No.1615 Floated out as the Sapphire Princess 2003

115,875GT for Princess Cruises by Mitsubishi, Nagasaki

Renamed Diamond Princess 2004 Princess Cruises IMO: 9228198

The name swap occurred because a major fire swept through the original Diamond Princess during construction, leading to a delay. Both sister ships were being constructed at the same time, so the original Sapphire assumed the role of Diamond. This name swap assisted in keeping the delivery date of Diamond Princess on time.

Image attribution: Wayne A’Court, David Sky & Birdy Tsao