Ruby Princess Launched - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Krazy Kruizers · 02-01-2008, 03:42 PM

Friday, February 01, 2008
THE “RUBY PRINCESS” LAUNCHED AT MONFALCONE

Today at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard there was the launch of the cruise ship “Ruby Princess”, ordered by Princess Cruises Lines. The new ship, sister to the “Crown” and the “Emerald”, will take up service in autumn 2008.

Present at the ceremony representing the shipowner were the President, Alan Buckelew and the Vice President Newbuilding Cunard Line and Princess Cruises, Stuart Hawkins while Fincantieri was represented by Enrico Buschi, General Director Merchant Ships and Carlo De Marco, Head of Monfalcone shipyard. Godmother to the ship was Mrs Rita Ratcliffe, the wife of Ian Ratcliffe who is in charge of Princess Cruises Site Office at Monfalcone.

The 116,000-tonne ship is 289.6 metres long and 36 wide with a maximum speed of 22.1 knots. There will be 1,549 cabins accommodating up to 4,800 passengers – guests and crew included.

The “Ruby Princess” is the twenty-fourth Cruise shipto be built at Monfalcone since 1990 and the thirteenth to be built here for Princess Cruises.

In addition to the “Ruby” the yard’s order book includes a 113,000-tonne vessel, the “Ventura” for P&O Cruises, due for delivery shortly. Moreover, the yard is also scheduled to build a further two ships, ordered by Carnival Cruise Lines the “Carnival Dream”, due for delivery in autumn 2009, whose keel will be laid next week and the “Carnival Magic” due to enter service in spring 2011. Weighing in at 130,000 gross tonnes, the two ships will be the largest passenger ships ever built by Fincantieri. And last, but not least, there is another vessel for P&O Cruises due for delivery in spring 2010 and the “Queen Elizabeth” for the British operator, Cunard Cruise line scheduled for delivery in autumn 2010.

With 19 ships on order (including two options) Fincantieri is the world leader in the cruise ship sector with a market share of over 40%.

cruisin' chick · 02-02-2008, 12:51 AM

At least this time, the godmother isn't someone controversial. And that's a good thing.

The Cruiser · 02-02-2008, 02:28 PM

Thanks for the 411. I'll be sailing on her come Nov. 15. Can't wait.

sue miller · 02-02-2008, 02:40 PM

Awesome, I can't wait, not booked on her yet but I will in the future!!

Cruise Princess · 02-06-2008, 04:14 PM

cool pic of the launch from the Princess website

Cat Woman · 02-06-2008, 11:00 PM

We are considering the Feb. 28, 2009 cruise on the Ruby. She will have been sailing about 3 1/2 months by then. Should we be concerned about any features/amenities, etc. not being available or not working when we wish to sail on her?

Cruise Princess · 02-08-2008, 02:01 PM

Just keep in mind she will be a new ship. It takes time for the crew (even expirienced crew) to get things in order. When the Caribbean Princess first sailed there some "bumps" but the crew worked through it very well. I sailed on her twice within her first 6 months in service. Saw nothing I needed to complain about!

bigred · 02-12-2008, 10:26 AM

I will on her Jan 31st 2009, can't wait

Ziggy7 · 02-20-2008, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruise Princess

cool pic of the launch from the Princess website

sidari · 02-20-2008, 08:57 AM

Guys the pic above is of Ruby in the Drydock ! which takes around 2 Full days to fill with water, so that particular pic is not of the launch.

Below is a photo of Ruby being floated out of the Drydock and being taken to the outfitting yard

photo courtesy of curise news daily.

D and K.