Search Results forroyal princess
Cruise news: Vidanta sets sail, a Royal Princess arrives and more
From new expeditions and ships to the arrival of a Royal Princess and a new player in the market — here are the latest happenings from the cruise world. Vidanta Cruises enters luxury cruising Vidanta Elegant Vidanta, Grupo Vidanta's luxury vacationing brand, has announced its entry into cruising. Its first ship, Vidanta Elegant, will welcome members and guests aboard later this year, with its first voyage in the fall of 2019. This endeavour further distinguishes Grupo Vidanta as the only provider of luxury accommodations in Mexico operating both on land and sea. “A revolutionary new approach to cruising” "Vidanta is proud to bring a revolutionary new approach to cruising," said Iván Chávez, executive vice president of Grupo Vidanta. "We have built a legacy 45 years in the making based on the extraordinary luxury and personalised service offered by our resort vacations. Now we're extending that legacy to the open sea while utilising our unique perspective as a Mexican company to give access to the hidden gems of the coastline and rarely offered transformative cultural experiences." A Royal Princess arrives in LA Royal Princess At the Port of Los Angeles, a Royal Princess arrived – that is, the 3,560-guest Princess Cruises ship – to take travellers to sought-after destinations including the Mexican Riviera, the California Coast and Alaska. Royal Princess sails weekly to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles (San Pedro) now through 27 April, then sails north to Vancouver for a season of Alaska cruises exploring The Great Land before returning to Los Angeles in September where the ship will homeport for six months, continuing cruises to Alaska, the Mexican Riviera and the California coast. Silversea’s Expedition World Cruise 2021 Expedition World Cruise 2021 The general sale of Silversea’s Expedition World Cruise 2021 has begun, unlocking a selection of deep travel experiences in 107 destinations. Silversea’s Silver Cloud will depart Ushuaia, Argentina, on 30 January 2021. Over 167 days, the ice-class crossover ship will open up experiences for guests in 30 countries across six continents, covering a total of 39,000 nautical miles. Spectrum of the Seas Spectrum of the Seas Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Spectrum of the Seas, has arrived. As the first of the Quantum Ultra Class ships, the state-of-the-art vessel features virtual reality experiences in the Sky Pad and custom juice drink creations crafted by robots at the Bionic Bar. Additionally, the Suite Club accommodations offer exclusive amenities like private dining rooms, lounges and a Solarium. There's also a private 3D cinema in the brand new Ultimate Family Suite. Follow cruise news for more of the latest in the cruise industry.
Hotels capitalising on the Royal Wedding – offers fit for a princess
Hotels in and out of the UK are capitalising on the upcoming Royal Wedding offering different packages celebrating the joyous union this month. Guests can avail a royal treatment as hotels create their own stunts to attract customers. Some hotels are offering $50,000 worth of packages, handing out condoms with Union Jack logo, and hosting Champagne parties, and streaming the royal wedding on big screen TVs. Brits are expecting a boost in business due to the nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19. Businesses in tourism, travel, restaurants, and hotels are believed to benefit from the band of tourists that will crowd Windsor. Last minute preparations are underway in the Windsor Castle. Businesses are also making preparations on their own like hiring extra help and extending hours, as well as stocking up on Harry and Meghan-themed souvenirs ahead of the arrival of royal watchers. Hotels in Windsor are already fully booked soon after the wedding date was announced in December. A likely explanation is the large number of reporters worldwide covering the royal wedding is smart enough to book early for the event. In addition, room prices already doubled since the announcement. According to Brand Finance, £300 million ($426 million) will come from tourism, travel, restaurants, and hotels; another £300 million will be derived from media coverage, picture and television rights; and £250 million ($355 million) will be spent in partying and celebrations. Moxy Times Square In the US, hotels come up with gimmicks to attract guests. New York’s Moxy Times Square hotel hands out condoms with a Union Jack logo, travel-sized bottle of gin, and a British slang dictionary for overnight guests. Manhattan’s Plaza Hotel requests guests to dress like British and wear their hats and gloves for a $150 Champagne breakfast on the wedding date. Dress to impress and get a chance win a prize of a free night at the hotel. The wedding will be live streamed in the Plaza’s Palm Court on big-screen TVs. The Plaza Hotel has an uncanny connection with the bride, Meghan Markle. While working as an actress in “Suits,” her character Rachel Zane dreamed of getting married at the Plaza. The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto offers a classic English breakfast of bubble and squeak (cabbage and potatoes) and bangers (sausages) and eggs. Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans offers a wedding package priced at $51,918 (after the date of the royal wedding). The package includes three nights in a two-bedroom suite, round-trip first-class airfare from anywhere in the U.S., life-size cardboard cutouts of Harry and Meghan, afternoon tea, a wedding day Champagne breakfast, take-home gifts like Wedgwood china and crystal stemware, food and shopping credits worth thousands of dollars and a lemon elderflower cake. Windsor is not alone in offering lavish packages, The Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills in California is offering a $30,000 “royal treatment package,” while the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C., is offering a $1 million wedding package that includes a private jet, custom-made gown and ring, and honeymoon. Whether anyone avails these packages, it is a chance for establishments to associate their brand with special events. Larry Chiagouris, professor of marketing at Pace University in New York, said, “Royal weddings occur on only a few occasions during a lifetime. They are therefore a rare opportunity for brands to reach large global audiences and for consumers to be a part of a rare event. So, to do so, the price of participation will always be very, very high.” All eyes are on the British monarch as Prince Harry and Markle’s wedding is one for the books. It is unknown if the children of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, especially the newborn Louis will be of attendance in the royal wedding.
Princess Cruises Celebrates 60 Years of Exceptional Cruising with Special Anniversary Voyage
Princess Cruises, affectionately known around the world as “The Love Boat,” is celebrating six decades of delivering dream vacations and happiness to millions of cruisers. To mark this milestone, Princess Cruises has announced a special 14-day 60th Anniversary Mexican Riviera Voyage, departing from the Port of Los Angeles on December 6, 2025. This commemorative cruise aboard the Royal Princess will retrace some of the same ports from the first-ever voyage that set sail on December 3, 1965, on Princess Patricia. As part of the celebration, Princess Cruises revealed that The Temptations, the legendary Motown group behind the classic hit “My Girl,” will perform on the 60th anniversary voyage. To mark the occasion, The Temptations performed their beloved song live onboard Discovery Princess, giving guests a preview of the incredible entertainment planned for the milestone cruise. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the release of “My Girl,” making it a double milestone event. The exciting announcement was delivered by Princess Cruises Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan, known for her role as “Vicki Stubing” in the beloved TV series “The Love Boat.” Whelan, a cherished part of Princess Cruises’ legacy, will also serve as the host for the 60th Anniversary Cruise, adding even more nostalgia to this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Additional information revealing onboard events and special guests will be announced soon. “As we prepare to celebrate our 60th anniversary, we can’t help but look back at where it all began with one ship sailing to Mexico,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Princess Cruises. “This commemorative 60th Anniversary Cruise will not only pay tribute to our rich history but also bring together the joy of cruise travel, music, and unforgettable moments. The Temptations’ performance today gives just a glimpse of the excitement and memorable experiences we have in store for this milestone.” A Journey Through History The 14-day 60th Anniversary Mexican Riviera Voyage aboard the Royal Princess sails from Los Angeles on December 6 and includes two overnight stays in Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, plus visits to Loreto, Manzanillo, and Mazatlán. This immersive journey offers guests the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of the Mexican Riviera while celebrating six decades of Princess Cruises’ legacy of exceptional service and innovation. Looking to the Future In addition to the throwback 60th Anniversary Voyage, Princess Cruises will be announcing other anniversary-related activities in the coming months. Today, Princess Cruises operates 16 stunning cruise ships, sailing to sought-after destinations all over the world. The cruise line will mark another milestone in 2025 with the debut of the all-new Star Princess in October. Join Princess Cruises in celebrating 60 years of creating unforgettable memories at sea. Whether you’re a long-time cruiser or new to the world of cruising, this special anniversary voyage promises to be a remarkable journey filled with nostalgia, entertainment, and exceptional experiences. Ready to set sail on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Let’s plan your voyage today!
