Enchanted Princess’ Staff Captain Raffaele Di Martino and ABP Port Director Alastair Welch
Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess arrived at ABP’s Port of Southampton today, marking the ship’s inaugural visit to the city. A traditional plaque and key ceremony was held onboard in celebration of the maiden call, which was attended by Enchanted Princess’ senior officers, including Staff Captain Raffaele Di Martino and ABP Southampton’s Port Director Alastair Welch.
A tradition for vessels making their maiden call to a port, the plaque and key ceremony has its roots in the medieval history of Southampton, when visiting ships bringing business to the city were given the keys to the city walls.
As one of the line’s newest ships, the 3,660-guest Enchanted Princess joined the Princess fleet in November 2021 and represents an evolution of the design platform consistent across her Royal-class sister ships, offering an elevation of style and elegance that is distinguished by the cruise line. Enchanted Princess joins Sky Princess, Emerald Princess and Island Princess to sail out of Southampton this summer.
Speaking at the ceremony, Enchanted Princess’ Staff Captain Raffaele Di Martino said: “Thank you to ABP for welcoming Enchanted Princess to Southampton today. It is an honour for us to call for the first time to this special port. We were impressed by the welcome we had from the crew portside and we look forward to sailing from Southampton this summer for a season of Europe cruises on Enchanted Princess.”
Alastair Welch, ABP Southampton Port Director, said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Enchanted Princess to the Port of Southampton and meet Staff Captain Di Martino and the Princess team. It’s clear from taking a look around the ship today that a fantastic experience awaits passengers. We’re looking forward to welcome Enchanted Princess throughout the summer and we are really pleased to have four ships from the Princess fleet in the port this year.”
Starting 4 May 2022, Enchanted Princess will offer 13 new voyages ranging from four to 14 nights. Itineraries include short cruises and longer voyages to the Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Norway and Iceland.
