In a grand ceremony held on Tuesday, April 24th, at the Port of Barcelona (Spain), the newest addition to Princess Cruises' fleet - Sun Princess, was officially named by award-winning actress and performer Hannah Waddingham.
Following maritime tradition, the ceremony took place onboard Sun Princess in the newly constructed Princess Arena, with Waddingham and Captain Craig Street leading the ceremonial proceedings. Waddingham bestowed the ship with the name "Sun Princess" and invoked blessings for her voyages ahead, before christening the vessel with a bottle of Champagne.
Waddingham, renowned for her role as Rebecca Welton in "Ted Lasso," expressed her gratitude for being chosen as the godmother of Sun Princess, joining an esteemed lineage of women who have fulfilled this role for Princess Cruises. Waddingham's personal connection to the sea, rooted in her upbringing and her grandfather's service in the Royal Navy during World War II, added significance to the occasion.
Notable godmothers of Princess ships include members of the British Royal Family (Diana, Princess of Wales, and Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales), along with celebrated figures like Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren.
The naming ceremony, presided over by actor and magician Michael Carbonaro, featured a lineup of celebrities and personalities including Tyra Banks, Romero Britto, and Natasha Bedingfield, who performed her hit song "Pocket Full of Sunshine" among others.
Princess' President John Padgett also shared updates on the brand's future plans, unveiling the exclusive Sanctuary Collection aboard Sun Princess and announcing the forthcoming Star Princess, scheduled to embark on her inaugural Alaskan summer cruise in 2026.