The Crown Princess, the newest ship in Princess Cruises’ fleet, arrived in New York June 8 to begin its inaugural schedule. After a two-day “cruise to nowhere” on June 11, the ship will return to New York for a festive send-off June 14.
Festivities will start with Martha Stewart, the ship’s godmother, christening the ship during its naming ceremony at 10:30 a.m., after which American Idol finalist Katharine McPhee will perform the national anthem. Reverend Dr. Jean Smith, executive director of the Seamen’s Church Institute of New York and New Jersey, will bless the ship before Ms. Stewart releases the traditional champagne bottle against the vessel.
Former “Love Boat” Captain Gavin MacLeod, Princess’ spokesman, will be master of ceremonies, and the celebration will also include remarks by Princess Cruises Chairman Peter Ratcliffe and New York City Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Daniel Doctoroff.
Scripps Spelling Bee National Champion and New Jersey native Katharine Close will come onboard to test the spelling abilities of MacLeod, Crown Princess Captain Andrew Proctor and other ship officers. The “Bee at Sea” will officially debut on Crown Princess’ inaugural sailing.
That afternoon, the Crown Princess will depart on its first Caribbean cruise with stops in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and Port Canaveral, Fla.
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