First plate cut for new cruise ship

The 141,000 ton ship will carry 3,600 passengers, and will feature a number of innovations, notably a glass-bottomed walkway cantilevered out some 9m on the starboard side, nearly 40m above water level. This will be matched by a similarly-cantilevered bar area on the port side.

Royal Princess is scheduled for launch in May 2013, with an as-yet unnamed sister ship due for launch in spring 2014.