The Port of Barcelona welcomed Sun Princess, her award-winning actress godmother, Hannah Waddingham, and a star-studded cast for the ship’s naming ceremony on Monday, April 22, 2024.
The maritime tradition took place onboard the Sun Princess in the Princess Arena–the most technologically advanced theater at sea. Serving as master of ceremonies, actor and magician Michael Carbonaro was joined by numerous other celebrities and TV personalities including Tyra Banks, Romero Britto, Randy Fenoli, Jeff Corwin, Rob Floyd, chefs Dario Cecchini, Makoto Okuwa, and original “Love Boat” cast members Jill Whelan, Ted Lange and Bernie Kopell. Natasha Bedingfield performed her hit “Pocketful of Sunshine” as well as other hits including “Unwritten.”
With Captain Craig Street at her side, Waddington pronounced, “I name this ship Sun Princess. May God bless her and all who sail on her.” She then released the celebratory bottle of champagne to smash against the ship proclaiming good fortune to all guests and crew to come.
Of Hannah Waddingham being named godmother of Sun Princess, John Padgett, Princess Cruises president, said, “Hannah is globally admired and adored for her immense talent and determination. Those qualities coupled with her family’s deep connection and love for the sea make her the perfect godmother for our sensational new Sun Princess. We are honored that she has joined us for this pinnacle moment, and that she will remain a treasured part of the ship’s legacy forever.”
Waddingham declared being named Sun Princess godmother was a “pinch me” moment for her as she recounted the group of women who have also served as godmothers to other Princess ships. Women like Diana, Princess of Wales; Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales; Audrey Hepburn; Sophia Loren; Martha Stewart; and many other celebrities and dignitaries.
Although Waddingham is well-known for her role as Rebecca Welton in “Ted Lasso” she also has deep ties to nautical traditions. Her grandfather served in the Royal Navy during World War II and she has fond memories of weekends spent boating in Dunkirk while growing up.
“As much as theatre has always rippled through my bloodstream so too has a strong, historic familial connection with the Royal Navy and all things nautical,” said Waddingham. “I have of course seen over the years the iconic godmothers who have been asked to represent these magnificent ships and looked on in awe. It is therefore such a great privilege to have been asked to act as Godmother to the Sun Princess, first of her class. I can’t quite believe it.”
The 4,300-guest Sun Princess is Princess Cruises largest vessel and the first in the fleet to be powered by liquified natural gas. Sun Princess began her inaugural season on February 28, 2024 and is sailing a series of Mediterranean itineraries this summer. She will sail a transatlantic repositioning cruise in October debuting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for her first Caribbean season.