Duchess of Cambridge to Name First Ship

Princess Cruises announced Tuesday that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge will name the newest addition to the line’s fleet, Royal Princess.

The Duchess, aka former Kate Middleton, will name the ship (her first) during a ceremony that will take place in Southampton on Thursday, June 13.

Princess Cruises says the ceremony will uphold British ship-naming traditions including the blessing, a performance by the Royal Marines Band and the pipers of the Irish Guards.

“It is a great honor for Princess Cruises that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has accepted our invitation to become the Godmother to Royal Princess,” said Alan Buckelew, the line’s president and CEO said. “We are delighted that the Duchess will launch our new ship and can think of no better way to celebrate our company’s British heritage and our commitment to the country.”

Royal Princess will arrive at the Ocean Terminal in Southampton on Friday, June 7, where she will commence a series of events for customers and travel agents, including a special naming gala. Princess Cruises says the ship’s inaugural celebrations will conclude with her maiden voyage on June 16.

The new-generation, 3,600-passenger Royal Princess includes a number of amenities fit for royalty. The ship features an expanded atrium, an over-water SeaWalk, plush private poolside cabanas, a television studio, the largest pastry shop at sea, a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, and balconies on all outside staterooms.

After her maiden voyage the ship will sail Grand Mediterranean cruises throughout the summer, followed by Eastern Caribbean cruises beginning in the autumn.