ISTANBUL

The cruise liner Royal Princess has arrived at Istanbul's Karakoy Port.

Christened last month by Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, the cruise ship is designated by its operator Princess Cruises as the new flagship of its fleet.

A 12 day cruise on one of Royal Princess' 1,438 balcony staterooms costs 1,200 euros.

"In actual fact, it's really not that expensive," said Tolgar Biyikli, Managing Director of Golden Bay Tour, a Turkey-based international travel agency. "The ship has 19 floors. It boasts 8 restaurants, as well as themed dining options featuring Argentine and Italian cuisines and a seafood bar."

"The summer cruises are held every 12 days, which will go on until the end of October," Biyikli said.

The ship is in the middle of its Barcelona-Venice tour which started on July 17, he said.

englishnews@aa.com.tr