Star Princess Officially Joins Princess Cruises: A New Era of Luxury on the High Seas

It was a proud day for cruise lovers and the team at Princess Cruises— last Friday, when the stunning Star Princess was officially delivered at Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. Stepping in as the second Sphere-Class ship in the Princess fleet, Star Princess becomes the 17th vessel set to dazzle guests around the world.

The milestone handover ceremony brought together cruise line president Gus Antorcha, Star Princess Captain Gennaro Arma, shipbuilders and local dignitaries, celebrating not just the completion of this magnificent ship but also the remarkable teamwork between Princess Cruises and Fincantieri.

The Next Generation of Cruising

With 1,600 crew now preparing for her first guests, Star Princess is gearing up to set sail for Barcelona for her inaugural voyage—an 11-day Western Mediterranean adventure departing 4 October 2025. This 177,800-ton wonder can host up to 4,300 guests and is set to redefine contemporary cruising.

What makes Star Princess truly special?

• Over 1,500 balcony staterooms for those dreamy ocean views
• 30 distinct dining and bar venues, so every meal can be an experience
• Innovative entertainment spaces like The Dome and The Arena, including next-gen tech and panoramic vistas
• The Piazza: the ship’s heart, full of natural light and architectural drama
• Exclusive features: the Sanctuary Collection (private escape, adults-only Sanctuary Club, and curated amenities) and Spellbound by Magic Castle, a one-of-a-kind speakeasy for some Hollywood flair at sea

After her Mediterranean debut, Star Princess will cross the Atlantic to kick off her first Caribbean season from Ft. Lauderdale in November and then position for her very first Alaska season after a Panama Canal crossing.

Bookings Now Open

Plenty of dream journeys are already available for booking on the official Princess Cruises website, so if you’re keen to be among the first onboard, don’t wait too long.

Final Thoughts

As someone who’s been lucky enough to experience a variety of ships and styles at sea, I have to say the launch of Star Princess is really exciting. With her focus on modern luxury, innovative spaces, and memorable experiences for every traveller, she’s set to take ocean holidays in a bold new direction. I can’t wait to see how Aussie cruisers take to her when she eventually heads Down Under—and I’ll be watching closely when those first guest stories start rolling in. If you’re after a cruise that blends classic Princess charm with contemporary innovation, the Star Princess might just be your next big adventure.