When Princess Cruises announced that Star Princess would follow the trailblazing Sun Princess as the second Sphere class ship, cruise watchers immediately began circling their calendars.
Now in service after her October 2025 debut in the Mediterranean and a high‑profile naming ceremony in Florida, Star Princess is emerging as one of the most talked‑about new ships afloat. Blending big‑ship scale with elegant design, quieter environmental performance and a slate of fresh experiences, she is shaping up to be a headline‑maker for years to come.
1. A Next‑Generation Flagship With Serious Scale
Part of the excitement around Star Princess comes down to her sheer presence. As the second Sphere class vessel and one of the largest ships ever built for Princess Cruises, she signals where the brand is heading: larger, more versatile ships that still lean into the line’s signature, romance‑tinged “Love Boat” identity rather than pure resort spectacle.
Spacious Design Without Losing the Princess Feel
Star Princess comes in at roughly 177,800 gross tons and accommodates about 4,300 guests, putting her firmly in the big‑ship category. Yet her designers have worked to keep the experience from feeling overwhelming. Public spaces are broken into a series of smaller, more intimate venues, from lounges and cocktail bars to specialty restaurants, so passengers are not funneled into cavernous halls at every turn.
The layout favors fluid circulation, with promenades and terraces that spill from indoors to outdoors. The idea is that you can enjoy everything a modern mega‑ship offers while still finding quiet corners for a sunset drink, an unhurried breakfast or simply staring out to sea.
Thirty Dining and Bar Venues to Explore
Anticipation is also fuelled by the promise of choice. Star Princess offers around 30 dining and bar venues, an impressive number even by contemporary standards. This gives Princess ample room to showcase both its classic favorites and newer, concept‑driven options that arrived with Sphere class.
While the line carefully avoids overcomplicating the culinary offering, guests can expect a mix of included main dining rooms, casual eateries, specialty venues for a cover charge, and a collection of lively lounges and cocktail bars. For longer itineraries, that breadth of choice becomes especially appealing, reducing the risk of “menu fatigue” and encouraging guests to treat each evening as a new night out.
2. The Signature Sphere & Dome Architecture
One of the biggest reasons Star Princess is drawing attention is her distinctive architecture. The Sphere class takes Princess’s familiar central Piazza and evolves it into a dramatic, outward‑facing hub, while a glass‑covered Dome at the top of the ship introduces a new kind of day‑to‑night venue that blurs indoor and outdoor living.
The Outward‑Facing Sphere Piazza
At the heart of Star Princess is the namesake Sphere, which extends the ship’s central Piazza outward with multi‑deck glass walls and suspended spaces. This hub is designed to surround guests with sea views rather than enclosing them deep in the hull. Natural light floods the area during the day, while at night it transforms into a glamorous social heart with live music, pop‑up performances and cocktail service.
This architectural shift speaks to broader trends in ship design, where cruise lines are working to reconnect guests with the ocean instead of relying solely on interior spectacle. For Princess loyalists who have always loved the line’s Italian‑style piazzas, the Sphere feels like an evolution rather than a departure.
The Dome: A Santorini‑Inspired Glass Haven
Above, the Dome is perhaps the ship’s most visually striking new feature. Inspired by the terraced hillsides of Santorini, it is a geodesic, glass‑enclosed structure that functions as a pool deck, lounge and entertainment venue in one. By day, it is a light‑filled retreat for swimming, relaxing and taking in expansive ocean views protected from wind. By night, it can transform into an atmospheric performance space with lighting effects and projections playing across the glass.
For destinations where weather can be unpredictable, from breezy Mediterranean spring crossings to cooler Alaskan evenings, the Dome promises a climate‑controlled “wow space” that still feels closely connected to the sea. It is easy to see why many cruise watchers point to this venue as a key reason Star Princess stands out in a crowded new‑ship field.
3. Elevated Entertainment and Immersive Experiences
Entertainment has become a major battleground among large cruise ships, and Star Princess enters that arena with several head‑turning concepts. From a versatile main theater to intimate, ticketed experiences, the ship aims to offer more than the traditional evening show model.
The Princess Arena: A Technologically Advanced Theater
The main show lounge, Princess Arena, has been designed as the most technically advanced theater in the fleet. It can be reconfigured in multiple ways to accommodate different productions, with stages that shift and seating layouts that prioritize clear sightlines.
New shows, including original productions that debuted specifically for Star Princess, have been developed to take advantage of this flexibility. Guests can expect a mix of narrative‑driven theater, concert‑style performances and visually rich spectacles, supplemented by a program of guest entertainers across each itinerary.
Spellbound by Magic Castle and Curated Nightlife
One of the most talked‑about offerings is Spellbound by Magic Castle, an intimate experience created in partnership with the legendary private magicians’ club in Hollywood. Blending close‑up magic, theatrical cocktails and themed rooms, this venue invites guests into a world of illusions and storytelling, more akin to a night out in a major city than a traditional cruise lounge.
