A charity auction on eBay.com is to be run to win a cruise on board the maiden voyage of Princess Cruises’ new ship Royal Princess.
One bidder under the eBay Giving Works programme will become the first passenger booked on the 3,600-passenger ship, which enters service on June 16, 2013, while raising money to support worldwide charitable causes.
Proceeds will go to the Princess Cruises Community Foundation, a charity which supports causes around the globe and provides grants to organisations dedicated to children, education, the environment, disaster relief and community health.
The winning bidder and a guest will travel on the seven-day maiden voyage from Southampton to Barcelona in a new class of accommodation being introduced on the ship – a deluxe balcony cabin with additional space, a sofa bed and enhanced amenities.
There will be 358 new category deluxe balcony cabins with 80% of all accommodation having balconies.
The auction closes March 12 with the highest bid winning the cruise.
UK director Paul Ludlow said: “We are not going on sale with Royal Princess until March 15 but we know many passengers are eager to reserve their stateroom.
“This auction will give someone the unique opportunity to be the very first passenger booked on the ship’s maiden voyage while at the same time supporting the worldwide charities that benefit from the work of the Princess Cruises Community Foundation.”
Cabins on the ship will include bigger television screens, energy efficient lighting and card readers to help conserve electricity.