Royal Princess Arrives in Southampton

Royal Princess SeaWalk      Courtesy Princess Cruises

A Royal Welcome to 

New Princess Ship

Imagine strolling down the breathtaking, glass-bottomed SeaWalk on Royal Princess...

The wait is over,  Princess Cruises newest ship will be christened this week by Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge (Catherine Elizabeth "Kate"; née Middleton).


Tradition and Royal Majesty

The United Kingdom is rich in pomp and circumstance when it comes to their Royalty.   Launching of a new sea vessel is also deeply rooted in ceremony and tradition.  Combine the two, and this week's Christening of Royal Princess will be the event that everyone will be talking about for quite some time.

Arrival in Southampton

Southampton University Brass Band welcomed the new Royal Princess to Southampton with a musical salute featuring a rendition of “God Save The Queen” as the vessel sailed into the harbor.

Royal Princess Arrives in Southampton (20 photos)

Music will play a part throughout the week-long inaugural festivities including performances by British pop singer Natasha Bedingfield, British actress Kerry Ellis, and the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth and The Pipe Band of 1^st Battalion Irish Guards.



Related Posts:

A Royal Godmother for New Ship
Royal Princess Float Out
A New Princess is Born
Introducing Princess Cruises Newest Ship

Norwegian Breakaway Christening Live

Watch the Christening Live

Norwegian Breakaway To Set Sail

It seems like yesterday that Norwegian Cruise Line announced that they were building a new cruise ship which would be make its home in New York City.

Today is the day that the final milestone in the construction takes place.   The traditional naming / christening of the new ship will take place in New York City.   Norwegian Cruise Line will be broadcasting live during this event which will undoubtedly be as spectacular as the new features on this ship.

Built for Family Fun

Start with an exciting Aqua Park and a spectacular three-story Sports Complex. Then add in the all-new youth programs with dedicated areas for kids and teens and you’ve got a recipe for the perfect family vacation.
We've written several articles about Norwegian Breakaway already and also have a microsite devoted to all the information you'll want about the new ship, so we won't repeat ourselves here.

Our suggestion is to watch the christening live today, visit our site to learn more, and plan your family getaway to Bermuda on this brand new ship.   Don't you love the new ship smell?    There are still cabins available for the rest of the year.   Note that we will be on the ship for our national conference, so you could take advantage of special pricing for that voyage if you are interested.   See our website for complete details.

EXPLORE NORWEGIAN BREAKAWAY BEFORE YOU GO

World Record Ship Launching

Amsterdam Christening Ceremony     Courtesy Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises
Christening


Viking marks a historic day in cruising as they become the first company to christen 10 ships at one time.

Their new state-of-the-art Viking Longships—recently named "Best New River Ship" by Cruise Critic—feature the largest suites in Europe, full-size Veranda Staterooms and the Aquavit Terrace, a Viking exclusive, for al fresco dining.


10 New Longships

Four of the new vessels -- the Viking Aegir, Viking Embla, Viking Bragi and Viking Skadi -- were docked at the terminal during the ceremony. The other six ships -- Viking Atla, Viking Forseti, Viking Jarl, Viking Rinda, Viking Tor and Viking Var -- remained at the Neptun shipyard in Rostock, Germany where all 10 vessels were built. Christening attendees could see the latter six ships in a live video feed from the shipyard projected on large screens.

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™

Christening of 10 new Viking Longships on March 20, 2013 was a proud day for Viking and for river cruising. Guests at the christening ceremony were treated to a presentation on the growth of river cruising & enjoyed remarks by each of the 10 distinguished Longships godmothers. To the delight of the entire Viking family and the guests in attendance, the ceremony was topped off when Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises, was presented with a certificate for 'The Most Ships Inaugurated in One Day by One Company,' by a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ adjudicator.

VIKING RIVER CRUISES SMASHES WORLD RECORD; INAUGURATES MOST NEW SHIPS IN A SINGLE DAY 

(Press Release - Read about the Godmothers)

Watch the video of the Christening Events:   Watch other videos about the Longships:

Viking Suites

Explorer Suites offer a private wraparound veranda with spectacular 270° views. Combined with a living room and a large bedroom that features a French balcony, the Explorer Suites provide the most lavish stay.

Whichever stateroom you choose, one thing is certain: hotel-style beds topped with European linens and duvets provide the perfect place to turn in after a full day of exploring Europe's great towns and cities.

The Aquavit Terrace

Now, with Viking's advanced design, a portion of the floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge can be rolled aside to create a unique area that combines the comfort of the indoors with the fresh air of the outdoors.

