Crown Princess Arrives in New York

[rogue]

Crown Princess, the newest ship in Princess Cruises fleet, sailed into New York today to begin its schedule of inaugural festivities, which will celebrate the "crowning achievements" of several notable guests, specifically a triumvirate of accomplished women.

The ship's godmother will be Martha Stewart, who has created a domestic dynasty of truly royal proportions. Also in attendance will be America's newest pop princess, Katharine McPhee, who will sing the National Anthem and perform during the christening ceremony. And the "queen of the spelling bee," 13-year-old Katharine Close, the recent winner of the 2006 Scripps National Spelling Bee Tournament and the first female winner in seven years, will compete in the very first "Bee At Sea," Princess' new spelling bee tournament which debuts on Crown Princess.

The ship festivities begin on June 11 when Crown Princess departs on a two-day "cruise to nowhere" for special guests. When it returns on June 13, Scripps Spelling Bee National Champion Katharine Close will come onboard to test the spelling prowess of former "Love Boat" Captain Gavin MacLeod, Crown Princess Captain Andrew Proctor and other ship officers. The "Bee at Sea" will officially debut on Crown Princess' inaugural sailing.

On June 14, the queen of domesticity, Martha Stewart, will officially christen the ship during its naming ceremony at 10:30 a.m. ET. The country's newest singing sensation and pop idol Katharine McPhee will also join the festivities with a special performance that morning. With Princess' long-time spokesman Gavin MacLeod as master of ceremonies, the celebration will also include remarks by Princess Cruises Chairman Peter Ratcliffe and New York City Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Daniel Doctoroff. The Reverend Dr. Jean Smith, the executive director of the Seamen's Church Institute of New York and New Jersey will bless the new ship before Ms. Stewart pulls the lever that will release the traditional champagne bottle against the ship. That afternoon, Crown Princess will depart on its first Caribbean cruise with stops in Grand Turk, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Port Canaveral, Florida.

The 113,000-ton Crown Princess will introduce a number of new design innovations to the Princess fleet, including a dramatic new piazza-style atrium and new casual dining venues. Within the new street cafe environment of the atrium, passengers will find an International Cafe serving up fresh pastries and baked goods in the morning and assorted other offerings throughout the day, as well as a wine and seafood bar. Several signature Princess venues have been further enhanced, including an expanded Sabatini's Italian trattoria with a new piano lounge, and the Crown Grill, a new steak and seafood restaurant with an open, theater-style kitchen where chefs will custom-prepare steamed shellfish and cooked-to-order steaks and chops.

The ship will also feature the many hallmark features that define the Princess experience, including the dramatic Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen, multiple dining and entertainment options, a Lotus Spa fitness center, an extensive children and teen's center, a wedding chapel and nearly 900 staterooms with private balconies.

The inaugural 2006 summer season for Crown Princess will feature nine-day roundtrip voyages to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean, and will mark the return of Princess visits to Bermuda, as well as the line's first-ever regular calls to Grand Turk. In the fall the ship will reposition to San Juan for winter Caribbean sailings

We'll be on her in about 3 weeks. I can't wait.

[GottaCruz]

This ship sounds amazing, Howard. This is making my mouth water . Sounds incredible.

Enjoy the anticipation of your cruise, Howard. :cool: :kiss:

[TheSkipper]

Looks good to me. Our sailing is not until September 30th so some of you will have filed reviewed by then.

Counting the days.

[sailingrose]

Thanks, I needed that! Our ship has come in rogue and The Skipper! LOL

Can't wait to sail upon her!

Don't forget rogue.......details, details, details!

[GottaCruz]

Wow, she's a beauty. :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: Was that photo of her in your post originally, Howard? Cause if it was, I'm having some serious senior moments. Please tell me that you added it after I posted. :undecided:

[schatje]

She is a beauty! I'm so glad to see an aft deck to watch the wake :smiley: I'll be checking on the itinerary for this ship.

[rogue]

Cheryl,

I did add the photo after I posted the article. I loved the photo, so I wanted to share it with everyon. :grin:

[Mebert]

rogue,

Thanks for posting that informative article. That is a great photo.

I wish I were on the Crown Princess now.

[GottaCruz]

Howard, Phew, that's a relief. My daughter always tells me I'm losing it so I just wondered there. Thanks for adding the photo- beautiful .