Princess Cruises held a traditional maritime float-out ceremony for its second Sphere-class vessel, the Star Princess, which is set to debut in the fall of 2025.

Honouring a seafaring custom passed on through the centuries, the float-out celebrates the time when the superstructure of a new ship meets water for the first time. 

Third engineer Chiara del Vecchio, who currently works aboard sister ship Sun Princess, served as the brand’s madrina [godmother] and became the first member of the Princess technical team to hold this time-honoured role.

Partners in innovation

Princess Cruises president John Padgett remarked how the event celebrates teamwork, craftsmanship, and innovation. 

Padgett said: “Star Princess is the second ship in our new Sphere class. Now, as she prepares to take to the water for the first time, it is a testament to the incredible dedication and skill of the entire shipyard team.

In his remarks, Padgett also lauded the cruise line’s engineering partner Fincantieri which has, yet again, turned a vision into reality. Indeed, the Star Princess was built upon the success of her sister ship Sun Princess, which has already captivated the cruise line’s guests with its elegance and cutting-edge design. 

Padgett concluded by saying: “[Princess Cruises and Fincantieri] are creating amazing machines that will inspire adventure and deliver unforgettable experiences for all who sail with us for decades to come.”

During the event, Princess Cruises also announced that Commodore Nick Nash and Captain Gennaro Arma will serve as masters of Star Princess. Arma will serve as master of Star Princess when the ship is delivered next fall ahead of Commodore Nash’s turn at the helm.

A grand second

The 4,300-guest, 178,000-tonne Star Princess is the second in the new Sphere Class of ships for Princess and will also be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). 

Sister ship Sun Princess, also built by Fincantieri in Monfalcone, debuted in February and is hailed as the next-level Love Boat featuring the iconic and elegant structural lines Princess is known for.

The Sphere-class vessels are also seen as a truly awe-inspiring evolution of the brand, as the Sun Princess offers architectural spectacles like The Dome, the cruise industry’s first geodesic feature on the top deck; The Sphere, the suspended glass Sphere Piazza at the centre of the cruise ship; and The Arena, the most technically advanced theatre at sea.