RIVER CRUISING GUIDE - Discover the Beauty of River Cruising Viking River Cruises 2012 Fleet Upgrades Viking Longboats Christened Viking River Cruises Longships Update

Congratulations Viking River Cruises 

on this Fantastic Accomplishment

Godmothers Named for Norwegian Breakaway

Rockettes - courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

Rocketttes Named Godmother

Norwegian Breakaway

There is a lot of tradition that is followed even today when a new ship is placed into service.  One of the most important milestones is the christening, where the Godmother breaks a bottle of champagne against the hull of the ship.

When Norwegian Breakaway is christened next May,  she will have not one, not two, but several Godmothers.   The world famous Rockettes, iconic dancers of New York, will do the honors.  MSG Entertainment, owner of the Rockettes, announced Norwegian Cruise Line will be the official cruise line of the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall and an official partner of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. 

"I strongly believe that the Rockettes, one of the most beloved and recognizable New York icons, are the perfect choice to serve as the ship's godmothers," Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian's CEO, said in a prepared statement. 

Most ships have one Godmother, but some ships have had more than one.   

Rockettes Will be Onboard

The Rockettes role won't end with the breaking of the bottle against the hull.Two dancers from the famed troupe will sail aboard each of the first six sailings of Norwegian Breakaway, and the first sailing of each month thereafter. While onboard, the two Rockettes will lead exclusive Rockette-themed fitness classes and will participate in photo ops, as well as meet and greets with passengers. The Rockettes also will be showcased via a historical retrospective in the ship's library.

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for their entertainment, with acts like Second City, Blue Man Group and others gracing the stages onboard.   The Rockettes is the perfect addition to the lineup for a ship that makes New York its home.

 

Iron Chef Christens New Ship

Photo courtesy Oceania Cruises

Oceania Riviera

Christened in Spain

by Iron Chef Cat Cora

Barcelona, Spain was the site Friday for the traditional Christening Ceremony for Oceania Riviera. Iron Chef Cat Cora, Godmother of the new ship, arrived onboard the ship Wednesday, where she was presented with a gift of a stunning diamond necklace and earrings during a luncheon attended by executives of Oceania Cruises.

In keeping with the nautical traditions, Godmother Cora reached for the jewel-studded lever and released a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin champagne, declaring...

“I name this ship Riviera. May God bless her and all who sail with her.”

Chef Cora was beaming as she approached the stage. “I want to say as the mother of four boys – finally I have a girl! And isn’t she a beauty!”

She went on to say how honored she was to be joining the Oceania Cruises family. “I couldn’t be more thrilled. With the Oceania family I feel like I share so many of their values: loyalty, friendship, and excellence as well as the best of travel, food and wine. I want to thank Frank, Bob and Kunal as well as…all of the hundreds of crew members that are the soul of this ship and that will be making me proud as it sails around the world.”

This naming ceremony had a Spanish flare with the port decked in the vibrant reds and yellows of Catalonia. Flamenco dancers and Spanish guitarists were on hand to entertain those fortunate to be present for the event.  See Oceania Cruises photo album, #Riviera's Christening in Barcelona, for more pictures of the Christening.   Congratulations on the launch of another beautiful luxury ship.

Ship Specifications

---

Riviera: Debuts in 2012 Tonnage: 66,084 Length: 785 feet Beam: 106 feet Maximum Draught: 24 feet Stabilizers: Yes Cruising Speed: 20 knots Guest Decks: 11

Total Decks: 15 Electric Power or Voltage: 110, 220 AC Guest Capacity: 1,250 (Double Occupancy) Staff Size: 800 Guest to Staff Ratio: 1.57 to 1 Nationality of Officers: European Nationality of Staff: International Country of Registry: Marshall Island

Viking Longboats Christened

Garlands of red & white balloons, what seemed like acres of red carpet, 
some fireworks, a pirouetting fireboat spraying water jets
 & a tenor belting out "Nessun Dorma" before a crowd of 600...
 the Viking Longships are here!

Viking River Christens 4 New Longboats in Amsterdam  (Courtesy Viking River)

Historic Christening 

Four Viking River Longships

In One Day

As we reported in our Viking River Cruises Longships Update, two of the ships are still under construction and will debut mid-April.

Amsterdam Ceremony

(March 21, 2012) Garlands of red & white balloons, what seemed like acres of red carpet, some fireworks, a pirouetting fireboat spraying water jets & a tenor belting out "Nessun Dorma" before a crowd of 600... the Viking Longships are here!

The Viking River Cruises launch of four ships during a single ceremony, breaks the previous  record for multiple and simultaneous christenings (three), which it also held.

Viking Odin and Viking Idun, were named in Amsterdam and two, Viking Freya and Viking Njord, by live video link at the yard in Rostock, where they're being finished off for a mid-April debut. Four godmothers cut scarlet ribbons and four bottles of Veuve Cliquot, two in Amsterdam and two in Rostock, smashed to cheers of a 600-strong crowd gathered in Amsterdam under dazzling sunshine.

