7 November 2008 – In a “ruby red” themed ceremony celebrating romance, Princess Cruises
named its newest ship, Ruby Princess, yesterday in Fort Lauderdale. America’s reigning
reality couple, Trista and Ryan Sutter of the hit US series, ‘The Bachelorette’ did the
honors, breaking the traditional bottle of champagne to mark the ship’s launch, and their
own fifth wedding anniversary. The new godparents were surrounded by hundreds of guests
decked out in ruby red-tie formal attire, and a ruby-haired singer serenaded the crowd. As
befitting the most romantic cruise line, and an event celebrating “romantic moments and
milestones,” the official naming was followed by the ultimate romantic milestone — a
wedding in the midst of the festivities. The Californian couple joined in matrimony not
only had Trista and Ryan as wedding attendants, but the Love Boat captain himself, Gavin
MacLeod, gave away the bride.
In the evening, the ship hosted a “Ruby Red Tie” gala and set sail on a two-night cruise
for hundreds of VIP guests who will enjoy a special preview of Princess’ newest vessel.
During the mini sailing, the ship will host an array of romantic activities, including a
massive renewal of vows for all couples today while the ship is at sea. Ruby Princess then
returns to Port Everglades on 8 November for its inaugural seven-night sailing to the
Western Caribbean.
“It’s only fitting that as the most romantic cruise line in the industry, we celebrate the
naming of our newest ship with a tribute to romantic milestones,'” said Peter Shanks, Chief
Commercial Officer, Carnival UK. “It is exciting to have Trista and Ryan Sutter serve as
godparents of Ruby Princess and of course the wedding during the ceremony added an
appropriate touch to the festivities.”
The Ruby Princess naming ceremony will be available for viewing on line at
www.princess.com from today.
The 3,110-passenger Ruby Princess includes a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring
small-bite eateries and an ever-changing line-up of street performers. Passengers will
also enjoy Princess’ other array of dining venues including the signature Sabatini’s
Italian restaurant and the Crown Grill steak house, plus a relaxing oasis just for adults
called The Sanctuary. The new ship will also offer the many other innovations that define
the Princess experience, including the popular Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen,
Personal Choice Dining featuring traditional or Anytime seating, multiple entertainment
venues, a relaxing Asian-style Lotus Spa with fitness center, an extensive children and
teen’s center, and a wedding chapel.
During Ruby Princess’ inaugural season she will make seven-night weekly sailings from Fort
Lauderdale to the Western Caribbean. Calls include Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman
Islands; Cozumel, Mexico and Princess Cays in the Bahamas. Next spring the ship will move to
Europe for 12-day sailings in the Mediterranean and Greek Islands.
