TRAVEL | The Grand Ship "Royal Princess," Christened by Catherine, Makes Her Debut!
LOUNGE / TRAVEL
December 26, 2014

TRAVEL | The Grand Ship "Royal Princess," Christened by Catherine, Makes Her Debut!


TRAVEL | A Giant Cruise Ship, 330 Meters Long with 1,780 Cabins


The Luxury Liner "Royal Princess," Christened by Catherine, Makes Her Debut!



Princess Cruises, which operates cruises worldwide, held the naming ceremony for its new ship, the "Royal Princess," in Southampton, England. The Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine, who christened the ship, also attended the ceremony, marking a glamorous debut befitting a luxury liner.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi





Maritime Traditions Meet Modern Elements



Princess Cruises currently operates a fleet of 17 ships. Each time a new vessel is launched, it is named by a global celebrity. Past godmothers have included Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, and Margaret Thatcher, among others who have had the honor of this distinguished role.

The newly built "Royal Princess" is a colossal cruise ship, measuring 330 meters in length and 47 meters in width, with a passenger capacity of 3,560 and 1,780 cabins. It features an impressive three-deck atrium and a top deck. Furthermore, amenities such as the glass-enclosed SeaWalk, which extends over 8.5 meters over the sea from the hull, and balconies on all ocean-view cabins, promise a comfortable and luxurious voyage.



Luxury Liner "Royal Princess"

Luxury Liner "Royal Princess"




Additionally, the central pool area hosts performances day and night, and the dining options are extensive, including the "Horizon Bistro Pastry Shop" where guests can savor freshly baked pies, and various other restaurants offering a diverse culinary experience.

At the naming ceremony, Catherine, standing at the naming podium with the captain, declared, "I name this ship Royal Princess. May God bless her and all who sail on her." A giant bottle of Moët & Chandon was then smashed against the hull to celebrate its maiden voyage.



Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge Attending the Naming Ceremony

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge Attending the Naming Ceremony Photograph courtesy of Princess Cruises


Luxury Liner "Royal Princess"

Royal Princess





The ceremony also featured performances blending traditional and modern maritime elements, including a stage performance by British pop singer Natasha Bedingfield, and music by the Royal Marines Band Portsmouth and the pipes and drums of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, captivating the 2,000 invited guests.

Following its maiden voyage to Barcelona, the ship is scheduled for a Grand Mediterranean Cruise in the summer and an Eastern Caribbean Cruise in the fall. The luxurious "Royal Princess," as glamorous and beautiful as Catherine herself, will undoubtedly traverse the world's oceans, providing exquisite voyages and delighting many.