Sun Princess has begun an extensive $30 million transformation that will refurbish and enhance the Princess Cruises ship. During the two-week makeover, the vessel will receive a sparkling new atrium with Princess’ signature International Café, a new sushi and seafood venue, an updated Horizon Court buffet, and a refreshed Lotus Spa.

Princess Cruises has appointed Gordon Ho as senior vice president of marketing. In this newly-created position he will lead the company’s global marketing, public relations and digital activities. Ho brings extensive marketing experience to his new role with Princess, in areas including worldwide creative development, brand management, partnership marketing, digital marketing, CRM and public relations.

In a spectacular ceremony in Southampton, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has named the new ship Royal Princess with the release of a bottle of champagne which smashed against its hull. Standing on the naming platform with the ship’s captain Tony Draper, The Duchess pronounced: “I name this ship Royal Princess. May God bless her and all who sail in her.”

A musical salute provided a spectacular welcome for Royal Princess to Southampton earlier as the new cruise ship arrived to begin a week-long series of special inaugural events. British actor, director and writer Simon Callow orchestrated the Southampton University Brass Band to serenade the new Princess Cruises ship with a rendition of “God Save The Queen” as the vessel sailed into the harbor.

Representatives from the Veterans History Project will be sailing aboard Princess Cruises’ first veterans cruise in November to facilitate the recording of first-hand interviews with passengers who served during times of conflict. These stories will be added to the Project’s ongoing collection of wartime memories that are preserved and made accessible by the Library of Congress.

Princess Cruises today expanded its Captain’s Circle loyalty program with the addition of a new membership category – the Medallion level. The new tier, for passengers sailing on a fourth or fifth cruise, or between 31 and 50 cruise days, fits between the program’s current Gold and Platinum levels. The new level goes into effect with voyages beginning on or after today.