Star Princess: New Cruise Giant is Ready to Sail – Here's What the Ocean Liner Can Do!

The Star Princess is more than just a sister ship to the Sun Princess. It's an evolution, leveraging the experiences from the first vessel to further enhance the onboard experience. With its advanced propulsion system based on liquefied natural gas (LNG), it also makes a significant statement for greater sustainability in cruising.

For four days, the Star Princess had to prove her capabilities in the Adriatic. Under the command of the experienced Captain Gennaro Arma, who has been with the cruise line for 27 years, all critical systems were tested to their limits.

The main focus was on:

• Propulsion and Maneuverability: The two state-of-the-art Azipod propulsion units, which can rotate 360 degrees, were tested for performance. Together with the four powerful bow thrusters, known as controllable pitch bow thrusters, they give the 345-meter-long ship impressive agility. The vessel handled emergency stop maneuvers and tight turning circles with ease.
• Navigation and Safety: All navigation systems, from radar to the electronic chart display, were calibrated and tested for reliability.

Captain Arma was enthusiastic after the trials, praising the ship's "impressive navigation capabilities and maneuverability." His positive assessment is an important sign of confidence, especially after its sister ship, the Sun Princess, experienced initial delays. The smooth process with the Star Princess shows that lessons were learned from the past and processes have been optimized.

The technical specifications of the Star Princess are impressive, making her one of the largest cruise ships ever built in Italy.

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The LNG propulsion is a key feature. It almost completely eliminates emissions like sulfur oxides and particulate matter and significantly reduces nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gas emissions—a major step towards a more environmentally friendly future for cruising.

The Sphere Class was designed to redefine the passenger experience. At its core are three architectural highlights:

• The Dome: A massive glass dome at the bow of the ship, inspired by the terraces of Santorini. A relaxing pool oasis by day, it transforms into a spectacular entertainment venue at night for breathtaking shows by the famous Cirque Éloize.
• The Piazza: The heart of the ship. A three-story atrium encased in a glass sphere that floods the space with natural light and offers continuous ocean views. It hosts live music and elegant events.
• Princess Arena: The main theater is the most technologically advanced in the fleet. Thanks to its configurable stage, which allows for an "in the round" setup, it offers a particularly immersive show experience.

The design of the Star Princess deliberately aims to create a sense of space and openness. Large glass surfaces and high ceilings counteract the feeling of being crowded that can occur on large ships. The true luxury here lies in the created space for over 4,300 passengers.

The Star Princess is not a mere copy of her sister ship. Based on feedback from Sun Princess guests, targeted improvements have been made:

• More Space in the Casino: The non-smoking area has been significantly enlarged.
• A Larger O'Malley's Irish Pub: The popular pub gets more seating.
• Optimized "Love by Britto": This colorful restaurant is also being expanded.
• New SkyDeck: Instead of "Park 19," there is now the "SkyDeck Sports Court & Track" with courts for pickleball, basketball, and a jogging track.

After final outfitting at the shipyard, the Star Princess will begin her career in the fall of 2025.

• Maiden Voyage (Oct 4, 2025): An 11-day roundtrip through the Western Mediterranean from Barcelona, with stops in France, Italy, and Spain.
• Transatlantic & Christening: On October 22, 2025, she will cross the Atlantic to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the official christening ceremony will take place on November 6.
• Inaugural Seasons: The ship will spend the winter of 2025/2026 in the Caribbean before heading to the stunning landscapes of Alaska for the summers of 2026 and 2027.

With her successful trials, thoughtful enhancements, and a clear focus on sustainability and passenger experience, the Star Princess is ready to shine as a new, bright star on the cruise horizon.