Princess Cruises’ new ship Royal Princess arrived in Southampton today.
The ship sailed into the port under a musical salute, with British actor, director and writer Simon Callow orchestrating the Southampton University Brass Band to serenade the new ship.
The 3,600-passenger ship will be officially named on Thursday by The Duchess of Cambridge.
The musical welcome was answered back by Royal Princess with its own special horn playing the first notes of the theme song from TV show The Love Boat.
Paul Ludlow, Princess Cruises UK director, said: “A musical welcome was the perfect way to mark the arrival of Royal Princess into Southampton ahead of the official naming ceremony on Thursday.
“Even the Great British weather could not dampen the spirits of the spectators who lined the shore and came out in their boats to greet the ship.”
The naming ceremony will also include performances from pop star Natasha Bedingfield, West End singer Kerry Ellis, the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth and The Pipe Band of 1st Battalion Irish Guards.
