Princess Cruises Ship Receives New Name - and First-Ever Virtual Christening

    
    Line Seeks Honorary Godparents for Ocean Princess' Unique Online Ceremony
    With Each Participant Donation Made to Renowned New England Aquarium




    
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<p>SANTA CLARITA, Calif., <chron>Dec. 2</chron> /CNW/ -- <person>Princess Cruises</person> is celebrating the new name of its ship Ocean Princess (formerly Tahitian Princess) by extending an open invitation to anyone wishing to become an honorary godparent for the vessel, with the first-ever virtual christening.</p>
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<p>In a new twist on the time-honored tradition, the naming ceremony will occur completely online, at <a href="http://www.princess.com/oceanvirtualchristening">http://www.princess.com/oceanvirtualchristening</a>.  Each new godparent will trigger a <money>$1</money> donation from Princess to the New England Aquarium, a global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation, up to <money>$25,000</money>.</p>
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<p>One of the small ships of Princess, Ocean Princess - fresh out of a two-week drydock - departed <location>Singapore</location> today on the first voyage with her new name.  The virtual christening will run throughout the ship's 16-day Southeast Asia cruise, ending on <chron>Dec. 18</chron>.</p>
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<p>"At the end of her current cruise, we hope to have a huge group of honorary godparents for Ocean Princess," said <person>Jan Swartz</person>, Princess executive vice president. "In this digital age, we wanted to design a way that all our fans worldwide could be part of the celebration.  But not only do we want to entertain people with this fun approach, we also want people to think about our oceans, and in doing so support the important work of the New England Aquarium."</p>
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<p>In addition to virtually christening the ship and becoming an honorary godparent, participants will be able explore the following areas online:</p>
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    --  Honorary Godparents - Real-time collection of the names of Ocean
        Princess' honorary godparents
    --  Ocean Princess Webcam - Live web cam from the ship
    --  Ocean Princess Itineraries - Link to Ocean Princess' extensive list of
        itineraries
    --  About the New England Aquarium - Information about this renowned
        non-profit conservation and research organization
    --  Ocean Princess Drydock Photo Journal - Pictorial of the ship's drydock
        in Singapore
    --  About Ocean Princess - Details about Ocean Princess and her offerings
    --  The Small Ships of Princess - Information about the small ships of
        Princess


    
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<p>In addition, people will be able to share their virtual Ocean Princess experience with friends and family, and encourage them to participate through send-to-friend and Facebook functions.</p>
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<p>"We are delighted to be honored by <person>Princess Cruises</person> in this innovative and exciting program.  Like <person>Princess Cruises</person>, the New England Aquarium strives to inspire and entertain people of all ages to the beauty and wonder of our world's oceans," said Bud Ris, president and CEO, New England Aquarium.  "We hope this online event will introduce new audiences not only to the spectacular beauty of our oceans but also inspire new ocean stewards."</p>
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<p>During the ship's recent drydock at the Keppel Shipyard in <location>Singapore</location>, the Ocean Princess name was placed on the bow and throughout the vessel. The ship also received new fuel-efficient silicone paint on its hull, and interior enhancements including new upholstery, carpet and flooring. The ship was renamed Ocean Princess to more accurately represent her global range of itineraries.</p>
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<p>Swartz added, "As this ship begins her life with its new moniker, we would also like to congratulate Ocean <person>Princess Captain Stefano Ravera</person> and his crew, as the re-naming celebration is the cornerstone of our contribution to the important work of the New England Aquarium."</p>
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<p>Following its inaugural Treasures of the Southeast Asia cruise from <location>Singapore</location> to <location>Shanghai</location>, Ocean Princess will offer a season of unique Asia, <location>India</location> and <location>Africa</location> sailings, followed by a summer of European voyages.</p>
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<p>Ocean Princess is a part of Princess' fleet of small ships, which also includes Royal Princess and Pacific Princess.  Offering a classic and intimate cruise experience, each small ship carries around 680 passengers and travels to more remote destinations around the world.</p>
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<p>Further information about Princess is available through a professional travel agent, by visiting <a href="http://www.princess.com">www.princess.com</a>, or by calling 1-800-PRINCESS.</p>
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    About Princess Cruises:
    
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<p>One of the best-known names in cruising, <person>Princess Cruises</person> is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service.  A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess offers its passengers the opportunity to escape completely to the top destinations around the globe, with sailings to all seven continents, ranging in length from seven to 107 days.  The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK).</p>
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    About the New England Aquarium:
    
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<p>The New England Aquarium (NEAq) is recognized as an international leader in ocean conservation, education, and research. Each year, the NEAq acts as an educational resource for more than 130,000 school children and thousands of teachers throughout New England. Together, the educational, research and conservation work of the NEAq is cultivating widespread public awareness about the benefits of living a "Blue Lifestyle," which promotes greater individual responsibility in improving the health of the oceans and the earth.</p>
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    Princess also can be found on:
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PrincessCruises
    Twitter: http://twitter.com/PrincessCruises
    Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/princesscruises





    

For further information: Erin Barrier, [phone], [email protected], for Princess Cruises; or Karen Candy of Princess Cruises, [phone], [email protected]