Her Serene Highness Princess Caroline will christen the new Maxim’s des Mers in Monte Carlo on May 23, Cruise & Charm Chairman Jean Miguel announced from Paris.

The yachtlike, elegant cruise ship is now nearing completion in a French yard, and by all reports will fulfill the promises made in the pictorial brochure recently released.

Pierre Cardin designed the ship’s interior in the style of the famous Parisian Maxim’s restaurant.

At 1,590 tons and 180 feet in length, the ship has 16 outside apartments, a dining salon, piano bar, casino club, boutique, massage room, hair salon, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. A staff of 32 will be looking after the 32 guests.

CIN has learned that the Maxim’s des Mers is scheduled to sail to New York and play a major role in the festivities surrounding the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty. She is expected to be the only French ship in port.

Fran New York, the ship will sail several cruises to Bermuda, before returning to the Mediterranean.

Cruise rates range from $4,200 to $5,900 per person, double occupancy, for seven days; and from $9,000 to $12,645 for 16 days.