Declare Yourself, a non-profit organization founded by legendary television producer Norman Lear, this unique opportunity marks the first time a copy of the Declaration has visited Alaska, and the first time a cruise line has shown the famous document.

The Declaration will be on display aboard the vessels for about two hours while each ship is docked in Juneau. The document will be shown aboard Diamond Princess and Star Princess on July 1; Coral Princess on July 2; Island Princess on July 3; Pacific Princess and Golden Princess on July 6, and Sapphire Princess and Sea Princess on July 8.

"This is an amazing opportunity for our passengers to get a first-hand look at history, which is especially poignant at a time of year when our country celebrates its independence," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "It's a rare occasion when we can bring such a unique attraction right on board - this document has never been shown on a cruise ship before. It will be a memorable way to mark the week of Independence Day as well as Alaska's 50th anniversary of statehood."

The only touring copy of the Declaration of Independence, Declare Yourself's historic document is one of an estimated 200 original broadside copies (about the size of a sheet of newspaper) printed by John Dunlap in Philadelphia in 1776 after it was drafted by Thomas Jefferson, to distribute across the colonies and to King George in England. This copy's current journey began in 1989 when a Pennsylvania shopper bought a frame at a flea market for $4.00. Later, while inspecting a tear in the back of the painting, he discovered a piece of paper wedged between the frame and painting. He pulled it out and uncovered what would soon be authenticated as the 25th remaining copy of the Declaration of Independence. The document changed hands several times and was purchased in 2000 by Lyn and Norman Lear for $8.14 million, with the goal of bringing the document directly to the American people.

Declare Yourself is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit campaign that was founded in 2003 to empower and encourage every eligible 18-year-old in America to register to vote. For more information about Declare Yourself, visit www.DeclareYourself.com.

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.

Princess can also be found on:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Princess-Cruises/19788524059

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PrincessCruises

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/princesscruises/

About Princess Cruises and Tours:

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 17 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. Princess is a leader in Alaska vacations, offering immersive land/sea vacations that feature the state's "must see" attractions, including Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park. Princess owns and operates five wilderness lodges nestled in scenic riverside locations throughout the state, as well as a fleet of deluxe motorcoaches and glass-domed Princess railcars - giving travelers the opportunity to combine cruise, rail and lodge options to see all the best of Alaska. 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.

For further information contact:

Karen Candy, 661-753-1540

Julie Benson, 661-753-1530

News, background information and photography are always available in our online newsroom (http://www.princess.com/news/index.jsp).

###