Introducing Princess Cruises Newest Ship

Artist Rendering Royal Princess - Courtesy Princess Cruises

Click for Video: Introducing the new Royal Princess

Artist renderings of the ship are available on Princess' Flickr page.

First Steel Plate is Cut in Shipyard

In May, 2010, we announced that Italian shipbuilder, Fincantieri, who has long been associated with Carnival Corporation, had been awarded a deal to build two unnamed vessels for Princess Cruises.  The two new 141,000 ton, 3,600-passenger vessels would be the largest cruise ships ever built by Fincantieri and the flagships of Princess Cruises fleet.  The first ship would debut in Spring 2013 and the second the following spring.   Read the full article:  Carnival Corp. Places Orders With Fincantieri Shipbuilders

Today, Princess Cruises previewed the Royal Princess as the first steel plate was cut in the  Monfalcone, Italy shipyard marking the official start of construction of the new vessel.   The name Royal Princess may sound familiar to long-time cruise industry watchers.  This is actually the third time Princess Cruises has used that name for a ship.

Introducing SeaWalk^SM

SeaWalk^SM - Photo Courtesy Princess Cruises

Royal Princess will feature many of the classic design elements while adding some new features and expanded signature spaces.  As with the newest ships from other lines, at least one feature stands out as an innovation.   For Royal Princess, that will be an over-water SeaWalk^SM, a top-deck glass-bottomed enclosed walkway on the ship's starboard side extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel. From here passengers can enjoy dramatic views, including to the sea 128 feet below. On the ship's port side, passengers will find a similarly-unique cantilevered SeaView bar, featuring cocktails with unbeatable vistas.

Also on her top decks, Royal Princess will feature a new adults-only pool surrounded by seven plush private cabanas that appear to be floating on the water. Two additional pools will flank a tropical island that will offer pool seating by day, and by night will become an outdoor dance club, complete with a dazzling water and light show.

Old Favorites Return

Princess' signature adults-only haven, The Sanctuary, will be expanded both in size and amenities. The popular poolside theater, Movies Under the Stars, will play a starring role mid-ship with an expanded size and high-definition viewing.   Here you can watch your favorite movies and enjoy some of Princess Cruises signature popcorn.

The Piazza atrium, will be significantly expanded to become the social hub of the vessel, complete with always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services.

Princess President and CEO Alan Buckelew remarked "Princess passengers will easily recognize our next ship as a natural progression in our fleet.  We're taking the best features of our newest vessels that have been such customer pleasers, and taking them to the next level. Just as the original Royal Princess ushered in a new era for our company with its innovative design, we expect our new Royal Princess to do the same."

We will bring you additional updates during the construction of the Royal Princess.

Grand Princess Gets Major Facelift

Dramatic Transformation

Scheduled this Spring

for Grand Princess

Princess Cruises announces a dramatic change for Grand Princess this spring. During a 24-day makeover the ship, which was the prototype for the line's "Grand Class" vessels, will undergo a remarkable renovation to receive many of Princess' trademark features introduced since the ship's 1998 debut including the signature Piazza atrium. Several new features will be also be added including a unique tea lounge and library called "Leaves"; and "Alfredo's," a full-service pizzeria showcasing this renowned Princess dish.

Changes to Improve Fuel Efficiency
A brand new nightclub called The One5, inspired by its deck location, will be created on the top deck of the ship, replacing its iconic Skywalker Nightclub, which has given the ship its distinctive profile. Skywalkers will be removed from its 18th deck perch, with its replacement located on deck 15. This change will significantly improve the operational performance of the ship, including greater fuel efficiency.

"This is the largest makeover we've ever undertaken for any of our ships," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "When Grand Princess was launched she was the most innovative ship at sea, and now we're adding some of the later innovations we introduced on subsequent ships."

Drydock Schedule:  April 11 to May 4 

The following major changes will be made during the drydock in Freeport, Grand Bahamas:

• New Piazza atrium - a complete makeover of the atrium space
• Leaves Tea Lounge and Library - A fusion of tea lounge and library
• Alfredo's Pizzeria - new sit-down pizzeria serving individual-sized pizzas
• The One5 Lounge & Nightclub - located on deck 15; replaces Skywalkers
• Crown Grill - classic steakhouse with rich wood surroundings

Also part of the renovation will be seven new suites; remodeled casino, boutiques and art gallery; enhancements to the Horizon Court, Lotus Spa, and wedding chapel; and the addition of Crooner's Martini Lounge. 

Artist Renderings - Flickr Gallery

The renovated Grand Princess will return to service May 5th in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for a transatlantic crossing to Southampton, England.   This will be the homeport for summer and fall sailings in Europe.