Sun Princess Christened in Barcelona by Hannah Waddingham, Princess Cruises [PHOTOS]

Princess Cruises proudly named its latest marvel, the Sphere-class Sun Princess, during a star-studded christening ceremony at the Port of Barcelona on Tuesday.

The event was graced by the ship’s godmother, actress Hannah Waddingham, known for her lead role in “Ted Lasso,” who properly named and blessed the vessel, echoing her family’s deep-rooted maritime history with the Royal Navy.

The christening was held in the Princess Arena, where Michael Carbonaro, magician and actor, was the master of ceremonies. An array of celebrities, including Tyra Banks, artist Britto, Randy Fenoli, and members of the iconic 1970s TV show Love Boat, attended the event.

During the ceremony, John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises, highlighted why Waddingham was the perfect choice as godmother: “Hannah is globally celebrated for her formidable talent and spirit. Her family’s longstanding connection to the sea makes her an ideal representative for our magnificent new vessel.”

Waddingham shared her connection to the sea, noting, “As much as theater has always rippled through my bloodstream, so too has a strong, historic familial connection with the Royal Navy and all things nautical.”

Following the ceremony, singer Natasha Bedingfield performed several hits, including “Pocket Full of Sunshine” and “Unwritten,” adding a grand musical finale under cool but sunny skies, appropriately enough.

What’s next for Sun Princess and Princess Cruises?

Before the christening, the line highlighted a few upcoming developments:

• A revamped program called the Sanctuary Collection will debut this October. Guests staying in these staterooms get exclusive amenities like a top-deck retreat and all-inclusive offerings.
• The second Sphere-class ship, Star Princess, will sail to Alaska in 2026.
• Love Line Premium Liquors, a selection of carefully curated wines and spirits, is available on the Sun Princess and will be offered on all vessels this summer.

The Sun Princess, the 16th ship in the Princess fleet and the line’s largest at 175,000 gross registered tons is also the first LNG-powered cruise ship. It boasts over 2,100 staterooms, 30 restaurants and bars, the fleet’s largest casino, and a two-story Lotus Spa.

After the European summer season, the Sun Princess will set sail for the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale for a winter Caribbean season.