On Location: Star Princess shines even more light on line’s Sphere class

STORY BY DIANE TIERNEY

Princess Cruises’ newest ship, the 4,300-guest Star Princess, is almost identical to the Sun Princess PAX reviewed in October 2024. 

However, the cruise line listened to feedback about the Sun and made a few enhancements to make its second Sphere-class ship even better.

For example: due to popularity, O’Malley’s Irish Pub has 32 more seats, the colourful Love by Britto restaurant has 20 more seats and the casino has an expanded non-smoking section and about 68 more slot machines.

There are two exciting new theatre shows and the hidden speakeasy bar and magic show called Spellbound by Magic Castle is no longer a dining experience – so the price has been lowered, capacity has increased and more shows have been added.

PAX was aboard Star’s three-day North America christening sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida from Nov. 5-7, 2025 that included stops in Nassau and Princess Cays, Bahamas.

Celebrities Matthew and Camila McConaughey are the ship’s godparents and breaking with champagne tradition, they christened it with a gigantic bottle of their new Pantalones Organic Tequila brand.

Special entertainment included a high-energy, top-deck concert by Grammy award winning singer Sheryl Crow and a clever night-sky drone show that featured Alaska images – since the Star is scheduled to cruise there in 2026.

Speaking with PAX, Marsha Patrick, director of sales for west and mid-west U.S. and Canadian markets, said feedback from Canadian travel advisors “has been very positive.”

“Overall, the Sphere class has been well received for its fresh approach to design and guest experience,” Patrick said. “Our Canadian guests also love the inclusive package options such as Plus and Premier packages. It helps to have their vacation be as close to all-inclusive as possible.”

Princess’ primary demographic continues to be social, adventure-seeking guests aged 55-plus.

“While the brand remains focused on this core audience, initiatives such as enhanced onboard technology, immersive destination experiences and expanded entertainment options are designed to appeal to multi-generational travellers,” said Patrick.

Making a splash

Star has five beautiful pools and nine hot tubs to enjoy.

The aft pool is particularly attractive, being infinity-style, with a glass wall for wake views. It’s also flanked by two hot tubs.

Also notable is the stunning indoor/outdoor pool at the Dome solarium that captures magnificent sky views. The indoor pool section can be covered with a stage for special performances by acrobats and musicians.

There’s also a casino, sports court for pickleball and basketball, running track, fitness centre, salon, splash pad and 418 square metres (4,500 sq. ft.) of shops featuring 200 premium brands.

For children, activity centres are available for those age 3-7, 8-12 and 13-17.

Time to dine

Beyond the main dining rooms, buffets and casual restaurants, there are about nine specialty restaurants that charge a fee or complimentary with the Plus or Premier packages: Alfredo’s Pizzeria, Crown Grill (steakhouse), Love by Britto (international), Makoto Ocean, O’Malley’s Irish Pub, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Butcher’s Block by Dario, the Catch by Rudi (seafood) and Umai Teppanyaki and Umai Hot Pot.

“With dining we’ll be doing more tableside preparation to further engage with our guests,” said President of Princess Cruises Gus Antorcha, speaking at an executive town hall. “We’re also seeing more demand for seafood, and will offer more special appetizers and special desserts.”

Bars & lounges

There are about 16 bars and lounges indoors and out such as Bellini’s, Cascade, Crooners, Coffee and Cones, Coffee Currents, Good Spirits, Lido, Sea View, Wake View, Star Bar, the Mix, Promenade, Wheelhouse and more.

Princess’ famous 24K Gold Margarita signature cocktail (named for its golden hue) has reached almost 900,000 servings over the years and is now updated with Pantalones tequila.

“About 14 months ago we created the cocktail with our celebrities Matthew, Camila and mixologist Rob Floyd. They are not just names or faces behind the brand. They come on board, create fun media for us and we have trust in their product, as they do with Princess,” said Sami Kohen, vice president of food and beverage.

Entertainment

Two new shows at the 990-seat Arena theatre have also launched – Meridian and Illuminate.

Meridian is a love story set in the age of high society with elegant old-world costumes, and yet delightfully juxtaposed with modern music. Illuminate has an energetic circus theme with impressive trapeze acrobats and dancing laser lights.

The Arena is semi-circular for a more immersive close-up experience, but advise your clients that the best views are from seats located front and centre, so arrive early. 

At the solarium-style Dome, the Candlelight Concert series features classical musicians surrounded by hundreds of golden, candle-like lights. Several seats at the venue are thick padded pool lounge chairs further adding to the relaxing vibe for shows.

The three-deck Piazza is the heart of the ship and features entertainment ranging from talented musicians to amazing acrobats, as well as hilarious crew and guest participation events such as the “Do you wanna dance?” competition. There’s seating for about 300 guests.

Princess Live!, meanwhile, is a theatre that features game-show style events, culinary demonstrations, entertainers and more.

Accommodations

There are 2,157 staterooms featuring 80 suites, 123 mini suites, more than 1,000 balcony staterooms, 100 connecting staterooms and 51 accessible staterooms.

They range from 13 to 117 square metres (135 to 1,260 sq. ft.). Quality beds and linens, plus glass shower doors are appreciated by guests.

However, be sure to check that far forward balcony staterooms near where the bow curves don’t have a balcony steel wall instead of glass panels (such as cabin 12106). Your clients may be disappointed by the blocked sea view when sitting down, even though the balcony is large.

As with many ships, try to avoid booking your clients in staterooms near places like the Piazza and late-night venues due to possible noise.

The luxury, private Sanctuary area staterooms, exclusive to Star and Sun, includes access to the ship’s top deck retreat, high-end amenities such as the Premier package and exclusive private dining with its own restaurant and lounges.

There are 80 suites, 123 mini suites and 12 deluxe balcony staterooms.

Travel advisor resources

“For travel advisors we house our tools, resources and ways to learn about Princess in OneSource. We also offer ongoing education through Carmen Roig's [senior vice president marketing and sales] regular webinars, which cover timely topics and updates. To support our Canadian partners, we provide flyers and marketing assets in Canadian dollars,” said Patrick.

As for Princess’ evolving identity and future ambitions, Antorcha highlighted the qualities that define its next chapter.

“Star embodies the direction that we're going, which is intelligent, beautiful, but [also] approachable and comfortable,” he said.

Star Princess currently sails Caribbean voyages and will transit through the Panama Canal to Seattle for her inaugural season in Alaska in 2026.

Diane Tierney has been on 103 cruises to 57 countries and has 142,000 followers on Instagram. Follow her here.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.