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A Royal Affair In Southampton The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, Christens Royal Princess

Ralph Grizzle

All smiles, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Not just another face in the crowd, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Witnessing a ship come to life is an amazing thing. Steel, wires, wood and marble are hauled in, cut, straightened, contorted and pieced together to create vessels that will sail the world’s mighty oceans. To see the transformation of Royal Princess from shipyard (see 51 Royal Princess Photos During Its Construction) to completion (see Royal Princess, In Photos) underscored the marvel of this remarkable accomplishment. The places where I had walked at the shipyard in late March, beneath a dangle of wiring and amid the bustle of workers, now appeared refined and elegant, a classy floating resort that has the distinct advantage of being able to transport its guests from one destination to another in comfort and style.

Shipyard workers traded places with service personnel, and what was only a few months ago a skeleton of steel is now populated with people from many nations who subscribe to the Princess Cruises’ philosophy of fulfilling their roles as the “Consummate Host,” a phrase we heard repeatedly this week on board Royal Princess, along with “Good Morning,” Good Afternoon,” “Good Evening” and “How was your day?” Who cares if the cruise lines encourage and enforce a 100 percent “greet” policy, as do many service organizations? On Royal Princess, the salutations seemed genuine and set the tone for a week when it did seem possible to “Escape Completely,” a brand promise that Princess Cruises strives to deliver on each and every cruise.

Preparing to perform for the christening ceremonies, the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Portsmouth. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Preparing to perform for the christening ceremonies, the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Alas, my time on board was only a partial escape. I came here, with my journalistic colleagues and top-producing travel agents from around the world, to witness the launch of Princess Cruises’ newest vessel. And what a launch it was.

It would be hard to think of a more beloved soul than Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, to christen Royal Princess. She did so on an overcast day in Southampton this past Thursday, intoning only a few words before cutting the ribbon that would send a 15-liter bottle of bubbly smashing against the “P” in Royal Princess, in blue letters on the hull.

Near a delivery of her own, pregnant Kate Middletown prepares to christen Princess Cruises' newly delivered Royal Princess. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Near a delivery of her own, pregnant Kate Middleton prepares to christen Princess Cruises’ newly delivered Royal Princess. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

That the Duchess said not much was of no consequence. She spoke tomes with her smile and her presence, a woman eight months pregnant, glowing and radiant and bringing good cheer to the dull sky.

The bottle crashes against the hull, a good omen for smooth sailing. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle
The bottle crashes against the hull, a good omen for smooth sailing. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Confetti rains down following the successful christening of Royal Princess. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle
Confetti rains down following the successful christening of Royal Princess. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Following the christening, after the last confetti had flittered to the ground, the Duchess toured the ship with Captain Tony Draper. She left a piece of herself behind, to sail with Royal Princess forever, an inscription on her portrait, which adorns a wall between the Atrium and Guest Services on Deck 5. With pen in hand, she had scribbled simply, “Catherine.”

To those who were present, me among them, it seemed that Royal Princess, a structure of steel and wires and marble and wood, blessed by such a remarkable woman, had taken its first breath. She gave the ship something that guests may notice after some time on board — the ship of steel now has a soul.

As the godmother of Royal Princess, Kate gets a tour of Royal Princess, escorted by Captain Tony Draper. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle
As the godmother of Royal Princess, Kate gets a tour of Royal Princess, escorted by Captain Tony Draper. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

More from my site

  • In Photos: Kate Middleton Names Royal Princess In SouthamptonIn Photos: Kate Middleton Names Royal Princess In Southampton
  • The Duchess of Cambridge to Name Royal PrincessThe Duchess of Cambridge to Name Royal Princess
  • NEW! Royal Princess Photos From Our Shipyard TourNEW! Royal Princess Photos From Our Shipyard Tour
  • Video: Up In The Air: 16 Decks Above The Sea On The SeaWalk on Royal PrincessVideo: Up In The Air: 16 Decks Above The Sea On The SeaWalk on Royal Princess

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Maggie Blehert

Her ideal travel day: venturing to a new place, learning something interesting and sharing a smile.
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Steve and Wendy Bodenheimer
Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their round the world journeys.
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Ralph Grizzle

The Avid Cruiser. Well-traveled and insightful. Helping you make informed cruise decisions.
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