Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Royal Princess, reached a significant construction milestone Aug. 16 when the vessel was “floated out” at its building dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. A traditional ceremony marked the occasion, which was highlighted by a participant with a unique tie to the ship and the unveiling of a special ship’s bell. Princess president and CEO Alan Buckelew and Royal Princess Captain Tony Draper attended the event, as did long-time Princess master Captain Nick Nash and his daughter, Victoria, who served as the ship’s “madrina” (or “godmother”). Following the Italian shipyard’s tradition, the float out of a ship is celebrated when the madrina cuts the cord that begins the flow of water into the ship’s dock. Nash was chosen to serve as madrina because she has a special connection to the first Royal Princess — as a baby, she was christened aboard the ship. Pictured, Buckelew, Nash, Draper and Nick Nash celebrate the float out of Royal Princess.