The largest shipbuilder in Europe Fincantieri has floated Princess Cruises’ new Enchanted Princess out of the building dock at its yard in Monfalcone, Italy.
The Italian shipbuilding company based in Trieste said in a press release that interior fittings will now begin, leading the fifth Royal-class ship to its delivery, scheduled in 2020.
The ceremony was attended by Firouz Mal, Princess Cruises director new build services, while Fincantieri was represented, among others, by Roberto Olivari, director of the shipyard in Monfalcone. The Godmother of the ceremony was Miss Marinella Cossu, a historic employee of the yard.
The new unit, at 145,000 gross tons, is built on the basis of the successful sister vessel project of Royal Princess, Regal Princess, Majestic Princess and the upcoming Sky Princess, built and delivered in the same shipyard starting from 2013, introducing a new generation of ships so well-received by the cruise passengers.
Like its sister ships, the vessel will represent a new technological benchmark in Europe and worldwide for its innovative layout, outstanding performances and the top quality of its state-of-the-art marine technology.
It will be the best proof that innovation and customer care are fundamental levers in showcasing market leadership and will further consolidate Fincantieri’s long-time partnership with Carnival Corporation, the world's largest cruise ship operator and leisure travel company.
The partnership between the Monfalcone yard and Princess Cruises will continue with two next-generation cruise ships. These will be the largest built so far in Italy with a gross-tonnage of 175,000 tons, expected to be delivered at the end of 2023 and in spring 2025.
The vessels will accommodate approximately 4,300 guests and will be the first of the ship owner’s fleet to be dual-fuel powered primarily by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
Fincantieri has built 92 cruise ships since 1990 (of which 66 ships are for Carnival Corporation and 16 ships for Princess Cruises), and another 54 ships are currently being designed or built in the Group's yards.