Princess Cruises Launches Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection: A New Era of Mindful Indulgence
As the global trend of mindful drinking gains momentum, Princess Cruises is set to revolutionise the cruise experience with the launch of the Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection. This innovative menu, debuting in March, offers a refreshing alternative for guests who want to celebrate unforgettable moments at sea—without the alcohol. Leading the Way in Non-Alcoholic Indulgence The Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection marks a significant milestone as the first standalone non-alcoholic bar menu from a major cruise brand. Featuring an impressive array of 10–20 craft cocktails, this curated menu has been developed in collaboration with the visionary team behind the world’s No. 1 bar, Sips in Barcelona, Princess mixologists, and renowned cocktail artist Rob Floyd. The collection also boasts an exclusive selection of imported and domestic craft non-alcoholic beers, as well as white, red, rosé, and sparkling wines—all crafted to mirror the complexity and quality of traditional beverages. “At Princess, we’re committed to creating inclusive experiences for all of our guests,” said Sami Kohen, vice president of food and beverage for Princess Cruises. “The Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection reimagines what non-alcoholic drinks can be—delicious, sophisticated, and celebratory. By collaborating with exceptional brands like Betty Buzz and Lyre’s, and industry-leading mixologists, we’re proud to offer premium zero-proof options that complement the elevated Princess experience.” Signature Offerings Guests can look forward to enjoying a range of complex and flavourful non-alcoholic creations, including: Betty Buzz Creations: Known for its premium, all-natural mixers, Betty Buzz adds a bright, effervescent touch to the collection. Highlights include Blake’s Breeze, a crisp and refreshing blend of Betty Buzz Sparkling Grapefruit, a splash of soda, and a twist of citrus. Kylie Minogue’s Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé: Known for her elegance and style, Kylie Minogue’s award-winning non-alcoholic sparkling rosé offers a light, crisp, and celebratory option, perfect for toasting unforgettable moments at sea. Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Cocktails: Guests can savour complex mocktails featuring Lyre’s award-winning spirits alternatives, such as the No-Jito Royale, a modern take on the classic mojito made with Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, fresh mint, and lime. 24K Margarita: This dazzling creation combines the artistry of non-alcoholic spirits with the glamour of a signature margarita. It features Almave tequila by Lewis Hamilton in a non-alcoholic version crafted exclusively for Princess. All spirits alternatives used in the collection are created with the same ingredients and meticulous methods as traditional alcoholic options, ensuring an authentic and indulgent experience. Inclusive Packages Drinks within the Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection will be included in the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages, which offer unlimited beverages, among other premium amenities. This inclusion makes it easier than ever for guests to enjoy these sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages as part of their cruising experience. The Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection will debut fleetwide by the end of March, providing the perfect way for guests seeking more mindful travel to enjoy premium, zero-proof options. Conclusion Princess Cruises is redefining the cruise experience with the introduction of the Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection. Princess Cruises is setting a new standard for mindful indulgence at sea by offering a wide range of delicious and sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages. Whether toasting a special occasion or enjoying a refreshing drink, the Amore Princess Zero Alcohol Collection promises an unforgettable experience that aligns with a more mindful approach to travel.
Caribbean Princess Debuts in Port Canaveral for First-Ever Season of Cruises
Princess Cruises, affectionately known as “The Love Boat,” has just marked a significant milestone with the arrival of the Caribbean Princess in Port Canaveral. This event signals the beginning of an exciting new season of Caribbean cruises from this easily accessible Central Florida homeport. A Grand Launch On November 27, 2024, Caribbean Princess set sail on its inaugural four-day Thanksgiving cruise to the stunning shores of Turks & Caicos. The launch was celebrated with a spirit of giving, as Princess Cruises donated nearly two tons of non-perishable food items to The Sharing Center of Central Brevard, supporting local families in need. A New Era of Cruising from Port Canaveral John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises, expressed his excitement: “Today we celebrate the arrival of Caribbean Princess to Port Canaveral, one of the premier ports in cruising, and proudly support the local community. Port Canaveral offers fantastic facilities and is easily accessible for our guests, whether they choose to drive, fly, or take advantage of our exclusive Rail & Sail program with Brightline.” The inaugural winter season features 19 additional cruise departures to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with voyages ranging from six to eight days. Here are some of the exciting itineraries: Eastern Caribbean: Six-day cruises to Nassau, Grand Turk, and either Amber Cove or San Juan (Departures: Dec. 9, 23, 2024; Jan. 6, 20; Feb. 3, 17; March 