Emerald Princess leaves shipyard

Princess Cruises’ newest ship ?Emerald Princess? completed its first sea trials in preparation for the launch of cruises in April. The 113,000 gt vessel, sister ship to Crown Princess, left its building dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, to undergo several days of sea trials.

The 3,100-passenger ship will make its maiden voyage on 11 April launching a summer season of 12-night Greek Island and Mediterranean itineraries from Civitavecchia, the port of Rome. The ship will be formerly named in a dual christening ceremony in tandem with the new ?Royal Princess? off Santorini on 12 May, the first double ship launch for Princess Cruises.