Star Princess sets sail: What’s inside new Princess ship?

Star Princess officially set sail on her maiden voyage from Barcelona on 4 October 2025, marking the start of an 11-night Inaugural Western Mediterranean cruise visiting Marseille, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Naples, Sicily, Cartagena and Gibraltar before returning to Barcelona.

Following her inaugural Mediterranean sailings, Star Princess crossed the Atlantic to Fort Lauderdale, where she was officially christened on 6 November 2025 by godparents Camila and Matthew McConaughey.

The couple broke a bottle of their own Pantalones Organic Tequila against the hull in a glittering ceremony hosted by TV personality Dawn McCoy, joined by Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha and Captain Gennaro Arma. Guests were treated to a live performance by Sheryl Crow and a spectacular drone show over Port Everglades before Star Princess set off on her first Caribbean season.

She’ll now spend the winter cruising the Caribbean before transiting the Panama Canal to debut in Alaska in summer 2026 – where she’ll become the newest and most spectacular ship sailing the Inside Passage.

The sister ship of Sun Princess, Star Princess will offer several unique enhancements, including expanded dining venues, leisure experiences and non-smoking casino areas, making her a standout addition to the fleet.

What do we know about Star Princess?

Star Princess is now the 17th ship in the Princess Cruises fleet and continues the brand’s innovation and MedallionClass service at sea.

The 4,300-guest, 178,800-ton vessel is the second Sphere-Class ship in the Princess fleet and will also be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), reflecting the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Star Princess is helmed by Captain Gennaro Arma, who previously led the newbuild team at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard.

Echoing the sleek, sophisticated design of Sun Princess, Star Princess will also boast cutting-edge features like The Dome, the first geodesic dome at sea, and The Sphere, a breathtaking glass-enclosed Piazza at the heart of the ship.

– READ  MORE: Princess reveals upgraded all-inclusive package –

Star Princess Entertainment

Princess Cruises has an all-new entertainment line-up on Star Princess, including two original stage productions, a candlelit concert series, and live music that transforms every corner of the ship after dark.

The Princess Arena

The ship’s state-of-the-art theatre will debut two original shows:

Meridian
Step aboard Celestial, a grand ship sailing through the age of elegance, where love hides behind velvet masks and fate reveals all. A sweeping, cinematic spectacle produced by Ross Nicholson and directed by BAFTA-winner Dan Shipton, with choreography from Kieran Daley-Ward. The show is set to a lush original score and reimagined chart-toppers performed in the most advanced Princess Arena yet.

Illuminate: A Spectacle of Joy
Set beneath a nostalgic circus tent, Illuminate invites audiences into an immersive world of illusion, music and movement. Co-directed by Jay Revell with a pop score by Kola Bello, this show uncovers the wonder hidden in the everyday.

Both shows are created in partnership with Black Skull Creative, known for producing immersive, perception-shifting experiences. Also returning is Viva La Música, choreographed by Latin legend Liz Imperio (J.Lo, Madonna), featuring Latin hits like Havana and Oye Como Va.

Beyond the main theatre, guests can expect deck parties under the stars, lively Piazza events and a reimagined Champagne Waterfall with an immersive twist.

The Dome:

New for Star Princess is the Candlelight Concert Series, hosted in The Dome — a glass-enclosed venue transformed into a glowing chamber of music and light. Guests will be treated to emotional, cinematic-style classical performances in a setting designed to inspire.

The Piazza

Princess Jamz is a 45-minute sound spectacular led by the ship’s Cruise Director and a 15-piece orchestra, flooding the Piazza with energy.

Also debuting is the Celestial Champagne Soirée, a brand-new multimedia celebration combining light, music and visual storytelling before culminating in the iconic Champagne Waterfall tradition.

Spellbound by Magic Castle

Princess Cruises celebrated the debut of Star Princess with two new original shows and an enhanced version of Spellbound by Magic Castle, themed around legendary illusionist The Great Cardini.

First introduced on Sun Princess, the reimagined speakeasy transports guests into a golden age of magic, complete with new themed spaces such as the Cardini Bar and Peacock Theatre. The reimagined speakeasy now honours the golden age of magic and illusionist Richard Valentine Pitchford – The Great Cardini – offering guests an enchanting mix of sleight-of-hand, cocktails and theatrical storytelling.

– READ MORE: Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess ship gets a whole new look –

Star Princess new highlights

O’Malley’s Irish Pub Expansion: With 32 more seats, this popular venue [below, right] will accommodate more guests looking to enjoy traditional Irish food, live music, and a selection of beers and whiskies.

Expanded Love by Britto: This exclusive, art-inspired dining venue, a collaboration between artist Romero Britto and Chef Rudi Sodamin, will add 20 more seats for guests to savour its unique seven-course fusion menu.

New SkyDeck Sports Court & Track: Active guests will enjoy the new sports court for pickleball and basketball, a jogging track, a splash pad, and shaded areas for relaxation.

Expanded Non-Smoking Casino Areas: Gaming enthusiasts who prefer a smoke-free environment will enjoy 68 additional slot machines in newly designated non-smoking casino sections.

Love Line Premium Liquor: Also debuting on board is the new Love Line Premium Liquor and Non-Alcoholic Collection featuring celebrity collaborations, including Pantalones Organic Tequila by Camila and Matthew McConaughey, Sláinte Irish Whiskey by Liev Schreiber and MEILI Vodka by Jason Momoa.

– READ MORE: What’s the deal with tipping on Princess Cruises? –