3, 17, 31, 2025). Eastern Caribbean: Eight-day cruises to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan, and Grand Turk (Departures: Dec. 1, 29, 2024; Jan. 26; Feb. 23; March 23, 2025). Western Caribbean: Eight-day voyages to Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize City, and Roatan (Departures: Dec. 15, 2024; Jan. 12; Feb. 9; March 9; April 6, 2025). Guests can even combine six- and eight-day itineraries for an extended 14-day vacation. Family-Friendly Features and Signature Service Caribbean Princess offers a perfect blend of family-friendly amenities and signature Princess Cruises service. The 3,140-guest ship boasts 1,571 staterooms, including interconnecting rooms for families and a variety of suites and mini-suites. Key features include: Youth & Teen Center: Catering to kids and teens aged 3-17. Movies Under the Stars: An outdoor screen for enjoying movies. Broadway-Style Shows: Engaging and high-quality entertainment. The Sanctuary: A relaxing, adults-only space with ocean breezes. Enhanced Cruise Experience The ship features Princess Cruises’ signature MedallionClass technology, offering personalised, premium service that enhances the vacation experience. With inclusive packages like Princess Plus and Princess Premier, guests can enjoy savings of up to 65% on amenities such as Wi-Fi, beverages, and crew gratuities. Looking Ahead Captain John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO, expressed his excitement: “We’re beyond thrilled to welcome the beautiful Caribbean Princess to Port Canaveral—a cruise line our guests have been requesting for a long time.” This season’s offerings are just the beginning. Royal-Class Sky Princess is slated to sail from Port Canaveral for the next 2025-2026 winter season, with cruises on sale now. Conclusion With its stunning décor, innovative technology, and a variety of itineraries, Caribbean Princess is set to become a favourite among cruisers seeking memorable experiences from Port Canaveral. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or a longer vacation, the Love Boat is ready to make your dreams a reality. Have you ever sailed with Princess Cruises before? If not, would you consider a trip on the Caribbean Princess?
Princess Cruises Celebrates Major Milestone with Star Princess Float Out Ceremony
Princess Cruises, renowned for delivering dream vacations to millions each year, celebrated a significant milestone today with the float-out ceremony of its second Sphere-Class vessel, Star Princess. This traditional maritime event took place at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, marking the first time the ship’s superstructure met water. The Star Princess will now move to the outfitting quay, where construction will continue ahead of her anticipated debut in Fall 2025. The float-out ceremony, a centuries-old seafaring custom, was graced by Third Engineer Chiara del Vecchio, who currently serves aboard the sister ship, Sun Princess. Del Vecchio had the honour of being the brand’s madrina, making her the first member of the Princess technical team to hold this esteemed role. “Today is a celebration of teamwork, craftsmanship, and innovation. Star Princess is the second ship in our new Sphere class, and now as she prepares to take to the water for the first time, it is a testament to the incredible dedication and skill of the entire shipyard team,” said John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises. “Fincantieri has again turned vision into reality, building on the success of her sister ship – Sun Princess, which has already captured the hearts of our guests with its elegance and cutting-edge design. Together, we are creating amazing machines that will inspire adventure and deliver unforgettable experiences for all who sail with us for decades to come.” Padgett also announced that Commodore Nick Nash and Captain Gennaro Arma will serve as masters of Star Princess. Captain Arma will take the helm when the ship is delivered next fall, followed by Commodore Nash. Meet the Senior Officers of Star Princess The senior officers of Star Princess bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their roles: Chief Engineer Gaetano Guida joined Princess Cruises in 2002, and Guida was named Chief Engineer aboard Royal Princess in 2017. He played a crucial role in the delivery of Sun Princess and continues to guide the construction of Star Princess. Chief Engineer Massimiliano Imperiale: A 15-year veteran of Princess Cruises, Imperiale joined the company in 1999 and was appointed Chief Engineer in 2013 aboard Caribbean Princess. Staff Captain Chris King: King joined Princess in 2010 as a third officer and was named Staff Captain in 2023. He currently serves aboard Discovery Princess. Staff Captain Michele Russo: With nearly two decades at Princess, Russo was named Safety Officer in 2017 and Staff Captain last year. Hotel General Manager Ralph D’Souza: Joining Princess in 2006, D’Souza was named Hotel General Manager in 2019 and has been on the launch team for several ships, including Sun Princess. Hotel General Manager Bosco Pires: Pires has been a hotel general manager since 2019 and has nearly 25 years of specialized cruise industry experience. A New Era of Cruising The 4,300-guest, 178,000-ton Star Princess is the second in the new Sphere Class of ships for Princess and will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Her sister ship, Sun Princess, debuted in February and has been celebrated for its elegant design and innovative features, such as The Dome, The Sphere, and The Arena. Voyages for the inaugural season of Star Princess are now on sale, promising unforgettable experiences and adventures for all who sail with Princess Cruises.
