The Royal Princess, Princess Cruises’ newest ship, was floated out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy on Thursday.
The two-day float-out process involves slowly letting water into the building dock to set the vessel afloat. The ship is then moved to the outfitting dock where final construction and interior outfitting will take place.
The ship’s godmother in Thursday’s ceremony was Victoria Nash, who as a baby was christened on the first Royal Princess. Nash’s father is long-time Princess master Captain Nick Nash. Traditionally the godmother cuts the cord that begins the flow of water into the ship’s dock.
The ship is due to be launched next June, spend the summer in Europe, then make a crossing to Fort Lauderdale, where it will sail eastern Caribbean cruises.
Photo credit: Princess Cruises
