Star Princess Commemorates Construction Milestone with Float Out Ceremony

Princess Cruises celebrated a major milestone for its second Sphere Class vessel, Star Princess, during a traditional float out ceremony at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, on September 26, 2024. This significant maritime event marks the first time the ship’s superstructure meets the water, and it signals a key phase in construction as Star Princess transfers to the outfitting quay, where work will continue ahead of her anticipated Autumn 2025 debut.

Chiara del Vecchio, a third engineer currently serving on the sister ship Sun Princess, had the honour of serving as the madrina for the float out—an esteemed role in maritime tradition. This milestone underscores Princess Cruises’ commitment to both craftsmanship and innovation, as the shipyard team continues to work diligently on Star Princess.

John Padgett, Princess Cruises president, remarked, “Today is a celebration of teamwork, craftsmanship, and innovation. Star Princess is the second ship in our new Sphere Class, and as she prepares to take to the water for the first time, it’s a testament to the incredible dedication and skill of the entire shipyard team. Together, we are creating amazing machines that will inspire adventure and deliver unforgettable experiences for all who sail with us for decades to come.”

In keeping with Princess Cruises’ strong leadership, Padgett also announced that Commodore Nick Nash and Captain Gennaro Arma would serve as masters of Star Princess. Captain Arma will oversee the vessel upon delivery in Autumn 2025, with Commodore Nash taking the helm after her inaugural season.

Senior Officers Leading Star Princess

Several seasoned officers will join the leadership team for Star Princess, bringing with them extensive expertise and dedication:

• Chief Engineer Gaetano Guida: A Princess Cruises veteran since 2002, Guida was named Chief Engineer aboard Royal Princess in 2017 and played a key role in delivering Sun Princess.

• Chief Engineer Massimiliano Imperiale: Joining Princess Cruises in 1999, Imperiale was promoted to Chief Engineer in 2013 aboard Caribbean Princess.

• Staff Captain Chris King: With Princess since 2010, King became Staff Captain in 2023 and currently serves aboard Discovery Princess.

• Staff Captain Michele Russo: After nearly two decades with the company, Russo became Staff Captain in 2022.

• Hotel General Manager Ralph D’Souza: A Princess Cruises team member since 2006, D’Souza has served as Hotel General Manager since 2019.

• Hotel General Manager Bosco Pires: With 25 years of cruise industry experience, Pires has been a Hotel General Manager at Princess Cruises since 2019.

Sphere Class Evolution: Innovation at Sea

The 178,000-tonne Star Princess will be the second in the Sphere Class, accommodating 4,300 guests. Like her sister ship Sun Princess, Star Princess will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), reinforcing the brand’s commitment to sustainable cruising.

Sun Princess, launched earlier this year, has already gained attention for its next-generation design, featuring elegant lines and eye-catching architectural highlights. Star Princess will mirror these standout features, including The Dome—the cruise industry’s first geodesic structure on the top deck—along with The Sphere, a suspended glass piazza, and The Arena, the most advanced theatre at sea.

With her inaugural season now on sale, Star Princess promises to offer guests a blend of timeless elegance and cutting-edge innovation, ensuring memorable voyages for years to come.

For more information on Star Princess and her upcoming voyages, visit princess.com or contact your local travel agent.