Royal Commission for AlUla signs new partnership with Petra National Trust
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) signed for a collaborative new partnership with the Petra National Trust (PNT), a leading regional non-governmental and non-profit organization in Jordan dedicated to the preservation of cultural and natural heritage. Through the partnership, both parties seek to build a platform fostering greater understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage within and beyond the region. Her Royal Highness Princess Dana Firas, president of PNT and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Heritage, said: “We are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal Commission for AlUla, marking a significant collaboration between Jordan and Saudi Arabia in the realm of cultural heritage preservation. Through this partnership and our ongoing efforts, we continue to advocate for cultural heritage as a cornerstone of sustainable development and community engagement, focusing on youth education and women's empowerment." For her part RCU acting CEO Abeer AlAkel remarked that AlUla and Petra share a close and deep-lying connection that stretches back through millennia to the ancient kingdom of the Nabataeans whom she referred to as a remarkable people who were able to harness their environment and create incredible tombs and monuments to their achievements that exist to this day. AlAkel said: “This latest collaborative agreement will strengthen our ongoing commitments to knowledge sharing and application of best practices in heritage education, serving an ambitious goal to reach our 14,000 school children in AlUla to build a deeper understanding and appreciation for history and cultural heritage.” A milestone in heritage conservation Considered a milestone in regional and global efforts to encourage the appreciation and preservation of vital artefacts, the partnership celebrates the rich and distinct heritage found in sites across Hegra, and Petra, as centres of the Nabataean civilisation. As the custodian of AlUla’s cultural landscape and heritage, RCU will work closely with experts from PNT on the transfer of knowledge and skills across critical areas including informal learning techniques, the interpretation of cultural heritage and storytelling across key historical sites, and making history accessible and engaging within their respective communities and youth populations. At the same time, RCU and PNT will collaborate in specialised sectors including innovative educational initiatives to help deepen people’s connection with heritage, empowering communities, especially children, to be active participants in discovering and safeguarding AlUla’s rich heritage sites, with an aim to inspire continued conservation efforts and future career choices. Building on the launch of the partnership, teams from PNT will visit AlUla later this year for a series of workshops and tours, while colleagues from RCU will travel to the Jordanian capital Amman for complementary sessions to exchange ideas, explore new opportunities, and focus on future strategies.
Princess Cruises Unveils Biggest-Ever Alaska Season for 2026
Princess Cruises, the leading Alaska cruise line, has unveiled its most extensive Alaska season yet for 2026. The highlight of this exciting season is the debut of the newest ship in its fleet, the Star Princess. The expanded Alaska program for 2026 features eight ships, 180 departures, and 19 destinations, offering travellers an unparalleled selection of Alaska adventures by sea or by both land and sea. For the first time, guests will have the opportunity to explore Alaska aboard a Sphere Class ship. The Star Princess, launching in fall 2025, will sail her first summer season in the Great Land in 2026, offering unparalleled views of glaciers and wildlife. As the second ship in the Sphere Class following Sun Princess, Star Princess promises an elevated cruising experience. This ship features innovative architectural spectacles like The Dome, the industry’s first geodesic structure, and The Sphere, a suspended glass Piazza. Additionally, it is celebrated, along with sister ship Sun Princess, as the greatest foodie destination at sea, promising to tantalize taste buds with world-class culinary offerings. Bookings open August 1, and the “Better Than Best Price Guarantee” offers the best rates and 120% of the price difference as an onboard credit if a lower rate is found before the final payment. This promotion ends on September 2, 2024. “2026 will reinforce Princess’ leadership in Alaska vacations. The deployment of the magnificent Star Princess to Alaska for the first time will offer guests unprecedented views, luxurious accommodations, and the finest food, beverages and entertainment ever seen in the Great Land. Our guests will experience Alaska like never before aboard our innovative Sphere Class ship,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. Highlights for Alaska in 2026 Guests can choose from 180 departures from five convenient ports aboard eight incredible ships, including the new Star Princess. Options include: Voyage of the Glaciers: Discovery Princess, Grand Princess, Coral Princess, and Island Princess will offer seven-day journeys to experience the breathtaking views of two Alaska glaciers. Princess visits Glacier Bay National Park more than any other cruise line. These itineraries are combinable for a 