Princess Cruises and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (Friendship Association) officially began Majestic Princess’ journey from Rome to China which will feature a cultural exchange program themed “Telling the Chinese Story along the Silk Road Sea Route,” according to a press release.

During the 37-day voyage, performance groups including the Ansai Youth Waist Drum team and the Luochuan Youth Yangge Dance team, the China National Orchestra and the China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater will entertain and educate more than 6,500 guests from more than 40 countries.

Princess Cruises and the Friendship Association held a press briefing and luncheon aboard prior to the ship’s departure. Madam Li Xiaolin, President of the Friendship Association, David Dingle, Chairman of Carnival UK, Roger Chen, Chairman of Carnival Asia and Malcolm Morini, of Rome’s Civitavecchia cruise port, among other officials, attended the event. The Ansai Youth Waist Drum team and the Luochuan Youth Yangge Dance team presented an authentic Shannbei style performance during the sail-away ceremony to celebrate the start of Silk Road Sea Route voyage.

“The Friendship Association aims to enhance international cooperation and promote common development between China and other countries,” said Madame Li, “We continually develop innovative ways to communicate the China story by utilizing more active and engaging programs to present China’s diverse culture along the Sea Silk Road. Our efforts support the economic development of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiatives and boost the cultural communication between countries along the route.”

“Our partnership with The Friendship Association and celebrating Chinese culture reinforces our brand promise to provide authentic international experiences to our guests and reflects our commitment to the China market,” said Anthony Kaufman, executive vice president of international operations, Princess Cruises. “The Chinese market is important to us and we are honored that Majestic Princess, our newest cruise ship which has been tailored for the Chinese market will become a key part of this cross-cultural people to people program between the East and West.”