Traditional plaque and key ceremony held onboard Enchanted Princess in celebration of the ship’s maiden call to the port
Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess arrived at the Port of Southampton today, marking the ship’s inaugural visit to the city. A traditional plaque and key ceremony was held onboard in celebration of the maiden call, which was attended by Enchanted Princess’ staff captain Raffaele Di Martino and ABP’s port director Alastair Welch.
A tradition for vessels making their maiden call to a port, the plaque and key ceremony has its roots in the medieval history of Southampton, when visiting ships bringing business to the city were given the keys to the city walls.
As one of the line’s newest ships, the 3,660-guest Enchanted Princess joined the Princess fleet in November 2021 and represents an evolution of the design platform consistent across her Royal-class sister ships, offering an elevation of style and elegance that is distinguished by the cruise line. Enchanted Princess joins Sky Princess, Emerald Princess and Island Princess to sail out of Southampton this summer.
Speaking at the ceremony, Enchanted Princess’ staff captain Raffaele Di Martino said: “Thank you to ABP for welcoming Enchanted Princess to Southampton today. It is an honour for us to call for the first time to this special port. We were impressed by the welcome we had from the crew port side and we look forward to sailing from Southampton this summer for a season of Europe cruises on Enchanted Princess.”
Alastair Welch, ABP port director, said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Enchanted Princess to the Port of Southampton and meet the staff captain Di Martino and the Princess team. It’s clear from taking a look around the ship today that a fantastic experience awaits passengers. We’re looking forward to welcoming Enchanted Princess throughout the summer and we are really pleased to welcome four ships from the Princess fleet to Southampton this year.”
Starting 4 May 2022, Enchanted Princess will offer 13 new voyages from Southampton ranging from four to 14 nights. Itineraries include short cruises and longer voyages to the Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Norway and Iceland.
All-inclusive balcony fares for a seven-night Scandinavia cruise on Enchanted Princess start from £849pp. The itinerary sails roundtrip Southampton with stops in Kristiansand (Norway), Skagen (Denmark), Oslo (Norway) and a late departure from Copenhagen (Denmark). Departs 24 June, 2022. Fare includes all-inclusive premium drinks, unlimited Wi-Fi and crew appreciation.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 0344 338 8663 or by visiting the company’s website at princess.com.
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