Maiden voyage for cruise ship EMERALD PRINCESS
113,000 vessel set sail on her first cruise from Rome today


The new EMERALD PRINCESS welcomed its first passengers on board today, as it set sail on its maiden voyage from Rome's seaport, the town of Civitavecchia.

The 113,000-ton ship's first cruise is a 12-day Greek Isles voyage to Venice that will take passengers to some of the most scenic spots in the Mediterranean and Aegean, including Naples/Capri, Santorini, Rhodes, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Mykonos, Athens (Piraeus), Katakolon (for Olympia), Corfu and Dubrovnik. Thereafter the ship will offer a series of Greek Isles and Grand Mediterranean cruises before crossing the Atlantic to Ft. Lauderdale in October.

The new vessel includes many of the enthusiastically received design elements and amenities that debuted last year on sister ship Crown Princess, including a dramatic piazza-style atrium, a multitude of casual dining venues and an adults-only retreat called The Sanctuary.

A number of new culinary enhancements will also debut on the ship, including a special Chef's Table dinner for epicurean aficionados, all new dining room menus, enhanced buffet service, and a number of special touches such as an afternoon "cookies and milk break" featuring fresh-from-the-oven soft-baked cookies, and in-cabin delivery of Princess' renowned homemade pizza.

EMERALD PRINCESS will offer the many other innovations that define the Princess experience, including the popular Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen, multiple entertainment options, Personal Choice Dining featuring traditional or Anytime seating, a variety of alternative restaurants, a relaxing Asian-style Lotus Spa with fitness center, an extensive children and teen's center, a wedding chapel and nearly 900 staterooms with private balconies -- perfect for enjoying the scenic European views.

She was built at Italy's Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone

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