Princess Cruises has announced that its newest Royal-class cruise liner, due for launch in 2017 will be named Majestic Princess, while a source at the cruise line has confirmed to Cruise Arabia & Africa that the ship will call in Dubai in the Middle East cruise market during her repositioning cruise to Asia.

Majestic Princess will be based year-round out of Shanghai, Princess Cruises said last week in a statement, promising further details regarding itineraries and destinations in the coming months, but an official with the cruise line has said that Dubai is to be a major port of call during her cruise from Italy to China.

Majestic Princess will be a sister ship to Royal Princess and Regal Princess, but because she will be based year-round out of Shanghai, catering primarily to the Chinese and wider Asian cruise markets, she will also be the first Princess cruise ship designed specifically for Chinese guests incorporating a unique blend of international and Chinese features.

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“Royal Princess and Regal Princess were named after iconic previous vessels, while Majestic Princess will carry a name that was chosen by our global employees,” said Jan Swartz, President of Princess Cruises. “The name Majestic Princess is well suited to the Princess Cruises experience in China, and she will offer a truly magnificent experience to our Chinese guests.”

Majestic Princess will carry a Chinese name on her hull, ????? (Shèng Shì Gong Zhu Haò) – an interpretation selected by Carnival plc’s China employees, which has the suggestive meaning of “Grand World” or “Grand Spirit.”

The 143,000-gross ton cruise ship is under construction at Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone and will be able to accommodate 3,560 guests.

Although further details about her cruise itineraries are to be announced, the cruise line has confirmed that she will cruise from Shanghai to Japan and Korea, and will offer many of the special features that have made Royal Princess and Regal Princess so popular and distinctive.

These include a dramatic multi-storey atrium serving as the social hub of the ship; the unique over-the-ocean SeaWalk – a glass-floor walkway extending more than eight metres beyond the edge of the ship; the Princess Live! interactive studio; and the special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds guests in a curtain of light.

“We’re excited that Shanghai will be welcoming this newest, most advanced addition to the Princess fleet, as it represents our brand’s long-term commitment to the continuing growth of the China market,” Swartz said.

Majestic Princess will offer cuisine spanning the globe, serving authentic dishes from Italy, France, North and South America, Southeast Asia, Japan and China – all freshly prepared onboard.

Guests will enjoy a festival celebrating dance, music and crafts of exotic cultures; an array of international guest entertainers; and Las Vegas-style production shows starring a cast of singers and dancers from around the world.

Majestic Princess will showcase the brand’s exclusive Princess Class experience, designed specifically for the Chinese market with classic events like the World Leaders Dinner and Traditional English Afternoon Tea; special culinary experiences such as the Lobster Grill, Ultimate Balcony Dining, and an ocean-view hot pot dinner option; and an unparalleled duty-free shopping experience, featuring leading designer brands.

The ship will also offer Princess’ signature Movies Under the Stars, with the largest outdoor screen at sea, and the exciting Princess Water Colour Fantasy fountain and light show.

Accommodations will be configured to appeal to families and multi-generational travellers; all outside staterooms will have private balconies.