World’s Newest Cruise Ship Star Princess Embarks on Maiden Voyage
The world’s newest cruise ship, Star Princess, has officially set sail on her maiden voyage — an 11-night journey through the Western Mediterranean departing from Barcelona. The 177,800-gross-ton vessel marks the second Sphere-class ship from Princess Cruises and joins her sister ship, Sun Princess, which debuted in early 2024.
A Star is Born in the Princess Fleet
After a two-month delay that resulted in nine canceled sailings, Star Princess finally welcomed her first guests aboard on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The inaugural cruise will visit iconic ports such as Marseille, Rome, Naples, Palermo, Cartagena, and Gibraltar before returning to Barcelona on October 15.
Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha celebrated the milestone, saying,
“Star Princess shines brightly as one of the largest and most spectacular ships we’ve ever built, and we proudly welcome excited guests on her inaugural voyage. We wish our captain, senior officers, and crew much success – may her voyages be safe, her sunsets unforgettable, and may she shine, as her name promises, in the sky and on the seas.”
Captain Gennaro Arma, who oversaw the ship’s construction at the Monfalcone shipyard, shared his excitement:
“From leading the newbuild team to watching our amazing crew now guiding her with our very first guests, this journey is a true honor for me and our dedicated team.”
Luxury, Innovation, and Style at Sea
Designed to impress, Star Princess can accommodate 4,300 guests and features more than 30 dining and bar venues, including fan favorites like Love by Britto and an expanded O’Malley’s Irish Pub. The ship’s standout design includes The Dome, a glass-enclosed entertainment space offering live music and stargazing experiences, and The Piazza, a breathtaking glass sphere atrium that serves as the heart of the ship.
Entertainment onboard includes exclusive productions like Spellbound by Magic Castle, Meridian, and Illuminate, which combine illusion, cutting-edge effects, and live performance artistry. The ship also boasts the largest casino in the Princess fleet and over 1,500 balcony cabins, including the luxurious Sanctuary Collection suites for those seeking a more exclusive experience.
Upcoming Voyages and Future Adventures
Following her inaugural voyage, Star Princess will offer two more Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona before embarking on her first transatlantic journey on October 22, 2025. The 14-night voyage will visit Palma de Mallorca, Gibraltar, and the Azores before arriving at her new homeport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November 5.
A star-studded christening ceremony is scheduled for November 6 in Fort Lauderdale, where Matthew and Camila McConaughey will serve as the ship’s godparents. The following day, Star Princess will begin her Caribbean season, sailing to the Bahamas, Mexico, and beyond.
In April 2026, she’ll make her first Panama Canal transit, sailing from Fort Lauderdale to Seattle on a 20-night itinerary before offering a season of 7-night Inside Passage cruises in Alaska.
A Bright Future Ahead
With its blend of innovation, elegance, and next-level guest experiences, Star Princess is poised to become one of the most celebrated ships at sea.
For Princess Cruises, her launch represents not just the addition of a new vessel, but the continuation of a legacy — one that invites guests to shine among the stars.
