America's 'First Bachelor' Joins Princess Cruises' Department of Romance

America's 'First Bachelor' Joins Princess Cruises' Department of Romance

Alex Michel Will Help Choose Finalists for Line's 'Greatest Romantic' Video Contest

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 100 million viewers and 12 seasons later, ABC's "The Bachelor" remains one of the top reality television shows. And now the show's very first bachelor, Alex Michel, is set to share his views on love and dating as he becomes the newest member of Princess Cruises' Department of Romance.

Still a bachelor since he made his appearance on the first show in 2002, the 37-year-old Michel is well-qualified to join Princess' line-up of romance experts. The experience gleaned from courting the 25 contestants who hoped to be his chosen partner have given him plenty of romantic insights to share, and his first assignment will be to help judge the line's "Are You The Greatest Romantic?" online video contest at the end of this month.

Princess' Department of Romance, a tribute to the company's decades-long legacy as the setting for the iconic TV show "The Love Boat," is made up of noted experts on a variety of romantic topics and includes actor Gavin MacLeod, "The Love Boat's" "Captain Stubing;" Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the always-provocative couples therapist; Trish McDermott, Vice President of Love at Engage.com; and Lisa Light, destination wedding expert and author.

Michel will join the other department members to help select the five finalists for Princess' "Greatest Romantic" contest, who will be announced on April 1. The public will then have the chance to vote for their favorite entry, with the winner joining the Department of Romance for one year and featured on the company's website offering their sage romantic advice through articles and a special podcast. The winning romantic will also receive a seven-day cruise for two to the Mexican Riviera or the Caribbean.

"I am thrilled to be joining Princess Cruises' Department of Romance," said Alex Michel. "As a single guy, I think I can bring a unique perspective to the group, especially with my experiences on "The Bachelor." Not only do I feel I can offer some great tips and advice about the single person's search for love, I'm a huge "Love Boat" fan and an avid cruiser!"

After "The Bachelor," Alex Michel served as a spokesperson for the well-known online dating service Match.com, providing commentary on romance and courtship through television and radio shows, newspaper and magazine articles and live appearances. Previously, Michel's love of film inspired him to produce travel documentaries in over 20 countries around the world and later short Internet films for a major technology firm.

A graduate of Harvard University, with an MBA from Stanford, Michel is currently an executive at a media and technology company.

"It's going to be great fun having Alex join our romance team and offer his outlook as the only single member of the department," said Jan Swartz, senior vice president for Princess Cruises. "I'm sure he'll offer some fun insight into his search for romance and how he navigates dating in today's wired world."

Michel will offer his advice and observations on Princess Cruises' special online home for romance, http://www.princess.com/romance. The site also features tips and articles from the other romance experts ranging from the best ways to reinvigorate your romance, to tips on planning a destination wedding. It also features a series of podcasts, inspiring quotations and romantic desktop downloads.

For more information about the "Are You the Greatest Romantic?" contest and to see which videos Michel and the other experts choose as the five finalists, log onto http://www.princess.com/romance.

Long known as a leader in romance, Princess has been offering romantic cruise vacations around the world for more than 40 years. 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 http://www.princess.com/.

About Princess Cruises:

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 16 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. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess offers its passengers the opportunity to escape to the top destinations around the globe, with sailings to all seven continents, ranging in length from seven to 107 days. 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.

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FCMN Contact:

Source: Princess Cruises

CONTACT: Karen Candy of Princess Cruises, +1-661-753-1540,
kcandy@princesscruises.com; or Gabby McNamara, +1-908-461-5260,
mcnamara@redpointpr.com, for Princess Cruises

Web site:

http://www.princess.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: News, background information and photography are available 24-7 at http://www.princess.com/news.

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