Royal Princess in the record books

Princess Cruises had the biggest booking day in its history last week for a new ship’s inaugural season with the anticipated debut of Royal Princess. Opening the books on its 2013 Mediterranean season on March 15, sales for the new Royal Princess reached an all-time record for the most bookings of any ship’s maiden season voyages. The ship’s 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruises between Barcelona and Venice begin on June 23, 2013. Preceding these cruises, Royal Princess sails on its inaugural voyage, a seven-day Iberia cruise from Southampton to Barcelona departing June 16. The 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is a new-generation ship currently under construction for Princess Cruises. Among the new features found on board will be a greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship; the dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed enclosed walkway on the ship’s starboard side extending more than eight metres beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; a dazzling water and light show; an expanded version of Princess’ signature adults-only haven, The Sanctuary; and the popular poolside theatre, Movies Under the Stars. Eighty percent of the ship’s staterooms will feature a balcony. (http://www.princess.com/royalprincess)