It’s a nautical tradition that spans thousands of years with ceremonies that can be as intimate or as grandiose as to have preceding soirees leading up to the momentous event—the naming of a ship. This sacred tradition includes an act of breaking a bottle against the hull of a brand-new vessel and a blessing for good fortune and safety of the ship and all of it’s crew and passengers.
Today, in Southhampton, UK, a week-long celebration heralded the most anticipated launching event of the year, the naming of the Royal Princess by the ship’s godmother, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge.
From their recent press release, this historic bottle-breaking event included “star-studded” entertainment with musical performances by British performers and ensembles including pop singer Natasha Bedingfield, British actress Kerry Ellis, and Mass Ensemble, an internationally renowned percussive orchestra.
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Watch the naming of the Royal Princess!
“We can think of no more fitting godmother for our magnificent new Royal Princess,” said Alan Buckelew, Princess Cruises’ president and CEO. “Her Royal Highness is an inspiring ambassador for Britain – with whom Princess Cruises shares strong ties – and she is admired around the world for her style and grace. We’re so honored she accepted our invitation to become godmother to our new ship.”
A ship’s godmother becomes the honored sponsor of the ship as well as it’s symbolic patron. Princess Cruises has a history of choosing the most notable women to be godmothers of their vessels including the godmother of the first Royal Princess (1984), Diana Princess of Wales.
The ship will embark on it’s maiden voyage to Barcelona on June 16. Following that, Royal Princess will sail on Grand Mediterranean cruises throughout the summer, and Eastern Caribbean cruises in autumn.
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