The Godmothers
 
Joanna Lumley (left), star of "Absolutely Fabulous," christened Viking Odin, a ship named after the chief god of Norse mythology. "I've never been godmother to a god before," she told the delighted crowd.

Gail Wiswedel (second from left), who named Viking Njord, was chosen because she's Viking's most travelled customer, having notched up 11 cruises (which goes to show how young river cruising really is, given that plenty of ocean-going passengers would consider nothing less than 30 as an impressive total).

Dr Lisa Randall (third from left), Viking Idun's godmother, is a respected theoretical physicist, a subject close to the heart of Viking's Norwegian founder, Torstein Hagen, who himself holds a degree in nuclear physics.

Award-winning TV producer Rebecca Eaton, who served as godmother for Viking Freya, heads up "Masterpiece Theatre," a company sponsored by Viking.

Christening Tradition

Shipbuilding is filled with tradition.  Wine poured upon the deck before a long voyage represents a libation to the gods which will bring good luck. "Christening" a ship by breaking a bottle of champagne across her bow at the time of launching arose from this practice.  Read more about Nautical Superstitions & Legends.

About the Longships

 

The four ships  which feature full balconies, indoor-outdoor dining and chic interiors, are pretty well sold out for the rest of the year. These are only the first in a series with eight more sisters coming. Two Longships, Viking Embla and Viking Aegir, will debut this summer, and six more are scheduled to hit the rivers in 2013.    (Also see:  Viking River Cruises 2012 Fleet Upgrades)

More Pictures:  Introducing the Viking Longships!

Carnival Magic Naming Ceremony

Carnival Magic Naming Ceremony  May 1, 2011

The Magic and Fun Begins Today in Venice

Venice, Italy was the sight of today's naming ceremony for the 100th vessel in the Carnival Corporation's fleet. The brand new Carnival Magic, sister ship to Carnival Dream, was christened today in accordance with maritime tradition.  This latest "Fun Ship" is 130,000 tons of fun.

Naming a godmother is a shipbuilding tradition that dates back to ancient times, and helps bring the ship good fortune. Someone who knows a thing or two about good fortune is Lindsey Wilkerson, a childhood cancer survivor who was treated at St. Jude, and now grown up, is a spokesperson and employee, helping the hospital in its mission to end childhood cancer. Carnival is a partner with St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and thought it was fitting to have Lindsey be the godmother of Carnival Magic.

Photo Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line 
(Click to see more photos and read more about ceremony)

Carnival Magic - Now Sailing in Europe on its Maiden Voyage

Mary Hart Christens Oceania Marina

Oceania Marina Arrives in Miami - Courtesy Oceania Cruises

"May God Bless Marina and All Who Sail On Her"

Entertainment Tonight''s host, Mary Hart, was onhand in Miami to do the honors of christening Oceania Cruises newest ship, Marina.  She presided at the ceremony last weekend, saying of the opportunity, "It’s very exciting, and a bit humbling. ... I'm truly honored to serve as the Godmother for Marina -- she will be a very special ship."

The christening, which is part of maritime tradition, was held in conjunction with a lavish invitation-only gala ceremony which culminated with a 15-liter Nebuchadnezzar of champagne, custom-made by Armand de Brignac, crashing against the hull.

Marina, which set sail on its inaugural voyage to Nassau, Bahamas, is a 66,000 ton ship that can carry 1,250 guests. It has 10 dining areas, luxury boutiques and a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub.  It is a ship of firsts, featuring the first Bon Appétit Culinary Center, Master Chef Jacques Pépin’s first namesake restaurant at sea, Ralph Lauren Home-furnished Owner’s Suites, luxurious accommodations by Dakota Jackson, a Wine Spectator wine program and a Lalique grand stairway.

Watch the video to see what luxuries this mammoth ship has to offer and to find out what special Cartier gift Mary is given!  Spend time with Mary onboard Marina before the actual ceremony.

Click to watch video

Oceania Cruises’ new Marina arrived in Miami on February 4, after her maiden voyage from Barcelona. Following a short preview cruise, on February 8 she will depart on the first of two 18-day Panama Canal transits that visit San Francisco and San Diego, both new ports for Oceania Cruises. Marina then operates a 12-day Caribbean cruise, round-trip from Miami, departing March 16, before sailing along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard and on to Europe to begin her inaugural Mediterranean season.

Watch Disney Dream Christening Live Today

Images and Logos Courtesy Disney Cruise Line © Disney

  Watch the Disney Dream Come True!Watch Live Webcast at 10:30 ET   
Disney Cruise Line® is proud to welcome the Disney Dream™ to its fleet. And, you can be a part of the excitement by watching a webcast of the official Disney Dream christening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Jan.19, 2011.