Beyond that, Star Princess layers in entertainment around the ship. Live music flows through the Piazza, from jazz and pop to a full orchestra. The Dome hosts multimedia shows and concerts, while deck parties, champagne‑themed celebrations and music‑driven events pop up throughout longer sailings. For guests used to a single nightly show as the main event, the variety here feels distinctly next‑generation.
4. A Stronger Focus on Sustainability and Technology
For many travelers, especially those new to cruising, environmental performance and modern technology are now part of what makes a ship appealing. Star Princess has been built with these concerns in mind, reflecting a broader industry push toward cleaner operations and smarter onboard systems.
LNG Power and More Efficient Systems
Star Princess is powered in part by liquefied natural gas, currently one of the cruise industry’s cleaner‑burning conventional fuels. While LNG is not a perfect solution, its use signals ongoing investment in lowering certain emissions compared with traditional marine fuels. The ship’s design also incorporates modern propulsion and maneuvering systems that improve efficiency and handling.
Behind the scenes, energy‑saving technologies, advanced waste‑management systems and updated air‑handling equipment are part of a larger toolkit aimed at reducing environmental impact where possible within the constraints of a large, oceangoing vessel.
MedallionClass Convenience and Digital Enhancements
On the guest‑facing side, Star Princess is fully equipped with Princess’s MedallionClass technology. Passengers receive a wearable device that interacts with sensors around the ship, enabling keyless cabin entry, more seamless embarkation and debarkation, and optional location‑based services that can help friends and family find each other onboard.
Food and drink ordering via the app or interactive screens, along with on‑demand service to different venues, adds a layer of convenience that feels closer to a modern resort than a traditional cruise ship. While the Medallion system has been rolling out across the fleet for some time, Star Princess benefits from having this ecosystem integrated into her design from day one.
5. Expanded Accommodation Choices and Premium Spaces
Another reason Star Princess is attracting attention is the breadth of her accommodation options. Beyond standard interior, oceanview and balcony cabins, the ship introduces an enhanced suite and premium balcony concept that mirrors the “ship‑within‑a‑ship” trend seen across the industry.
Balcony‑Rich Layout and Connecting Options
With more than a thousand balcony staterooms and a significant proportion of cabins designed for connecting groups, Star Princess is well positioned for multigenerational families, groups of friends and travelers who value private outdoor space. Many cruisers now see a balcony as a near‑essential rather than a splurge, especially on scenic routes where sail‑in and sail‑away moments are a highlight.
The cabin mix is rounded out by mini‑suites and suites that provide extra space, upgraded bathrooms and enhanced amenities. Thoughtful storage, multiple USB and power outlets and contemporary color palettes reflect the way modern travelers actually use their cabins, treating them as both retreat and workspace when needed.
The Sanctuary Collection: A More Exclusive Experience
A key talking point is the Sanctuary Collection, a premium zone concept that offers extra perks and a more exclusive atmosphere for those who book into its cabins and suites. Benefits typically include access to an adults‑only pool deck, reserved lounge areas and an exclusive restaurant, along with priority services.
For guests who want the convenience and size of a large ship but prefer a calmer, more curated onboard environment, this model is particularly appealing. Instead of choosing between a small luxury ship and a mass‑market mega‑ship, Sanctuary guests can experience something that sits in between, with a quieter base layered onto the broader choice and energy of Star Princess as a whole.
6. High‑Profile Itineraries Across Multiple Regions
Routing can make or break a new ship’s buzz, and Star Princess has been deployed in a way that keeps her firmly in the spotlight. Her itinerary plan reads like a greatest‑hits reel of contemporary cruising, touching the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Panama Canal and Alaska in her first seasons.
Mediterranean Debut and Transatlantic Crossing
Star Princess began carrying guests in early October 2025 with an 11‑day Western Mediterranean itinerary roundtrip from Barcelona. Ports such as Marseille, Civitavecchia for Rome, Naples, Sicilian destinations, Cartagena in Spain and Gibraltar put her immediately on classic, in‑demand routes.
Following a brief Mediterranean season, she set out on a transatlantic voyage to Florida, combining sea days that showcase the ship itself with a handful of stops that bridge her European and North American chapters. For cruise enthusiasts, inaugural crossings like this are often bucket‑list experiences, and the chance to sail them on a brand‑new flagship adds another layer of appeal.
Caribbean Season From Florida and Beyond
After arriving at Port Everglades, Star Princess was formally named in early November before beginning a series of Caribbean itineraries. Weeklong sailings from Fort Lauderdale call at a mix of marquee ports and private‑island escapes, with destinations such as Cozumel, Roatán, Puerto Plata and Grand Turk appearing frequently on deployment schedules, alongside calls at Princess Cays in the Bahamas.
These itineraries are designed for broad appeal: convenient flights, warm‑weather ports, and a balance of beaches, water sports and cultural excursions. For many guests, Star Princess herself will be as much the destination as the islands, particularly during her first few years in service when the novelty factor is highest.
