Princess Cruises Celebrates Float Out of Regal Princess

"Cruise Critic" Editor in Chief, Carolyn Spencer Brown, Serves as "Madrina" as Ship Meets Ocean for First Time

Regal Princess met the water for the first time in a traditional shipyard ceremony today featuring "Madrina" Carolyn Spencer Brown with Princess Executive Vice President Rai Caluori

News provided by

Princess Cruises

Mar 26, 2013, 10:38 ET

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., March 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Regal Princess reached a significant construction milestone today when the Princess Cruises vessel was "floated out" at its building dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. A traditional ceremony marked the occasion as the ship met the ocean for the first time.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130326/LA84195)

Following the Italian shipyard's custom, the float out of a ship begins when a "madrina," or godmother, cuts the cord that begins the flow of water into the ship's building dock. Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor in chief of the popular online community Cruise Critic, served in this role to begin the two-day process of setting the ship afloat.

"To mark this important milestone we selected a woman who lives and breathes the cruise industry," said Alan Buckelew, president and CEO of Princess Cruises. "Carolyn has been the editor-in-chief for Cruise Critic for 10 years and not only is she a champion of cruising, she's helped to build an avid community of cruisers. Her passion for cruising made her the perfect choice to serve as madrina for our new Regal Princess."

A video of the float-out ceremony is available on YouTube.

Once afloat, the ship will be moved to the outfitting dock where final construction and interior outfitting will take place. Regal Princess, a sister ship to the soon-to-debut Royal Princess, will debut in June 2014 with a season of Mediterranean cruises.

Regal Princess and Royal Princess are new-generation ships for Princess Cruises. Among the special features found on board the 3,600-passenger vessels will be a greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship; a dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; the new Princess Live! television studio; a pastry shop; a special Chef's Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms.

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 www.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 16 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. Two ships are under construction and will join the fleet in 2013 and 2014. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.3 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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