14-day Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure. Inside Passage: Guests can enjoy seven- to 20-day cruises and up to four glacier-viewing experiences when they sail the Inside Passage and visit the highest-rated Alaska destinations and lesser-known gems from convenient homeports, including weekend departures from Seattle (Royal Princess and Star Princess), San Francisco (Ruby Princess), Vancouver, B.C. (Emerald Princess), and Los Angeles (Emerald Princess). Longer Sailings: Guests who want to spend more time with Princess this Alaska season can opt for a 20-day Ultimate Alaska Solstice on Ruby Princess sailing roundtrip from San Francisco and a 16-day Inside Passage on Emerald Princess roundtrip from Los Angeles. Adventures Ashore Princess allows guests to expand their cruise experience with exciting and authentic shore excursions at their ports of call. Guests have many exciting excursions, from “Cook My Catch” to fishing for dinner, flying on a helicopter through mountainous views, watching breaching whales, and more. Award-Winning, Onboard Activities with “North to Alaska with Princess” Program The award-winning “North to Alaska with Princess” program enriches each Alaska cruise with cultural and educational activities, including naturalist talks, a planetarium Northern Lights experience, and a deliciously fresh local Alaska seafood menu. In addition, the popular Junior Ranger program for young cruisers ensures guests of all ages enjoy their Alaska cruise as they explore the Great Land’s rich history. Cruisetours – Cruise, Rail and Lodge in the Interior of Alaska Combining a cruise with a land tour is a great way to maximize an Alaska vacation, including visiting Denali National Park and beyond. The 2026 season includes more than 20 cruisetour options. One highlight is the 15-night National Parks Tour, perfect for those who want to get their National Parks Passport stamped seamlessly. Guests will explore five of Alaska’s most breathtaking parks, including Glacier Bay, Denali, and Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway. This experience combines a seven-day cruise and scenic rail travel with eight nights ashore, including stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges. This exciting season promises to offer guests an unforgettable journey through Alaska’s stunning landscapes while enjoying the luxury and comfort of Princess Cruises’ innovative fleet
Hannah Waddingham Officially Welcomes Sun Princess, the Newest Princess Cruises Ship
In a spectacular celebration today at the Port of Barcelona, award-winning actress and performer Hannah Waddingham officially welcomed the newest and most innovative Princess Cruises ship – Sun Princess – serving as godmother during a star-studded naming ceremony. The time-honoured maritime tradition took place onboard Sun Princess in the all-new Princess Arena. Waddingham, alongside the ship’s Captain Craig Street, joyously pronounced, “I name this ship Sun Princess. May God bless her and all who sail on her.” She then released the celebratory bottle of Champagne to smash against the ship, wishing good fortune to all of the ship’s guests and crew sailing to incredible destinations all over the world. John Padgett, Princess Cruises president, said, “Hannah is globally admired and adored for her immense talent and determination. Those qualities, along with her family’s deep connection and love for the sea, make her the perfect godmother for our sensational new Sun Princess. We are honoured that she has joined us for this pinnacle moment and will remain a treasured part of the ship’s legacy forever.” Known for her adored role as Rebecca Welton in “Ted Lasso,” Waddingham said being named Sun Princess godmother is a “pinch me” moment as she joins an esteemed group of women, including members of the Royal Family, who have also served as godmothers to Princess ships: Diana, Princess of Wales (Royal Princess, 1984); Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales (Royal Princess 2013); Audrey Hepburn (Star Princess, 1989); Sophia Loren (Crown Princess, 1990); Martha Stewart (Crown Princess, 2006); among many notable celebrities and dignitaries. Waddingham grew up boating and has fond memories of weekends in Dunkirk. In addition, her grandfather served in the Royal Navy during World War II. “As much as theatre has always rippled through my bloodstream, so too has a strong, historic familial connection with the Royal Navy and all things nautical,” said Waddingham. “I have seen the iconic godmothers who have been asked to represent these magnificent ships and looked on in awe over the years. Therefore, it is a great privilege to have been asked to act as Godmother to the Sun Princess, the first of her class. I can’t quite believe it.” Actor and magician Michael Carbonaro served as master of ceremonies for the event and was joined by a host of celebrities and TV personalities including Tyra Banks, Romero Britto, Randy Fenoli, Jeff Corwin, Rob Floyd, along with celebrated chefs Dario Cecchini, Makoto Okuwa, and beloved original “Love Boat” cast members Jill Whelan (Vicki Stubing), Ted Lange (Isaac) and Bernie Kopell (Doc). In addition, Natasha Bedingfield was on hand to perform her smash hit “Pocket Full of Sunshine” fittingly, along with other award-winning hits, including “Unwritten.” The post Hannah Waddingham Officially Welcomes Sun Princess, the Newest Princess Cruises Ship first appeared on Stray Nomad Travel News.
