PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. – Princess Cruises’ newest cruise ship, Enchanted Princess, sailed into her homeport of Port Everglades Thursday morning as crew members prepare for guest voyages in November.
“It’s the third new vessel to arrive in the last several months, starting with Apex, then Odyssey of the Seas and, of course, Enchanted Princess today,” said Jonathan Daniels, Chief Executive and Port Director of Port Everglades.
According to a news release from Port Everglades, Enchanted Princess was delivered to Princess Cruises from a shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, nearly a year ago.
The first passenger cruise is scheduled for November 10 from the ship’s winter homeport at Port Everglades.
The 145,000-ton Enchanted Princess fits 3,660 guests.
The Enchanted Princess now expands Princess Cruises’ global fleet of MedallionClass vessels and a wearable “OceanMedallion” device will help make passengers’ vacations more effortless, “delivering highly personalized service, and enabling touchless interactive experiences and entertainment,” the news release stated.
Passengers will also be able to enjoy “expedited boarding; on-demand food, beverage, retail and service delivery; keyless stateroom entry; contactless payment; friends and family locator; anywhere wagering; interactive games; and movies/live TV on the go.”
The ship has more than 25 bars and restaurants to provide plenty of options for eating and drinking.
Avid cruisers Jeffery and Donna Grosky came out to the port Thursday to get their first look at the new ship, which they will sail on at the end of November.
The Groskys have been on 42 total cruises, including about 22 with Princess Cruises.
“We are just excited to be back cruising again,” Donna Grosky said.
“It’s been a long time,” Jeffery Grosky added.
The cruise industry was among the hardest hit during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s been a long process. No one thought we would be here 18 months after everything commenced with the pandemic in March of 2020,” Daniels said.
But signs of a rebound are on the horizon with new ships coming to ports and more and more ships setting sail.
“The way in which the industry has handled it and the lines have handled it have been absolutely fantastic, putting their response plans in place, continuing as well with the construction of these massive assets,” Daniels said.