New Princess Cruises Ship Receives Royal Welcome to Ft. Lauderdale

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Oct. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Princess arrived at Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale today, marking her North American debut and launching her inaugural season of Caribbean cruises. Princess Cruises ambassador Gavin MacLeod was on hand to welcome the ship as it arrived at the Florida port, where he was joined by a court of young girls who he proclaimed "royal princesses for the day."

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131028/LA05022)   

The actor, best known as Captain Stubing from the iconic "Love Boat" TV show, will join the ship for a two-day preview cruise for travel agents where he will participate in a special presentation and book signing for his just-released autobiography, "This is Your Captain Speaking."

The ship's North American season starts with a five-day maiden Caribbean cruise on October 29, followed by a program of seven-day Eastern Caribbean sailings to Princess Cays, St. Thomas and St. Maarten.

Royal Princess debuted this past June with a christening ceremony watched around the world as The Duchess of Cambridge officially named the ship in her last public appearance before giving birth to her first child. The ship has been sailing in the Mediterranean throughout the summer.

"We're delighted that Royal Princess has been so enthusiastically received by passengers during her first Mediterranean season," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "And now Caribbean cruisers will be able to experience this stunning new vessel too."

The first of two new-generation ships for Princess, Royal Princess' prototype design received rave reviews from passengers sailing on the ship's summer season. Among the features garnering attention are a dramatic over-water SeaWalk, where passengers can venture 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel in a glass-bottomed walkway; a water and light show that has been dazzling the crowds; a dedicated pastry shop and a gelateria for those with a sweet tooth; a soaring atrium that has become the social center of the ship with its many new eateries and entertainment options; and many more dining opportunities including a special Chef's Table Lumiere, the centerpiece of an exclusive dinner at a private glass table surrounded by a curtain of light.

Royal Princess will sail from Ft. Lauderdale through April 20, 2014. The ship then will cross the Atlantic to offer a summer season of Scandinavia and Russia cruises.

More about Royal Princess, including a video tour of the ship, is available at: princess.com/learn/ships/rp.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at princess.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. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.7 million passengers each year to destinations around the globe ranging in length from three to 107 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

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SOURCE Princess Cruises