Today another dream comes true as Disney Dream™ is officially christened.  It's an event you won't want to miss, filled with magic, enchantment and a few surprises along the way—including Honorary Godmother, Academy Award® winning performer, Jennifer Hudson, whose own dreams of stardom began back in 2003 when she was a performer on Disney Wonder®.

Video clip from Disney Dream Christening webcast

Accommodating up to 4,000 guests, the 130,000-ton Disney Dream takes Disney’s special brand of family cruising to a whole new level with industry firsts. All of the ship’s new features – combined with Disney quality entertainment, unique dining experiences and age-specific areas for children, teens and adults – create an unforgettable cruise experience for the entire family.

See More Photos (Click link):  Disney Dream Christening

 

 

Norwegian Epic Christened

Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

Reba McEntire

Christening

Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, was officially christened on July 2 by its godmother country music superstar Reba McEntire. The entertainment extravaganza was hosted by comedian and Curb Your Enthusiasm star Jeff Garlin and included performances by the ship's world-class entertainers on board, including Blue Man Group; Cirque Dreams™ & Dinner; Legends in Concert performers Madonna, Elvis and Tina Turner; Second City® Comedy Troupe; Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos; among others.

The hour-long event was simulcast in venues throughout the ship to allow maximum viewing opportunities and culminated with Ms. McEntire cracking the bottle to christen the ship.

The ship, which was docked at Pier 88 at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, is now sailing on a two-day preview cruise before returning to the pier the morning of July 4th to host the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® Spectacular.

You'll notice from the photo that Reba wasn't outside and she wasn't holding an actual bottle of champagne. Reba pushed a button on the screen inside and then they cut away to show the bottle being released to hit the ship.

Ship Christening Tradition

Wine poured upon the deck before a long voyage represents a libation to the gods which will bring good luck. "Christening" a ship by breaking a bottle of champagne across her bow at the time of launching arose from this practice.  Read more about Nautical Superstitions & Legends.

Coming Soon

Although we weren't personally able to attend the Norwegian Epic's inaugural events in New York, we did have other representatives onboard from our agency, so we'll bring you more information from those that have sailed on the largest ship in Norwegian's fleet in future posts.    We'll also be hosting our National Conference onboard the Norwegian Epic in October, so we'll have more to report throughout the year.

Silversea Silver Spirit Crosses Atlantic

Silversea Cruises
Silver Spirit

January 3, 2010: Maiden Transatlantic Voyage, Lisbon, Portugal
Always an important time for any oceangoing ship, a first transoceanic voyage announces the new vessel’s presence to the world. Silver Spirit makes this sailing during a 16-day “Maiden Crossing” from Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale.

Silversea Cruises Silver Spirit was delivered by Fincantieri shipbuilders on December 16, 2009. The 36,000 gross ton ship has 270 cabins making it the largest ship in Silversea's fleet. At the delivery, President Amerigo Perasso indicated that they hold an option for an additional sister ship to the Silver Spirit. We will keep an eye on this and let you know if that plan becomes a reality.

Highlights on the ship include six restaurants, including two that charge a fee, along with an Art Deco décor with lots of burgundy and dark woods. The ship’s official inaugural cruise departed December 23rd from Barcelona to Lisbon.

January 21, 2010 will be the next milestone date for the Silver Spirit as it will be christened in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and depart on its 91-day “Grand Inaugural Voyage” to 45 ports in 20 nations including Brazil, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Mexico.

Additional information about Silver Spirit including itineraries can be found here.

If you like small ships, luxury accommodations and service, Silver Spirit or one of the other ships in the Silversea's fleet might be a good candidate for your next cruise.

Carnival Dream Naming Ceremony

Carnival Dream Christening - Photo Courtesy Carnival Cruise Line

Watch Video

Carnival Dream Naming Ceremony

Thursday, November 12, 2009

On September 18, 200 Carnival Cruise Lines officially took delivery of its newest and largest ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream. A traditional maritime handover ceremony was held at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

Since that time, the Carnival Dream completed 3 Mediterranean cruises and a transatlantic crossing to New York City where the naming ceremony was held November 12th.

Senior Cruise Director John Heald and her godmother, actress Marcia Gay Harden, officially welcomed the newest and largest ship to the Carnival fleet with an uplifting and entertaining ceremony. Anytime that John Heald is involved, you can be sure there will be some lively entertainment.

Catch the video recap of that event here. Also, take a peek at the full day of celebration and fun-filled activities, featuring the Carnival Dream's godmother unveiling Carnival Cruise Line's big book of dreams . View pictures here

Your dreams can come true on Carnival Dream... Check out Carnival Dream Sailings