Princess Cruises has added two new sailings to Regal Princess’ maiden schedule after confirming the ship will join the line’s fleet earlier than expected.

The ship was originally due to make its maiden voyage on 2 June 2014. It will now make its first commercial journey on 20 May 2014.

According to Princess Cruises executive vice president Jan Swartz, construction of the Regal Princess has been “going well”.

He said: “We’re delighted the ship will be ready to welcome passengers even earlier than originally planned.”

Putting her to work upon arrival, the ship will make two new sailings on her maiden voyage.

The first, a seven-day cruise from Venice to Athens departing 20 May 2014. It will include stops in Corfu, Mykonos and an overnight call in Istanbul. And a six-day cruise from Athens to Venice departing 27 May. It will stop in Kusadasi, Santorini, Katakolon and Dubrovnik.

Both voyages can be combined with the ship’s 13-day Grand Adventure or the 20-day Mediterranean escape.

Cruisers who booked on the ship’s original maiden voyage will receive a duplicate booking on the new 20 May cruise. They will have until 15 November 2013 to decide if they want to the new cruise.

Regal Princess is the sister ship to Royal Princess. She will carry 3,560 passengers.

Features include a social hub, SeaWalk, poolside cabanas, Princess Live television studio and a private dining experience at the Chef’s Table Lumiere.