By
Laura Hyde |
Princess Cruises has christened its newest ship, Sun Princess, at a naming ceremony at the Port of Barcelona in Spain.
British actor Hannah Waddingham, who was named godmother of the ship earlier this month, activated the traditional champagne bottle smash against the ship’s bow by placing a final ray into a sun sculpture.
The sun ray represents the 16th ship in the Princess Cruises’ fleet (image credit: James Morgan for Getty Images)
“As much as theatre ripples through my bloodstream, I have the strongest history of maritime in my family,” said Waddingham when asked how she felt to be named as godmother to Sun Princess. “It is in my blood and in my bones so it’s a great privilege to be on this grand diva, the first of her class.”
Waddingham celebrates the traditional champagne bottle smashing against Sun Princess’s bow
“Hannah is globally admired and adored for her immense talent and determination. Those qualities coupled with her family’s deep connection and love for the sea make her the perfect godmother for our sensational new Sun Princess,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “We are honoured that she has joined us for this pinnacle moment, and that she will remain a treasured part of the ship’s legacy forever.”
Highlights onboard Sun Princess include The Dome, an entertainment venue enclosed by a large glass dome; an updated Princess Arena, which can shift between several different configurations; and the Sanctuary Collection Club, an all-inclusive oasis located on the ship’s top deck, which offers guests private cabanas, pool and Jacuzzi and a selection of food and drinks, as well as a programme of sunrise yoga classes and sail-away receptions.
The ship, which is the first of Princess Cruises’ new Sphere-class vessels, made its debut on 28 February 2024. It will spend its maiden season in the Mediterranean before repositioning to Fort Lauderdale in Florida in October to spend the winter season in the Caribbean.
Read more about Sun Princess in our keynote interview with John Padgett in the Spring/Summer 2024 issue of Cruise & Ferry Review.