Captains Log – Majestic Princess maiden voyage

Friday 31 March 2017 was a momentous occasion for Captain Dino Sagani taking the helm of his brand new ship, Majestic Princess. And I was fortunate enough to be onboard.

Sailing from his home town of Trieste on the north east coast of Italy, it appeared that the whole town had come out to wave him off on his maiden voyage from Trieste to Civitavecchia. It was a majestic moment with the ships horn sounding the Love boat tune along with a daytime firework display. I am sure his town are very proud.

Check out the sailaway party on these videos:

sailaway party

Sailaway video

What is also fantastic is the fact we were given a log at the end of the cruise with extracts from the ships official log book recorded by the officer of the watch on the navigational bridge. I have done maiden voyages before but I dont remember ever being given this lovely piece of history on any other voyage.

The momentous sail out log:

“Trieste Friday 31 March 2017

At 1737LT when all crew and passengers were onboard and all pre departure checks completed we struck our gangways, let go our mooring lines, thrust off the berth and started to move astern from our berth and navigated out of the ports breakwaters, before following the southbound traffic lanes, we set South – Easterly courses toward Kotor.

Noon position – Trieste

Sky – Clear

Wind – Northely force 3

Temperature 19c/66f

Pressure – 1024hpa “

Hopefully you can read the rest of the log here if clear enough:

The weather was kind to us as we set off at 1737 on Friday 31 March, likewise for our first sea day and day in Kotor Montenegro on Sunday 02 April 2017. On the Sunday night the heavens opened and we struck by the most amazing thunder and lightening storm, the sky illuminated with the lightening and I have never seen anything quite like it, some hid in their cabins, and some in the bathrooms in their cabins!!  But it was a sight to see for the brave.

Our sail into Kotor was stunning, the Fjord like bay encompased the ship either side and we all opened our curtains that morning to a beautiful view.

But the manoevure to take us out of the Bay was a spectacular sight, and you will know this if you have ever sailed in and out of Kotor, a full 180 degree turn with mountains swinging around the ship in each direction you looked. Fantastic 🙂

We sailed the next day past the Messina strait between Sicily and the mainland before passing the Island/Volcano of Stromboli where we stopped for a brief moment to take pictures. Although apologies I was in the hot tub at this point with a cocktail and so no access to my camera.

We reached Civitavecchia on Tuesday 4 April 2017 at 0400 where the Captain finally berthed the Majestic Princess to conclude her maiden journey.

Now of course I will write a blog and tell you all about the ship and its features [ the chinese lantern wish wall is something you will have never seen so look out for that ], I will also tell you all about the restaurants and dining onboard, the movies under the stars, the Seawalk, the high seas Karaoke, [ I will omit the bit about our “Let it Go” song ] And everything else Majestic Princess has to offer.

But for now, and for me – this was the Captains moment, sailing a grand ship out of his home town was quite moving for those of us lucky enough to be onboard and all of those who lined the promenade. Little bit emotional witnessing it.

And of course it goes without saying, that Princess cruises were their wonderful selves with the Crew outstanding, nice to have Dirk onboard from “The Cruise” TV programme we all loved and watched a month or so back. 🙂

#makememajestic