The participation of inGroup International executives as esteemed guests in the inaugural sailing of Princess Cruises' newest Sphere-class ship, Star Princess, from November 7-10 highlights the deepening collaboration between the travel club and one of the world's most recognized premium cruise lines. This invitation signifies more than a ceremonial event; it represents a strategic partnership with tangible implications for enhanced travel offerings for inGroup's global membership. Michael Hutchison, Co-Founder and CEO of inGroup, described the experience as both an honor and a reflection of the strong relationship built with Princess Cruises, noting that the new Sphere-class represents an exciting milestone for the entire industry.
The Star Princess is the second vessel in Princess Cruises' innovative Sphere-class, featuring next-level dining, entertainment, and signature hospitality that has made the brand a global favorite for decades. Carmen Roig, SVP of Sales and Trade Marketing at Princess Cruises, expressed pleasure at having inGroup join the inaugural sailing, stating that their passion for creating meaningful travel experiences and their strong, growing global community truly align with what Princess stands for. This alignment supports inGroup's mission to provide members with unparalleled travel access and value through partnerships with leading premium cruise lines, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both organizations.
Tatiana Wegzyn, Commercial Partnerships Manager at inGroup, emphasized the practical benefits of experiencing major launches firsthand, explaining that participating in a major launch like Star Princess helps the company better understand the new features and guest experiences that their Members will soon enjoy. This direct experience strengthens the collaboration with Princess Cruises and supports the shared goal of bringing members more access to exceptional travel opportunities through platforms like inCruises.com. The partnership development occurs as inGroup continues expanding its travel offerings through its inCruises division, which has booked more than 630,000 guests since launching in 2016, demonstrating significant market traction and member engagement.
The Star Princess launch represents significant industry innovation, with the ship featuring Princess MedallionClass service and joining sister ship Sun Princess, which was named Condé Nast Traveler Mega Ship of the Year for a second consecutive year. This collaboration between inGroup and Princess Cruises signals continued growth in premium travel partnerships that benefit members through exclusive access and enhanced experiences. The partnership's importance lies in its potential to reshape how travel clubs collaborate with major cruise lines, creating more direct pathways for members to access premium experiences while providing cruise lines with engaged, loyal customer communities through specialized platforms.
