Keel laying for Royal Princess marks construction milestone

Shipyard Ceremony Begins Countdown to Spring 2013 Debut for Newest Princess Cruises Vessel

The first 500-ton piece of Royal Princess is lowered into the building dock
during today's keel laying ceremony in Italy.

 

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (October 20, 2011) – A significant construction milestone occurred today when the keel for the new Royal Princess was laid in the building dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. As the keel – the bottommost part of the ship – was ceremoniously lowered into position, Princess Cruises and shipyard officials marked the occasion with a celebration and countdown to the ship’s debut in spring 2013.

Cruises embrace the "aloha spirt" and a Tahiti treat

    Out to Sea column published on Oct. 15-16, 2011

   (c) By Jim and Barb Fox

Palm trees stretching into the sky can be seen on the Big Island on circle Hawaii cruises. (Jim Fox photo)

   Catch the “aloha spirit” and a Tahiti treat on Princess and Holland America cruise line sailings while Disney is adding a second Hawaiian cruise next year.

   The round-trip sailings from California circling Hawaii are 14-and 15-night voyages while adding Tahiti and the South Pacific doubles that.

   In the spirit with Princess

A Princess ship off the coast of Maui, one of the four Hawaiian islands the line visits.

   With more than 50 sailings through 2013, the “islands of Aloha” have a special appeal for Princess Cruises.

   “These culture-filled cruises depart from both Los Angeles and San Francisco, offering time to relax on the open ocean combined with visits to each of the major four islands in Hawaii,” said publicist Karen Candy.

   A new “Aloha Spirit” program while at sea has passengers experiencing Hawaii-themed activities, parties, menu items and learning opportunities, she added.