Princess Cruises’ second Sphere-Class ship, Star Princess, was floated out at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Italy on Thursday, September 26, 2024. The float out ceremony is a major construction milestone and celebrates the first time the ship’s hull meets water. Construction of Star Princess will now shift to interior design as she moves toward her September 2025 delivery.
In attendance were president of Princess Cruises John Padgett as well as shipyard director Cristiano Bazzara. During the ceremony, Padgett also announced senior officers of Star Princess including Commodore Nick Nash and Captain Gennaro Arma who will serve as masters of the vessel. Captain Arma will serve as master first of Star Princess next fall.
“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,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “Fincantieri has again turned vision into reality, building on the success of her sister ship – Sun Princess, which has already captured the hearts of our guests with its elegance and cutting-edge design. Together, we are creating amazing machines that will inspire adventure and deliver unforgettable experiences for all who sail with us for decades to come.”
The 4,300 passenger Star Princess has not been without setbacks. In April, the cruise line delayed the ship’s debut from July 2025 to September 2025 without explanation. Because of the delay, Princess Cruises was forced to cancel her first nine cruises from Rome, Athens and Istanbul. Her inaugural voyage will now embark on October 4, 2025 from Barcelona. She will sail an 11-day roundtrip Western Mediterranean voyage that will call on Marseille, France; Rome, Naples, and Sicily, Italy; Cartagena, Spain; and Gibraltar.
Star Princess is the sister to Sun Princess, and like her sister, she will feature the new Dome, panoramic views in the Piazza, and an elegant, three-story dining room. The Sanctuary Collection, which has been reimagined for both ships, will offer plenty of space to relax and unwind. Entertainment in The Arena, unique dining experiences, and bars and lounges will help to make every guest’s voyage complete. Voyages aboard Star Princess are available to book now.