A Galaxy of Features for New Star Princess
Highlights of New Princess Cruises Ship Star Princess
Last weekend, I was fortunate to be invited by Princess Cruises to an exclusive PR event at which, we were promised, we would be the first to hear some exciting breaking news. Anticipation was high as we gathered in Figuarti, a new Italian restaurant in Southampton, to hear the exciting announcement, none of us knowing exactly what that would be. It was obviously going to be a big deal as the event was attended by senior Princess officials including John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises and Chief Experience and Innovation Officer for Carnival Corporation and Eithne Williamson. Vice President, UK & Europe Princess Cruises.
Of course you will be aware by now, especially if you have read the press release I published on Friday, (if not, see “A Star is Born - Introducing Star Princess”), that the purpose of the occasion was the name reveal of new SPHERE class ship, Star Princess.
Whilst there will be many more revelations prior to her launch in Summer 2025, here are just some of the details and features we can look forward to on Star Princess.
Star Princess’s Inaugural Cruise will take place in the Summer of 2025. She is the second sphere class to join the fleet, following in the wake of sister ship Sun Princess who debuts October 2023. She is also the third Star Princess in the brand’s history, the first being in service between 1989-1997 and the second between 2002-2020. Star Princess will be 175,500 GT, have 21 decks and 2150 cabins with guest capacity of 4,300 and will be the second ship able to be powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). She will boast 1,500 Balconies, the most on any Princess Ship (except sister ship, Sun Princess naturally), and offer expanded accommodation options with luxurious staterooms and suites, including the brand new Reserve and Signature Collections. Star Princess will offer more than 29 bars and restaurants,
At 20 percent bigger than any of Princess Cruises’ existing ships, Star Princess design still manages to retain the more intimate areas the line is known for. There will be a fabulous, expanded casino; a two-story Lotus Spa; and unbelievable entertainment headlined by Cirque Éloize, who gave an amazing surprise performance at the reveal event.
Of course we can expect a whole raft of new and innovative spaces including: The Dome, a two-level fresh entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini, being a pool deck by day which is covered at night to become a stage; the next-level Piazza featuring a glass sphere; the Princess Arena, a configurable, technologically-advanced main theatre where guests will enjoy a variety of innovative entertainment concepts; and a majestic dining room positioned aft of the ship to deliver unforgettable wake views.
Dining will include a 3-deck Main Dining Room, a specialty seafood bar with a la carte menu/sushi, sashimi etc., and O'Malley's Irish Pub. Of course Princess favourite signature restaurants such as Crown Grill, Sabatini’s and Alfredo’s Pizzeria will also be onboard.
Unsurprisingly, Star Princess is Medallion Class along with her peers, offering touch-free boarding, location services, and enhanced service like having whatever you need, delivered. See my Guide to Medallion Class to find out more.
Bookings open for New Star Princess inaugural season in Europe on 31 May for Elites and 1 June for everyone else.
Contact Princess Cruises for more information or to book.