Ritz-Carlton hotels' first cruise ship takes to the water for the first time.

Hotel chain Ritz-Carlton's much-awaited expansion into cruising marked a major milestone on Wednesday as its first vessel touched water.

The as-yet-unnamed, 298-passenger ship was launched stern-first down a slipway into the water at the Hijos De J. Barreras Shipyard in Vigo, Spain. The vessel has been under construction at the shipyard since January.

The event was commemorated with what is known in the maritime world as a launching ceremony, in keeping with maritime tradition. The ceremony included a traditional maritime blessing.

By Gene Sloan.

Full story at Traveller.