Wednesday (Dec04) Port Everglades welcomed Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Sky Princess (see also CruiseMapper), at a plaque & key exchange ceremony held on board in advance of the ship's official naming ceremony on Saturday, December 7.
In addition to Port Everglades, the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Broward Sheriff's Office, Port Everglades Association and Seafarer's House participated in the plaque and key exchange.
Offering 7-day sailings from Port Everglades to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, Sky Princess is the fourth Royal-class ship in the Princess fleet and commenced operations in October 2019
Sky Princess is the first vessel built from the ground up with the Princess MedallionClass™ experience, where guests can personalize their cruise. MedallionClass™ ships feature OceanMedallion™, a wearable technology that allows cruise guests to use the device as a key to open their cabin, make dinner reservations, pay for purchases or other customized services.
Built by Fincantieri at its Monfalcone shipyard in Italy, Sky Princess is 1,083-feet long with 19 decks and can accommodate 3,660 cruise guests, based on double-occupancy. More than 80 percent of Sky Princess’ 1,830 cabins have balconies, including several of the 38 purpose-built special needs cabins.
“We are thrilled and honored that Princess decided to homeport their newest ship at Port Everglades, and also chose to hold her naming ceremony here as well,” said Glenn Wiltshire, Port Everglades Acting Chief Executive and Port Director. “Princess Cruises’ Sky Princess will bring jobs and revenue to Broward County, as well as cruise guests who stay in our hotels and support the small businesses and attractions that are the lifeblood of our tourism-based economy.”
Port Everglades’ enviable location in the heart of South Florida and the neighboring Caribbean, makes us one of the three busiest cruise ports in the world, hosting nearly 4 million passengers annually. Guests enjoy the Port’s proximity to three international airports including rapidly growing Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) less than two miles away. For pre- and post-cruise stays, Port Everglades is a short drive to sweeping beachfronts, a vibrant art scene, world-class restaurants, craft breweries, entertainment, shopping, casinos, and family-friendly activities -- including our namesake, the Florida Everglades. Ten cruise lines, one ferry service and 40 cruise ships sail from Port Everglades including: Balearia’s Bahamas Express (ferry), Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Silversea Cruises. The Port's wide-ranging fleet of cruise ships provides guests with an array of itineraries from the Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Dania Beach areas of Broward County.
Source: Port Everglades (Additional information about the Port Everglades at CruiseMapper)