Looking Ahead to Alaska via the Panama Canal
Once her Caribbean season wraps up, Star Princess is slated to transit the Panama Canal and reposition to Seattle for a summer of seven‑night Alaska Inside Passage cruises. Offering scenic cruising alongside calls in ports such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria, this deployment places one of the fleet’s newest and most spectacular ships onto one of Princess’s signature routes.
Given the line’s long reputation in Alaska, the combination of a cutting‑edge vessel and classic glacier and fjord scenery is generating particular interest among both loyal past passengers and first‑time cruisers eyeing a bucket‑list voyage.
7. Headline‑Making Moments and Brand Storytelling
In an era where ships are as much media events as they are means of transport, Star Princess has benefited from careful storytelling around her build, trials and launch. The narrative spans engineering progress, sustainability milestones and celebrity‑studded ceremonies, all of which help explain why she has become one of the most anticipated new ships of her generation.
From Sea Trials to Inaugural Voyages
Well before her first guests stepped aboard, Star Princess was in the news for completing sea trials in the Adriatic, transiting to shipyards for final outfitting and arriving in key ports for inaugural calls. Each of these milestones underscored the complexity of delivering a new‑class vessel and invited armchair cruise fans to follow along.
As she entered service, coverage of her sold‑out maiden voyage, early port visits and first Mediterranean season built momentum. Visuals of her gleaming hull, glass‑wrapped public spaces and distinctive Dome made her instantly recognizable, helping her stand out even to casual travelers scrolling quickly through travel headlines.
Celebrity Godparents and Pop‑Culture Cachet
The naming ceremony in Port Everglades in early November 2025, with Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves serving as godparents, brought an extra dose of star power. The couple’s involvement, along with the use of their own tequila brand in the christening ritual and onboard cocktails, gave the event a pop‑culture hook beyond the traditional maritime pomp.
For Princess Cruises, aligning a flagship with recognizable personalities helps modernize the “Love Boat” image for new generations, while still tapping into the nostalgia of the classic television series that first put the brand in the public imagination. For travelers choosing among a growing number of mega‑ships, those cultural touchpoints can be a subtle but meaningful nudge.
The Takeaway
Star Princess arrives at a moment when expectations for big‑ship cruising have never been higher. Travelers want more choice, more personality, more convenience and a clearer sense that their vacation provider is investing in cleaner technologies and thoughtful design. As a Sphere class standard‑bearer, Star Princess pulls many of these threads together.
Her spacious yet carefully broken‑up public areas, eye‑catching Sphere and Dome architecture, comprehensive dining and entertainment lineup, and globe‑spanning itineraries are all major reasons she is one of the most anticipated new cruise ships in recent memory. Layer on top modern accommodations, premium enclaves like the Sanctuary Collection, and a narrative that stretches from LNG power to celebrity godparents, and you have a ship designed not only to sail full, but to stay firmly in the conversation for years to come.
FAQ
Q1. When did Star Princess enter service?
Star Princess began sailing with guests in early October 2025, launching with an 11‑day Western Mediterranean voyage roundtrip from Barcelona before repositioning to Florida.
Q2. How big is Star Princess compared with other Princess ships?
Star Princess is among the largest ships in the Princess fleet, at roughly 177,800 gross tons with capacity for around 4,300 guests, putting her firmly in the big‑ship category.
Q3. What makes the Sphere class design special on Star Princess?
The Sphere class centers on an outward‑facing Piazza wrapped in glass and a dramatic Dome venue on the top decks, both designed to surround guests with ocean views and natural light.
Q4. Does Star Princess use any cleaner fuel technology?
Yes. Star Princess is powered in part by liquefied natural gas, one of the cruise sector’s cleaner‑burning conventional fuels, alongside other efficiency‑minded systems.
Q5. What types of accommodations are available on Star Princess?
The ship offers a wide mix of cabins, including interior, balcony, mini‑suites and suites, with many balcony and connecting staterooms suited to families and groups.
Q6. What is the Sanctuary Collection on Star Princess?
The Sanctuary Collection is a premium cabin zone that provides access to dedicated adults‑only spaces, an exclusive restaurant and added perks on top of the main ship experience.
Q7. Where does Star Princess sail in her first seasons?
Her early deployment includes Western Mediterranean cruises, Caribbean itineraries from Port Everglades, a Panama Canal transit and seven‑night Alaska Inside Passage voyages from Seattle.
Q8. What kind of entertainment can guests expect onboard?
Star Princess features the flexible Princess Arena theater, immersive concepts like Spellbound by Magic Castle, live music around the ship and multimedia events in venues such as the Dome.
Q9. Is Star Princess suitable for families?
Yes. With a large number of balcony and connecting cabins, varied dining, children’s facilities and family‑friendly itineraries, Star Princess is designed to appeal to multigenerational groups.
Q10. How does MedallionClass work on Star Princess?
Guests receive a wearable Medallion device that enables keyless cabin entry, streamlined embarkation and optional app‑based services such as locating companions and ordering food and drinks.