'Royal Princess' Christening Royally Performed

Standing on the naming platform with the ship's Captain Tony Draper, The Duchess of Cambridge pronounced, "I name this ship 'Royal Princess'. May God bless her and all who sail in her."

The Duchess then cut the rope that sent a giant Nebuchadnezzar-size bottle of Moet & Chandon champagne toward the ship, officially welcoming Royal Princess into the fleet of Princess Cruises at the Southampton ceremony.

Internationally renowned percussive orchestra Mass Ensemble performed with its signature "Earth Harp," an architectural instrument with strings that extended 1,000 feet and was played as it hovered over the nearly 2,000 ceremony guests. The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Portsmouth and The Pipe Band of 1st Battalion Irish Guards opened the event with the pomp and ceremony of British ship-naming traditions. The Right Reverend Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester, conducted the traditional ship's blessing.

Following the ship's maiden voyage to Barcelona on June 16, Royal Princess will sail on Grand Mediterranean cruises throughout the summer, followed by Eastern Caribbean cruises beginning in the autumn.

A replay of the Royal Princess naming ceremony is available here .