Carnival has announced it will introduce its premium product, Princess Cruises, in China next year, in a bid to tap into the growing tourism market.

Commencing May 2014, Sapphire Princess will be moved to Shanghai for a four-month season, where she is expected serve up to 70,000 passengers.

Princess Cruises president Alan Buckelew said although the line had served the Chinese market for years, it was the “right time” to offer “a new type of vacation experience”, with Sapphire Princess’ 18 decks of entertainment and luxury.

The 2014 Chinese season will feature four round-trip itineraries ranging from three to seven days, including a seven-day tour to the Korean capital of Seoul, on to Busan and the Island of Jeju, before returning to Shanghai.

The five-day cruise will call at Jeju and Inchon; the four-day itinerary will call at Busan and Jeju, while the three-day cruise calls at Jeju.

Princess Cruises new 2014 season of cruises are due to go on sale from 1 November this year.

Click here for some fast facts on the Sapphire Princess.