Former NBA Star To Become Princess Cruises’ Chinese Ambassador

Princess Cruises have revealed that former NBA player Yao Ming, and his wife Ye Li, who is also a professional basketball player, will serve as ambassadors for the cruise line in China.

The former Shanghai Sharks and Houston Rockets player along with his spouse Ye Li, are also set to name the new Majestic Princess during a ceremony on July 9th in Shanghai. The vessel which can carry up to 3,560 guests is presently sailing from Rome on towards it’s new homeport in China.

We’re honored to announce that basketball legend @yaoming and his wife, Ye Li, will officially name #MajesticPrincess next month! pic.twitter.com/hmJOhx3EQJ

— Princess Cruises (@PrincessCruises) June 21, 2017

“It is a great honour that Yao Ming and Ye Li have graciously accepted our invitation to officially name Majestic Princess and serve as the inaugural cruise ambassadors at our celebration welcoming our newest ship to China,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises.

He also added: “Yao Ming is globally recognised for his success in China and the United States, truly embodying the ‘east meets west’ spirit of our international cruise line.”

Both Ming and Li were born in Shanghai and have both represented their respective Chinese national basketball teams. Yao Ming is one of China’s best known athletes and is an eight-time NBA all-star after being selected by the Houston Rockets as a first overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft.

We are honoured to serve as the inaugural cruise ambassadors for Princess Cruises and officially name the new Majestic Princess,” said Yao Ming. “I’m inspired that Princess Cruises also cares so deeply about youth development in China and appreciate their support of our foundation. We look forward to enjoying a future vacation aboard Majestic Princess, China’s newest cruise ship.”

By Richard Hemming