Princess Floats Out in Italy

Ruby Princess, the new Princess Cruises ship currently under construction in Italy, reached a significant construction milestone today when water began to fill the building dock signaling the start of her official float out. A ceremony marking the occasion was held at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone. When the dock is fully filled, which typically takes nearly two days, the ship will be floated to the nearby outfitting dock where final construction and interior finishing will take place. Ruby Princess, a sister ship to Emerald Princess and Crown Princess, will feature a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and an ever-changing array of performing street entertainers, Princess’ signature adults-only retreat called The Sanctuary, an Italian trattoria, a seafood and steak house, a “Movies Under the Stars” giant outdoor movie screen and 900 cabins with private balconies. The 113,000-ton ship will begin her inaugural sailings this coming November with a series of Western Caribbean cruises.