Princess Cruises has introduced its latest vessel, the Star Princess, a sister ship to the Sun Princess which launched in 2024. The Star Princess, weighing 177,800 tons, recently completed its inaugural voyage, offering guests a first look at its design and new features. The ship emphasizes expansive views, diverse entertainment options, and an enhanced guest experience, building on the Sphere-class design.
Key Takeaways
- Star Princess is the newest Sphere-class ship from Princess Cruises.
- The vessel features large windows and open spaces for improved ocean views.
- New entertainment options include Spellbound by Magic Castle and Candlelight Concerts.
- The ship includes an expanded SkyDeck sports court and a new non-smoking casino.
- Star Princess will sail to Alaska in the summer of 2025.
Design Focuses on Openness and Views
The Star Princess design prioritizes outward-facing spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows are a prominent feature throughout the vessel. These windows are notably visible in the ship's central Piazza, which forms the Sphere-class namesake. Public areas, including the two-story glass-enclosed Dome, also incorporate these large windows. The Dome functions as both a solarium and a versatile performance space, featuring a stage and both indoor and outdoor pools.
Richard Parker, Director of Guest Experience and Product Development for Princess, explained the design philosophy. He stated that the goal was to direct the ship's focus outwards, maximizing sightlines for the 4,300 guests onboard. This design choice aims to enhance the connection between passengers and the surrounding environment, especially in scenic regions.
Ship Specifications
- Gross Tonnage: 177,800 tons
- Guest Capacity: 4,300 passengers
- Crew Members: 1,578
- Countries Represented by Crew: 50
Crew Dedication and Guest Experience
The crew of the Star Princess plays a significant role in the guest experience. Captain Gennaro Arma, who has been with Princess for 28 years and oversaw the ship's construction for over two years, referred to the Star Princess as "my baby." He highlighted the dedication of the 1,578 crew members from 50 different countries.
Many crew members wear a distinctive navy blue Princess pin, signifying over 25 years of service with the company. This detail underscores a sense of family and long-term commitment among the staff. The crew's approach to service is often described as warm and attentive, aiming to make guests feel at home.
"There are 1,578 of us out there, coming from 50 different countries, ready to serve you," Captain Gennaro Arma told passengers during a Captain's Night ceremony.
Culinary and Lounge Offerings
Dining options on the Star Princess include elegant venues and relaxed lounges. Love by Britto, a guest-favorite restaurant that premiered on the Sun Princess, has been expanded for the Star Princess. Good Spirits at Sea is another popular lounge, offering free cocktail-making demonstrations and a selection of beverages.
The Eatery buffet provides a casual dining experience. Executive Chef Davide Menabo was observed engaging directly with guests at the pasta station, demonstrating a personal touch in the ship's culinary service. This interaction highlights the crew's commitment to individual guest satisfaction.
Sphere-Class Ships
The Star Princess is the second vessel in Princess Cruises' new Sphere class, following the Sun Princess. This class is characterized by its distinctive spherical Piazza design, large glass areas, and a focus on integrating indoor and outdoor spaces to enhance views and natural light. These ships represent a new generation of design for the cruise line, aiming for a modern and expansive feel.
New Entertainment and Expanded Venues
The Star Princess introduces several new entertainment features and expands popular venues. Spellbound by Magic Castle is a speakeasy lounge with Prohibition and Vaudeville-era theming. This differs from the Sun Princess's version, which has a Victorian style. Creative Director Kerry Lovegrove explained that the goal was to create a distinct narrative for the Star Princess's lounge, drawing inspiration from the lineage of Magic Castle's owner, Randy Pitchford.
The lounge includes an adjacent theater that hosts magic shows. Beyond this, the ship offers live music and other performances throughout the day and night. Notable additions include new Candlelight Concerts, which illuminate the Dome with a soft glow in the evenings. The main arena, designed to feel intimate despite accommodating up to 1,100 guests, features two new shows: "Meridian" and "Illuminate: A Spectacle of Joy." The arena can be configured for various seating and stage arrangements, including a theater-in-the-round setup.
Recreation and Relaxation Enhancements
Several recreational areas have been expanded or added. The Irish pub O’Malley’s, a popular spot, has been enlarged. The outdoor SkyDeck sports court on Deck 18 is now larger, capable of hosting two full-size pickleball courts or a basketball game. Deck 18 also features a new splash pad, catering to families.
For adult guests, a new non-smoking casino has been introduced, providing an alternative to the main casino where smoking is permitted. These additions aim to offer a wider range of activities and spaces for all passenger preferences.
- Spellbound by Magic Castle: Themed with Prohibition and Vaudeville era.
- Candlelight Concerts: New evening performances in the Dome.
- Main Arena Shows: "Meridian" and "Illuminate: A Spectacle of Joy."
- Expanded SkyDeck: Now features two pickleball courts.
- New Non-Smoking Casino: Offers an additional gaming area.
Future Voyages and Destinations
The Star Princess is designed for global travel. Its large windows and climate-controlled indoor spaces are expected to be particularly appealing for scenic destinations. Next summer, the Star Princess will embark on its first voyages to Alaska. This will mark the first time a Sphere-class ship sails in the region. Alaska is a key destination for Princess Cruises, with approximately half of its fleet spending summers there.
The ship's design, with its emphasis on views, is well-suited for the natural landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities that Alaska offers. Guests will be able to enjoy the scenery from comfortable indoor environments, enhancing the overall experience of cruising through the Alaskan wilderness.
