04/24/2024
And she has Ted Lasso to thank!
British actress Hannah Waddingham officially christened Sun Princess, serving as godmother during a star-studded naming ceremony in Barcelona. The time-honored maritime tradition took place onboard Sun Princess in the all-new Princess Arena and Waddingham, alongside Sun Princess Captain Craig Street, joyously pronounced: "I name this ship Sun Princess. May God bless her and all who sail on her."
Waddington then released the celebratory bottle of Champagne to smash against the ship wishing good fortune to all of the ship's guests and crew sailing to destinations all over the world. "Hannah is globally admired and adored for her immense talent and determination,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “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. We are honored that she has joined us for this pinnacle moment, and that she will remain a treasured part of the ship's legacy forever."
Best known these days for playing Rebecca Welton in the hit series "Ted Lasso," Waddingham said being named Sun Princess godmother is a "pinch me" moment as she joins an esteemed group of women, including members of the Royal Family, who have also served as godmothers to Princess ships: Diana, Princess of Wales (Royal Princess, 1984); Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales (Royal Princess 2013); Audrey Hepburn (Star Princess, 1989); Sophia Loren (Crown Princess, 1990); Martha Stewart (Crown Princess, 2006); among many notable celebrities and dignitaries.
Waddingham grew up boating and has fond memories of weekends in Dunkirk. In addition, her grandfather served in the Royal Navy during World War II. "As much as theatre has always rippled through my bloodstream so too has a strong, historic familial connection with the Royal Navy and all things nautical," she said. "I have of course seen over the years the iconic godmothers who have been asked to represent these magnificent ships and looked on in awe. It is therefore such a great privilege to have been asked to act as Godmother to the Sun Princess, first of her class. I can't quite believe it."
Prior to the Sun Princess naming ceremony, Padgett shared a few details on what's ahead for the world's most iconic cruise brand. Notable news included introducing the exclusive, next-level Sanctuary Collection aboard Sun Princess, as the ship prepares to debut this select, all-inclusive oasis in October 2024. Guests reserving in the Sanctuary Collection will enjoy exclusive access to the ship's top-deck retreat area, along with many additional bespoke events and high-end amenities designed to enhance their voyage.
The next Sphere-Class ship, Star Princess, will sail her first full summer in 2026 in Alaska, making it the first of its class to ever sail to the Great Land. Star Princess is currently under construction and scheduled to debut in the Mediterranean in September 2025.
Princess also revealed its newest indulgence—the "Love Line Premium Liquors" collection, crafted in collaboration with celebrities Pitbull, Jason Aldean and Romero Britto. The new premium collection, featuring curated wines and spirits, is currently available aboard Sun Princess, and will roll out the entire Princess fleet throughout the summer.
Waddingham is beloved for her role as Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+'s "Ted Lasso," for which she won a Primetime Emmy, Critics Choice Television Award and Screen Actors Guild Award, as well as two individual Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations. She will next be seen in the Universal film "The Fall Guy" opposite Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in theaters on May 3, 2024.
The new 177,882 gross-registered-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess officially started its inaugural cruise season on Feb. 28, 2024, and currently is sailing a series of Mediterranean voyages before debuting in Fort Lauderdale in October for the ship's first Caribbean season.
Sun Princess debuts new experience venues including The Dome, a groundbreaking geodesic, glass-enclosed structure at the top of the ship inspired by the terraces of Santorini. The outward and suspended Sphere Atrium, the namesake of this new class of ship, takes the central Piazza hub of the ship into a new dimension. Guests are enveloped with expansive ocean views and an open concept, inspired to deliver the desired lifestyle of relaxed indoor and outdoor living.
Sun Princess also offers a not-to-be-missed culinary, entertainment and luxury accommodations, including 30 restaurants and bars with an unprecedented collection of celebrity collaborators, high-end ingredients and culinary experiences, including:
Spellbound by Magic Castle: Blending the captivating world of magic with the art of culinary and mixology to create an extraordinary, innovative and immersive dining experience, steeped in magic and adventure.
Makoto Ocean: Reshaping traditional sushi with a creative approach, the Master of Edomae-style sushi, Chef Makoto Okuwa, brings his 25 years of experience with a new concept crafting playful, exquisitely presented dishes paying tribute to Japanese traditions.
Love by Britto: A high-end boutique restaurant with the most romantic view from the ship celebrating love and art from world-renowned artist Romero Britto.
The Butcher's Block by Dario: A new specialty pop-up restaurant from the world's most famous butcher Dario Cecchini where guests enjoy perfectly prepared beef and steak, including Cecchini's signature cuts.
The Catch by Rudi: An exceptional dinner concept from renowned Chef Rudi Sodamin showcasing delectable treasures from the sea.
Good Spirits at Sea with Rob Floyd: Destination-inspired, one-of-a-kind cocktail creations from celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd.
Sun Princess also features a three-story main dining room, Horizons, with aft views and favorites like Crown Grill, Sabatini's and Crooners.
The Princess Arena is the most technologically advanced theater at sea, offering showstopping and original productions, including performances in the round. At night, The Dome entertains audiences with acrobatic Cirque Éloize performances while the Piazza offers a retractable stage and immersive Champagne Waterfall.
Sun Princess also features the cruise line's largest casino, a two-story Lotus Spa, and an expanded retail environment with more than 200 premium brands. The retail space also includes several firsts a sea, such as an upscale showroom dedicated to luxury horology showcasing TAG Heuer and Breitling, and more than 25 new brands, including Italian handbag brand P***o and athleisure favorites Beyond Yoga and Varley.
With more than 1,500 cabins with balcony views, Sun Princess' re-imagined staterooms include exceptional suites and new Cabana Mini-Suites with extra space for secluded outdoor relaxation.
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