Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

Princess brews up 'Seawitch' IPA, first in a line of craft beers

a6048c34426189923488d97fce30c016_XL
Seawitch West Coast IPA - first in new series of Princess microbrews
Princess Cruises is pouring a new craft beer to toast its upcoming 50th anniversary. Named for the company's logo, the 'Seawitch' West Coast IPA beer was developed exclusively for Princess by Strike Brewing Co., and is the first in the line’s new series of craft beers.

The brew will be introduced aboard Regal Princess when the ship debuts in Florida for a season of Caribbean cruises this November.

Jonathan Wilson, vp food and beverage services for Princess, said the company knows its passengers 'love distinct experiences and authentic flavors.'

Strike Brewing Co., located near San Francisco—a Princess homeport—is an award-winning microbrewery known to fans of local craft beer. The Seawitch West Coast IPA (India Pale Ale) features the balanced aroma of lightly roasted malt and barley, strongly accented by the crisp dry flavor of a unique hop blend.

The Seawitch West Coast IPA will retail for $6.25 in bars and lounges throughout Regal Princess. It is expected to be available fleetwide by early 2015.

The cruise line will roll out additional Seawitch craft beers in partnerships with regional breweries that specialize in local flavors and represent some of the destinations Princess ships visit.

Princess will officially kick off its 50th anniversary year with the naming ceremony of Regal Princess on Nov. 5 in Fort Lauderdale. The company is honoring the role 'The Love Boat' played in its five-decades-long history by having the television show's original cast members serve as godparents.