Just three months after the ship’s dramatic debut, Royal Princess has already garnered its first official accolades, taking home five Travel Weekly Magellan Awards. The Princess Cruises vessel received top Gold Award honors in the Large Cruise Ship, Spa Design and Atrium Design categories. The ship also earned Silver Awards for Pool Design and Mobile App.

“Royal Princess has already made quite a splash with passengers,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “So we are incredibly gratified that the travel experts at Travel Weekly have also recognized the ship’s innovations and exceptional design.”

The first of two new-generation ships for Princess, Royal Princess’ prototype design is an evolution of Princess’ classic style, while including some new features and expanded signature spaces. The ship debuted in June with a christening ceremony watched around the world as Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge officially named the ship in her last public appearance before giving birth to her first child, Prince George.

In addition to being honored with a Gold Award for Large Cruise Ship (Over 1200 Passengers), Royal Princess also received the top award for Spa Design for the Lotus Spa. Aboard Royal Princess, the line’s popular spa has evolved to include a variety of enticing new features to enhance the tranquil experience, including private Couples Villas and The Enclave – a thermal suite where passengers can totally decompress. Here spa goers will find a number of new relaxing options, such as the Hammam (a Turkish-style steam room), the Caldarium (an herbal steam room), the Laconium (a dry heat sauna) and the line’s first-ever hydro-therapy pool.

The Gold Award for Atrium Design honors the Italian-style Piazza that has been expanded on Royal Princess to enhance the lively street-café atmosphere that is a favorite of Princess passengers. The social hub of the ship, with more open space for viewing live entertainment and venues that appear to float mid-air, this new atrium features a vibrant collection of always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services. New dining options found throughout the signature three-story space include Bellini’s Italian cocktail bar, Ocean Terrace seafood bar, and Gelato – featuring an extensive menu of ice cream creations.

Royal Princess was also recognized for Pool Design for the Retreat Pool with a Silver Award. Just adjacent to The Sanctuary, the Retreat Pool offers an exclusive area for adults to relax and rejuvenate. A larger space than the adult pools on other Princess vessels, the Retreat Pool also offers cabanas that can be reserved to enhance the poolside experience.

Princess’ most technically advanced ship, Royal Princess also received a Silver Award in the Mobile App category for Princess@Sea. This brand-new mobile-friendly intranet site enables passengers to easily access daily updates about entertainment, onboard specials, weather and port news, as well as review their onboard folio from their personal mobile or tablet devices.

Royal Princess is currently sailing on Grand Mediterranean voyages and will begin a maiden season of Eastern Caribbean cruises from Ft. Lauderdale on October 29.

The Travel Weekly Magellan Awards honors the best in travel. A complete list of Magellan Award winners can be found at  www.travelweeklyawards.com/winners.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

About Princess Cruises

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.7 million passengers each year to destinations around the globe ranging in length from three to 107 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).