Sun Princess debuts in Southampton

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Sun Princess cruise ship entered the Port of Southampton for the first time after a traditional plaque and key ceremony took place on board the ship.

Alastair Welch, port director, and Craig Barbour, general manager of Europe’s leading cruise took part in the official exchange with the ship’s captain.

During the maiden call to the port the plaque and key ceremony  tradition for all vessels is held.

Visiting ships bringing business to the city were given the keys to the city walls and this is an old age tradition of the medieval history of Southampton.During the 1300s the term ‘plaque and key’ originated .

The Princess Cruises ship can accommodate 2,000 passengers at the maximum capacity.Built in 1995 in Italy the Sun Princess is the lead ship of her class and has  now added Southampton to her itinerary for a one-off transit call this season.

The ship is on a 98-day voyage from Tokyo to Kobe visiting Dublin after her call in Southampton.

Welch was delighted to welcome the Sun Princess on her maiden call to Europe’s leading cruise turn-around port. Welch said that She is one of 11 cruise ships making their maiden call to the port this year which is great for the port and the city.

Through transit calls  there will be a welcome opportunity for international passengers to visit the city taking in its rich maritime heritage.

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