McConaugheys Christen New Princess Cruise Ship in South Florida

Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Star Princess, entered service with a November 7, 2025, christening ceremony at Port Everglades.

A group stands on stage beneath a large illuminated star, as the audience watches. A screen displays the Star Princess during its ship christening, with "STAR PRINCE" glowing against a purple, sparkling background.

Celebrity couple Camila and Matthew McConaughey served as godparents, breaking a bottle of their Pantalones Organic Tequila against the 177,800-ton vessel’s hull.

The ceremony featured a performance by nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow and concluded with a drone show previewing the ship’s Alaska deployment.

A rock band performs on a brightly lit stage with colorful LED screens in the background aboard the Star Princess. As the ship enters service, musicians play to an excited audience, while stage lights shine down, creating a lively atmosphere.

Star Princess departed that evening on its maiden voyage from South Florida.

“It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of past godparents and welcome Star Princess into the Princess fleet,” the McConaugheys said in a statement.

What Makes Star Princess Different

A glass-domed indoor lounge on the Star Princess features padded lounge chairs, a stage with steps, and a large digital screen showing the Princess Cruises logo. Two people stand near the stage, perhaps ready for an evening of dining or to share a trip report.

Star Princess is the largest ship in the Princess fleet, carrying 4,300 passengers. The Sphere-class ship has upgrades from earlier ships, including:

  • More than 1,500 balcony staterooms
  • 30 dining and bar venues, including an expanded O’Malley’s Irish Pub with 32 additional seats
  • Two new stage shows, Meridian and Illuminate
  • The Spellbound by Magic Castle speakeasy with a new theme
  • A glass-enclosed Dome venue hosting a new Candlelight Concert Series

Suite passengers gain access to the Sanctuary Collection, which includes a private restaurant, adults-only pool deck, and priority boarding. The ship also offers a two-story Lotus Spa, fitness center, and SkyDeck with pickleball and basketball courts.

Where Star Princess Sails Next

A swimming pool on the deck of the Star Princess during its maiden voyage, featuring white lounge chairs partially in the water, metal railings, and a large outdoor screen. Blue sky and ship structures are visible as Barcelona fades into the background.

Star Princess will operate seven-day Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale through spring 2026. The ship then repositions through the Panama Canal to Seattle for its inaugural Alaska season beginning summer 2026.

The Alaska deployment marks the first time Princess Cruises’ newest vessel will sail seven-day Inside Passage cruises, typically featuring stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and glacier viewing.

The McConaugheys join a legacy of Princess godparents including Princess Diana, Catherine Princess of Wales, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren.

Their Pantalones Tequila is now featured across the Princess fleet in specialty cocktails such as the 24K Gold Margarita.

Trip Report: Exploring Star Princess Dining

Picture of Doug Parker

Doug Parker

Doug Parker is a cruise journalist known for his no-nonsense reporting and in-depth coverage of cruise news, ship launches, and industry trends. With over a decade of experience, he’s earned a reputation as a trusted source for both travelers and industry insiders.
Recent Posts