British Princess Kate Attends New Cruise Ship Launch Ceremony; Ship Named Royal Princess

▲ British Princess Kate attends the Princess Cruises launch ceremony and names the new ship Royal Princess. (Photo / Provided by Princess Cruises)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge (Princess Kate) named the new ship Royal Princess for Princess Cruises at the launch ceremony in Southampton, UK, and smashed a bottle of champagne against the ship's hull, marking the official launch of the Royal Princess. This may be the last solo public appearance by the pregnant Kate before giving birth in July.

At the ceremony, Kate announced, "I name this ship Royal Princess, and may God bless her and all who sail in her." The Duchess of Cambridge cut the rope and shattered the champagne bottle against the hull, officially welcoming the Royal Princess to the ranks of the world’s largest international cruise lines.

The launch celebration featured a star-studded entertainment lineup, with British pop singer Natasha Bedingfield performing her hit song "Unwritten," and British actress Kerry Ellis, known as the "First Lady of the West End," singing her original compositions. Additionally, the internationally renowned ensemble Mass Ensemble performed the famous piece "Earth Harp" on the instrument with over 1,000 feet of strings, billed as the "longest stringed instrument in the world."

Princess Cruises has invited many distinguished women to serve as godmothers of its ships, including Princess Diana (who named the first Royal Princess in 1984), former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, actresses Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, and Lydia Shum. Now, Princess Kate’s name will also be added to the history of Princess Cruises.

The Royal Princess is a next-generation cruise ship that can accommodate 3,600 passengers. It features a spacious atrium for social activities, a glass-bottomed walkway called the SeaWalk extending over 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship on the upper deck, luxurious and private poolside cabanas seemingly floating on the water, a brand-new Princess Live television studio, the largest onboard pastry shop, and the Chef’s Table Lumiere restaurant where diners are surrounded by light curtains for a private dining experience. In addition, all outside cabins come with private balconies.

Since its maiden voyage to Barcelona, Spain on June 16, the Royal Princess will sail luxury Mediterranean itineraries this summer and begin Eastern Caribbean voyages in early autumn.