Star Princess Celebrates Major Construction Milestone with Float Out Ceremony

Princess Cruises marked a significant moment in the construction of its second Sphere-Class vessel, Star Princess, with a traditional float out ceremony at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. This milestone signals the ship's first contact with water as it transitions to its next phase of construction, ahead of its debut in Fall 2025.

The ceremony honored seafaring tradition, with Third Engineer Chiara del Vecchio from sister ship Sun Princess serving as madrina, making her the first Princess Cruises technical team member to hold this role. Princess Cruises President John Padgett praised the teamwork and craftsmanship involved in building the ship, calling it a symbol of innovation and adventure.

The Star Princess, a 4,300-guest vessel powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), will follow in the footsteps of its sister ship Sun Princess, which debuted earlier this year with unique architectural features such as The Dome and The Sphere Piazza.

Commodore Nick Nash and Captain Gennaro Arma, both present at the ceremony, were named as senior officers for the Star Princess, with Arma taking the helm upon delivery. The ship’s leadership also includes veteran officers Chief Engineers Gaetano Guida and Massimiliano Imperiale, and Staff Captains Chris King and Michele Russo.

Star Princess is designed to provide unforgettable experiences, combining cutting-edge technology with Princess Cruises’ signature elegance. The ship is expected to elevate the cruise experience when it launches next year.