Princess Celebrates Romance With The Launch of Ruby Princess

A spray of ruby-colored water from two escorting fireboats welcomed Ruby Princess, the newest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, into Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday. For the launch of Ruby Princess, Princess Cruises is celebrating romantic moments and milestones in true Love Boat style. In honor of the occasion, celebrity couple Trista and Ryan Sutter, who met on ABC's hit reality series, "The Bachelorette," will celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary and mark their milestone event during the Ruby Princess inaugural when they christen the ship today at 5 pm. In an industry first, a couple will also be married during the naming ceremony, with Love Boat captain Gavin MacLeod giving away the bride, and the Sutters serving as wedding attendants.

The romantic events continue as Princess hosts a “Ruby Red Tie” gala to celebrate the naming of its new ship, followed by a two-night preview cruise for hundreds of VIP guests, including the Cruise Diva. During the sailing, the ship will host an array of “ruby” and romance-themed activities, including a massive renewal of vows for all couples on Nov 7. Ruby Princess returns to Port Everglades on Nov 8 for its inaugural 7-day sailing to the Western Caribbean.

The 3,080-passenger Ruby Princess includes a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and an ever-changing line-up of street performers. Passengers will also enjoy Princess' other array of dining venues including the signature Sabatini's Italian restaurant (where I'll be dining tonight) and the Crown Grill steak house, plus a relaxing oasis just for adults called The Sanctuary. The new ship will also offer the many other innovations that define the Princess experience, including the popular Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen, Personal Choice Dining featuring traditional or Anytime seating, multiple entertainment venues, a relaxing Asian-style Lotus Spa with fitness center, an extensive children and teen's center, and a wedding chapel.

Be sure to check back here later for a first-hand account of the festivities with the Cruise Diva from on board Ruby Princess. In addition, the Ruby Princess naming ceremony and wedding will be available for viewing on line at at their web site beginning Nov 7.