Princess Cruises has celebrated significant milestones for each of its three ships currently under construction. In an industry-first, events took place at Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, to mark the construction progress for each of the 3,660-guest Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess and a sixth Royal-class ship yet to be named.
For Sky Princess, which will launch in October this year, a ‘Madrina’ ceremony was held. The ceremony saw Kerry Ann Wright, a Glasgow-based second officer for Princess Cruises, wish the ship a safe onward journey with a blessing at the shipyard. Kerry Ann began her career at sea working in the onboard hotel department before beginning her own deck cadetship. After several years of study she qualified as an officer of the watch in 2015 and gained her Chief Mates license in 2018, leading to her present role on sister ship, Royal Princess. She was nominated as Madrina by her fellow crew members.
For Enchanted Princess, which will launch in Southampton in June 2020, a keel laying ceremony took place. Following a traditional blessing, executives from Princess Cruises and Fincantieri kicked off the countdown to completion of the fifth Royal-class ship by ceremoniously lowering a 500-tonne keel – the bottom-most part of the ship – into position in the drydock. Representatives and invited guests then participated in a traditional ‘good luck’ coin ceremony, which comprised welding an Ocean Medallion into the ship.
Finally a steel-cutting ceremony was held for the final Royal-class ship. The ceremony took place during a live broadcast from Naples, Italy, and marked the cutting of the first plates of steel. These signaled the beginning of construction of the ship scheduled to launch in 2022.
Princess recently announced the order of two new (LNG) ships which will be the largest ships in the Princess fleet, accommodating approximately 4,300 guests. These ships are expected for delivery in 2023 and 2025.