Princess Cruises has taken a significant step in expanding its fleet with the recent float-out ceremony of Star Princess, the second vessel in the company’s new Sphere Class.
The September 26 event marks the first time the ship touched water. The maritime milestone took place at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
This made the 4,300-guest, 178,000-ton cruise ship ready for transfer to the outfitting quay, where construction will continue before its October 2025 debut.
John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises, praised the team behind Star Princess, stating:
❝ Today is a celebration of teamwork, craftsmanship, and innovation. Star Princess is the second ship in our new Sphere class, and now, as she prepares to take to the water for the first time, it is a testament to the incredible dedication and skill of the entire shipyard team. ❞
Third Engineer Chiara del Vecchio served as the ship’s “madrina,” an honorary role wishing the vessel safe journeys. Del Vecchio became the first member of the Princess technical team to be awarded the distinction.
LNG Power and Advanced Features
Star Princess will be helmed by Captain Gennaro Arma upon delivery, followed by Commodore Nick Nash. Senior officers aboard the new vessel include Chief Engineers Gaetano Guida and Massimiliano Imperiale, Staff Captains Chris King and Michele Russo, and Hotel General Managers Ralph D’Souza and Bosco Pires.
Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Star Princess boasts several design elements that have made the Sphere-class ship known.
This includes The Dome at the top of the vessel and The Sphere in the central Piazza. Both feature large circular glass enclosures that maximize natural light while treating passengers to breathtaking ocean views.
Star Princess Unveils Innovative Design
Star Princess will also host The Arena, a versatile state-of-the-art theater. Moreover, the upcoming vessel will be the first to offer luxury staterooms and amenities from Princess Cruises’ Sanctuary Collection.
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Voyages for Star Princess’ inaugural season are already on sale. Its maiden voyage will be a seven-day Mediterranean cruise and a 14-day transatlantic voyage to Fort Lauderdale.
