Following a traditional blessing by a priest, the keel block, which weighs approximately 500 tons, was moved into position by a huge crane.
‘It’s always very exciting to mark this step in a ship’s construction, when several of the pre-built sections come together to form a new addition to our fleet, especially with a prototype design,’ said Princess president and ceo Alan Buckelew.
Fincantieri ceo Giuseppe Bono called the design ‘innovative.’
As announced at Cruise Shipping Miami in March, one of the most dramatic elements will be the over-water SeaWalk, a glass-bottom, enclosed walkway extending more than 20 feet beyond the edge of the vessel. On the ship’s opposite side, the SeaView bar will also extend over the waves.
A new adults-only pool will be surrounded by seven private cabanas that appear to be floating on the water. Two additional pools will flank a tropical island that will offer pool seating by day, and by night will become an outdoor dance club.
The adults-only haven, The Sanctuary, will be expanded, both in size and amenities, and the Movies Under the Stars open-air theater will be enlarged.
All outside staterooms will have balconies.
