Princess Cruises has officially commenced the construction of the Star Princess.
- The keel laying ceremony was held at Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
- Star Princess will join as the largest vessel built for the fleet, alongside Sun Princess.
- Scheduled to set sail in August 2025, it will run on liquefied natural gas.
- The vessel will feature new elements embracing Princess heritage and advanced technology.
Princess Cruises has taken a significant step forward with the construction of its second Sphere-class ship, the Star Princess. This progression was marked by a ceremonious keel laying at the Fincantieri shipyard located in Monfalcone, Italy. The ceremony involved lowering the ship’s keel onto blocks, thus commencing its extended stay in the dry dock until the float-out phase is reached. This event signifies the formal start of the assembly of one of the most ambitious projects undertaken by Princess Cruises.
Upon completion, Star Princess will join its sister ship, Sun Princess, as one of the largest vessels to be constructed for the Princess fleet, with the capability to accommodate 4,300 guests. The Star Princess is designed to revolutionise cruising experiences with its robust carrying capacity and state-of-the-art features. As part of its innovative engineering, the ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas, a choice aligning with environmental sustainability goals.
Set to debut in the Mediterranean in August 2025, the Star Princess promises to deliver a unique blend of traditional maritime charm and modern luxury. Princess Cruises has articulated a vision for the Sphere-class ships that balances homage to the sea’s romance with an appreciation for expansive, dynamic views. Among the novel features introduced are the Dome, an immersive entertainment venue, the Princess Arena, and newly conceptualised dining experiences at the ship’s aft, each designed to deliver an exceptional onboard experience.
In a statement, John Padgett, the president of Princess Cruises, shared insights into the company’s strategy, stating, “Our multi-decade shipbuilding collaboration continues to progress as we build spectacular ships that are enabled by the most advanced technology available while infusing magnificent Italian craftsmanship and respecting beautiful Princess design heritage.” This ongoing partnership and commitment to innovation reflect Princess Cruises’ dedication to enhancing the passenger experience through technological and design advancements.
In addition to Mediterranean voyages, both the Star Princess and Sun Princess will chart courses in the Caribbean, offering seven-day eastern and western itineraries from Fort Lauderdale as a staple of the 2025/26 Americas season. This expansion of routes highlights Princess Cruises’ strategy to appeal broadly to global passengers while enhancing its presence in key cruise regions.
The launch of the Star Princess marks a pivotal development in maritime innovation and sustainable cruising.
