News Article

Caribbean Princess Arrives in Ft. Lauderdale For Dual "Love Boat" Christening and Wedding Starring Actress Jill Whelan (AKA Vicki Stubing)
Ship is Princess Cruises' First to be Based Exclusively in the Caribbean

Princess Cruises' newest ship, the 113,000-ton Caribbean Princess, arrived today in her new homeport of Fort Lauderdale, and will be the company's first ship to be dedicated year-round to Caribbean cruising. To celebrate the debut of the company's newest Love Boat, Jill Whelan, who spent nearly a decade growing up before viewers as Captain Stubing's TV daughter, will christen the 3,100-passenger Caribbean Princess on April 2. And, in a unique twist, in addition to becoming "godmother," Jill will also be the first christener to become a bride when she marries fianci Michael Chaykowsky onboard the new ship the same evening.

Both the wedding and naming ceremonies, at 6 pm and 7 pm Eastern time, respectively, will be broadcast live on Princess Cruises' web site, and fans can virtually attend the festivities by logging onto www.princess.com. A special on-site interview with Gavin MacLeod (Captain Stubing) and Bernie Kopell (Doc) will also be shown during the live broadcast.

"As the line that made cruising and romance synonymous through the popular Love Boat' television series, it's fitting to have the show's daughter' not only name Caribbean Princess but also marry and honeymoon aboard our new ship," said Alan Buckelew, president of Princess Cruises. "What better way to mark Princess' expanding presence in the Caribbean -- one of the most romantic cruise destinations -- than to celebrate with a special dual wedding and naming."

Caribbean Princess will provide a real taste of the Caribbean with region-based innovations such as Cafi Caribe, a casual dining area featuring Jerk Chicken, whole roast suckling pig, and other local specialities; "Movies Under the Stars," a poolside screen with lounge chair reservations, drink specials and movie nibbles; "Island Nights" sailaway and pool parties; a "Caribbean Caliente" stage show, and a variety of other island-inspired entertainment options.

The ship also debuts Princess' new, proprietary Lotus Spa and includes many of the line's trademark touches such as affordable balconies with nearly 900 -- more than any other cruise ship based solely in the Caribbean -- Sabatini's Italian trattoria featuring a multi-course seafood-themed feast, three separate dining rooms and show lounges, an Internet cafi and four swimming pools. Caribbean Princess also features a wedding chapel and the lines' "Tie the Knot" program, the only at-sea wedding offering where couples can be married by the ship's captain in international waters.

Caribbean Princess will set sail on her inaugural Caribbean cruise on April 3 for a roundtrip voyage to the Western Caribbean. The ship will cruise roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale with an itinerary featuring calls at Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios (or Montego Bay), Cozumel and Princess Cays, Princess' private beach call in the Bahamas. The vessel will then offer alternating Eastern Caribbean itineraries with stops in St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Princess Cays.

One of the best-known names in North American cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company. Part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK), its current fleet of 13 ships sail on approximately 150 different itineraries around the globe, calling at more than 260 ports on all seven continents. By 2006 a further two ships will be introduced, including Sapphire Princess in June of this year.

Additional information is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.