R2D2, I Presume?

No, it's part of the elaborate equipment for the unique top deck Dancing Fountain show aboard Royal Princess. (You can see some of the fountains in the background along with the extra-large and extra-brilliant Movies Under the Stars screen.)

Evolution

As you can see, The Sanctuary aboard Royal Princess has evolved quite spectacularly since the first one aboard Caribbean Princess.

It Will Be a Cold Day

It's been exceptionally cool and rainy since arriving in Southampton, and this is the first truly sunny day. Even though it is still cool (in the 60's) people are taking advantage of it to see some of Royal Princess' outdoor areas, such as The Retreat's pool and cabanas.

Everyone has a front row seat

There are large screens so everyone can see all the details. The guests could even watch The Duchess' arrival at the ceremony on the big screens.

Everything Is Ready

The stage is set, and the last of the guests are filing in while Her Highness tours her ship.

The morning rain and mist has stopped but it is still cool - in the 50's. But it was an ominous sign that as I disembarked the ship I was handed a rain poncho. Maybe it's like an umbrella and as long as you bring one it won't rain. In that case 2,000 should work really well.

Princess VP Jan Swartz was saying this morning they have had incredible interest from the press from literally all over the world. She said they have had so many requests to cover the naming, they had to cut off the press scrum at 150.

This will be The Duchess' last public appearance until after the birth of her child.

An Impressive Grandstand Princess Has Built for the Occasion

The guests are beginning to file in now.

And All the Ladies Have Hats

In all sizes.