Star Princess floated out at Fincantieri Shipyard

Princess Cruises celebrated a major construction milestone last week of its second Sphere-Class vessel, Star Princess, with the traditional maritime float out ceremony at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. 

The new ship will now transfer to the outfitting quay where construction will continue in anticipation of her Fall 2025 debut.

The float out celebrates the first time the superstructure of a new ship meets water for the first time. Third Engineer Chiara del Vecchio, who currently works aboard sister ship Sun Princess, served as the brand’s madrina and became the first member of the Princess technical team to hold this time-honored role.

“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, in a press release. “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.”

Padgett also announced that Commodore Nick Nash and Captain Gennaro Arma, who both were on hand for the ceremony, will serve as masters of Star Princess. Arma will serve as master of Star Princess when the ship is delivered next fall ahead of Commodore Nash’s turn at the helm.

The 4,300-guest, 178,000-ton Star Princess is the second in the new Sphere Class of ships for Princess and will also be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). 

Sister ship Sun Princess, also built by Fincantieri in Monfalcone, debuted in February. 

Voyages for the inaugural season of Star Princess are on sale now.

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