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.

And There They Go

Meanwhile, we are waiting in a warehouse for Her Highness to arrive.

Strike up the Band

The band has arrived and is awaiting their cue to go into the christening ceremony.

One of the New Additions

One of the new additions to Royal Princess is the Pastry Shop which is located in the Horizon Court restaurant. There's no extra charge for the delicious creations in this calorie-packed room.

Getting the Waterfall Ready

The F&B team is getting the champagne waterfall set to start the pre-christening gala Wednesday evening aboard Royal Princess.

Champagne is already flowing in the Piazza. I have turned down four glasses while trying to send this. Now that I'm ready, where is a waiter?

Crown Princess Slips into Southampton

While I was having breakfast aboard Royal Princess this morning in Southampton, Crown Princess quietly slipped into port. (Sorry about the reflection from the window over the middle of the ship.)

When she left this afternoon, she saluted Royal Princess with a long blast of her baritone whistle.  Of course that resulted in a return salute from Royal Princess that was the first two lines of "The Love Boat" theme on her specialty whistle.

Let the Hula Hoops Twirl

When I came down for dinner the first thing I encountered was Hula Hoop Girl spinning a half dozen hoops to "Conga."

The entertainment in the Piazza seems to alternate between these kinds of specialty acts and some very talented musicians.

The Bridge Crew Is Horny

I finally was able to collapse after a long flight and a long wait in the airport for a delayed bag. Then it was hurry up and wait getting to Southampton. I need a short nap and shower before dinner.

Just as I'm settling into the comfortable Princess bed, and as I'm closing my eyes, I hear another ship moving through the harbor salute Royal Princess with a long blast on its whistle. But then the bridge returns the salute with her specialty whistle playing the first two lines of "The Love Boat" theme.

Cute, but that was enough for today. It's a fine line Princess is walking with that thing. A very fine line, indeed. Especially when I'm in a sleep-deprived state.

First Glimpse of Royal Princess

Royal Princess looks a bit different from when I saw her in Italy at the end of March. For one thing, I can tell she has railings on the balconies.

More from inside after I get settled.