Ally

Crown Princess sailed into New York Harbor today to begin inaugural festivities that will celebrate the achievements of several guests, specifically three accomplished women.

The festivities begin on Sunday when Crown Princess departs on a two-night cruise to nowhere. When the ship returns on Tuesday, Scripps Spelling Bee national champion Katharine Close, 13, will test the spelling prowess of former ‘Love Boat’ Capt. Gavin MacLeod, Crown Princess Capt. Andrew Proctor and other officers. The ‘Bee at Sea’ tournament for passengers will debut on Crown Princess’ inaugural sailing.

On June 14, domestic diva Martha Stewart will christen the ship during a morning naming ceremony featuring a performance by pop star Katharine McPhee.

With Princess’ long-time spokesman Gavin MacLeod as master of ceremonies, the naming will also include remarks by Princess chief executive Peter Ratcliffe and New York City Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Daniel Doctoroff. That afternoon, Crown Princess will sail on its first Caribbean cruise with stops in Grand Turk, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Port Canaveral.