Musical Salute Welcomes Royal Princess to Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON, United Kingdom, June 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A musical salute provided a spectacular welcome for Royal Princess to Southampton today as the new cruise ship arrived to begin a week-long series of special inaugural events. British actor, director and writer Simon Callow orchestrated the Southampton University Brass Band to serenade the new Princess Cruises ship with a rendition of "God Save The Queen" as the vessel sailed into the harbor. Royal Princess will be officially named in Southampton on Thursday, June 13 by The Duchess of Cambridge.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130607/LA28358)

The unprecedented musical welcome, conducted by Callow, was answered back by Royal Princess with its own special horn that plays the first notes of the theme song from the TV show "The Love Boat."

"What an extraordinary welcome Royal Princess received for her arrival in Southampton," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "Starting the week off with this amazing musical orchestra offered the perfect way to tune up for a naming ceremony that will celebrate with many special musical performances."

The June 13 naming event will feature not only the christening by The Duchess, but also star-studded musical entertainment including British pop singer Natasha Bedingfield singing her hit "Unwritten," as well as a performance by British actress and "the first lady of London's West End," Kerry Ellis. The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Portsmouth and The Pipe Band of 1st Battalion Irish Guards will open the event with the pomp and ceremony of British ship-naming traditions.

The 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is a new-generation ship. Among the special features found on board is a dramatic multi-story atrium serving as the social hub of the ship offering a host of dining and entertainment options; an over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on water; the new Princess Live! television studio; the largest pastry shop at sea; a special Chef's Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms.

More information about the ship is available at www.princess.com/royalprincess.

Photos and video of the ship's arrival can be downloaded here:
Photos: www.royalprincesspresspictures.com
Video: www.digitalnewshub.com

About Princess Cruises:

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. An additional ship will join the fleet in 2014. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.4 million passengers each year to destinations around the globe ranging in length from three to 107 days. The company, formerly a division of P&O Princess Cruises, is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

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SOURCE Princess Cruises