Princess Cruises Exclusive: Katmai National Park Cruise tour on sale now for 2024 Alaska Season
Princess Cruises Exclusive: New Katmai National Park Cruisetour on Sale Now for 2024 Alaska Season Solidifying its position as the leader in Alaska vacations, Princess Cruises today announced a new and exclusive Katmai National Park Cruise tour for the 2024 season, that promises a deeper and more up-close encounter with the awe-inspiring wildlife of Alaska. On sale now, the 9-day Katmai National Park Cruise tour includes two nights in Anchorage, where guests have the chance to embark on an intimate bear-watching experience at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. This unique experience will immerse travelers in the heart of Alaska's wilderness, allowing them to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, before or after sailing on a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise that includes a coveted visit to Glacier Bay National Park and the spectacular glacier viewing in College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier. The cruise tour also features an opportunity to experience Alaska's premier Wildlife Conservation Center located just outside of Whittier. This dedicated sanctuary preserves Alaska's wildlife through conservation, education, research and quality care. Here, guests will encounter moose, muskox, reindeer, wolves, lynx, caribou and more. "This extraordinary cruisetour will provide guests with a deeper connection to the natural wonders of Alaska, and the opportunity to explore the pristine wilderness and majestic landscapes of the region," said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer for Princess Cruises. "This exclusive experience reflects our commitment to delivering unique and enriching journeys that allow our guests to explore more of Alaska while creating lasting memories." With 32 cruisetours departing between June 8 and August 29, 2024, guests can choose from 16 northbound Vancouver to Whittier (for Anchorage) and 16 southbound Whittier (for Anchorage) to Vancouver vacations combining three days in Anchorage with a scenic seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise onboard Grand Princess, Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess. Cruise tour guests will fly to King Salmon from Anchorage to reach Brooks Lodge for a day observing large brown bears eagerly welcoming the returning sockeye salmon, and dominant male bears competing for the best catching spots. Guests can enjoy hiking on scenic trails that traverse natural brown bear habitat and salmon feeding locations, including the iconic Brooks Falls. A lunch is provided midday as well as an exclusive souvenir designed just for Princess guests. Katmai National Park Cruisetours start at $2,429 per person and combines a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with two hotel nights in Anchorage, flights to and from Katmai National Park and all transfers. Also new for 2024, the previously announced National Parks Cruisetour debuts with a 15-night adventure to five of Alaska's most breathtaking parks. Guests will have the opportunity to explore Glacier Bay, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords National Parks, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway. This experience combines a seven-day cruise, scenic rail travel, and eight nights on land, including stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges. The 2024 season marks the 55th anniversary for Princess Cruises sailing in Alaska and seven ships are scheduled to depart from five convenient home ports, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, B.C., and Anchorage (Whittier). When visiting Alaska, guests choose Princess more than any other cruise line to set their sights on untamed wilderness, majestic glaciers, close-up wildlife and Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. And, Princess takes more guests to Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line. For guests looking to explore more of Alaska, Princess offers a variety of cruisetours combining a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with an extended three to 10 nights on land, staying at the cruise line's exclusive Princess Wilderness Lodges.
No companies found matching your search.
Return To HomeNo Event found matching your search.
Return To Home