Star Princess

The 2025-built Star Princess cruise ship is the second of two SPHERE-class vessels constructed by Fincantieri at its shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. Princess Cruises' SPHERE class represents the fleet's first dual-fuel (MDO and LNG) powered ships. The sister ship Sun Princess was delivered in February 2024.

The vessel (IMO number 9863120) is currently Bermuda-flagged (MMSI 310869000) and registered in Hamilton. During construction, she was Italy-flagged (MMSI 247502300).

Note: This is the third cruise ship named "Star Princess", following Star Princess (1989-97, ordered as "Sitmar Fair Majesty" for Sitmar Cruises, built in 1988, acquired by P&O Princess in 1989, scrapped in 2021 as "Columbus", IMO 8611398) and the Star Princess (2002-2021, now Carnival Encounter).

History - construction and ownership

Princess Cruises is a US-based passenger shipping company headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. Formerly a subsidiary of P&O Princess Cruises (founded in 1977), the company merged in 2003 with Carnival Corporation, the world's largest cruise shipowner. Among Princess Cruises' assets is the private island resort Princess Cays (located on the southern end of Eleuthera Island, Bahamas), approximately 80 km (50 mi) from Nassau.

In July 2018, two next-generation ships (larger than the ROYAL-class) were ordered, each with a gross tonnage of 175,000 GT and a passenger capacity of 4,300 (lower berths). These are the fleet's first dual-fuel vessels (primarily LNG with MGO as backup). The shipbuilding contract with Fincantieri (Monfalcone Shipyard) was signed on March 27, 2019, with scheduled deliveries in 2023 and 2025. The contracts were signed by Jan Swartz (Princess Cruises President) and Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri CEO). In 2018, Princess Cruises had five new ships on order with Fincantieri. The 2024-2025 SPHERE-class ships are Carnival Corporation's 10th and 11th LNG-powered ships.

Decks and Cabins

Star Princess staterooms (2,162 total) include 469 suites (including 123 Mini-Suites), 949 Standard, 100 Cove Balcony, 186 Oceanview, and 460 Interior cabins. Of all staterooms, 100 are interconnecting (for families) and 55 are wheelchair-accessible. All balcony staterooms (1,518, or ~70% of the total) support triple/quad occupancy and are fitted with sofabeds.

Unlike the preceding ROYAL-class, the new SPHERE-class ships feature oceanview cabins equipped with large non-opening picture windows.

Exclusive to the SPHERE class, Star Princess introduces new Suite categories (Signature Collection: Sky, Owner’s, Penthouse, Signature), offering premium amenities and exclusive access to dedicated venues such as the Signature Restaurant, Signature Lounge & Bar, and Signature Sundeck (part of The Sanctuary).

Club Class staterooms (rebranded on SPHERE-class ships as "Reserve Collection Staterooms") are Mini-Suites, including the resort-style "Reserve Collection Cabana" cabins featuring a balcony-cabana concept (veranda accessed via a spacious outdoor patio lounge).

The ship has 20 decks, of which 16 are passenger-accessible and 10 contain cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Details of the SPHERE-class design were revealed in September 2022. The new platform features signature architectural elements, including The Dome (a glass-enclosed entertainment venue on the top deck) and a suspended glass sphere in the Piazza Atrium (midship), projecting live sea views and UHD media.

The 4,300-passenger Star Princess introduces new entertainment venues, three-deck Main Dining Rooms, and redesigned staterooms.

The three-level Piazza Atrium (spanning decks 7-8-9 midship) is a signature feature with outward-facing architecture and 360-degree views. It includes venues such as Coffee Currents, Bellini's Cocktail Bar, Crooners Bar, Makoto Ocean Lounge, International Cafe, Alfredo's Pizzeria, and the Guest Services area (Reception, Shore Excursions, Future Cruise).

The Dome (forward on decks 17-18) is a glass-covered multi-purpose space. By day, it serves as a pool deck with an indoor/outdoor swimming pool. At night, the pool is covered to transform the area into an entertainment venue featuring advanced lighting, sound systems, and aerial performances. It also hosts the Candlelight Concert Series (live classical music in a candlelit setting).

The ship's interior architecture was developed by TDoS (Tillberg Design of Sweden), contracted by Fincantieri to create light-filled, transparent spaces. Notably, the first-ever cruise ship atrium concept (introduced on the 1969-built Sea Venture) was also designed by Robert Tillberg.

Follows the complete list of Star Princess restaurants and food bars.

• 3-deck Main Dining Room (Horizons Restaurant, aft on decks 6-7-8)
• Signature Restaurant (Suite Dining Room)
• Reserve Collection Restaurant (formerly Inclusive Restaurant)
• Makoto Ocean (specialty seafood venue with an à la carte menu featuring sushi and sashimi)
• O'Malley's Irish Pub & Sports Bar (specialty venue, à la carte pricing, included with Princess Premier and Princess Plus packages), open for lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks; offers traditional pub food, beverages, and live music
• "Love by Britto" (88-seat specialty restaurant, aft on deck 17) featuring a 7-course menu created by celebrity chef Rudi Sodamin

On Lido Deck (deck 17) are the ship's swimming pools and outdoor Jacuzzis, along with a spacious sundeck served by three poolside bars (1 forward, 2 midship). Nearby are quick-service dining venues including Lido Slice (pizza), Lido Tacos, Lido Grill, Lido Greens (salads), and Lido Bar. Aft is the Love by Britto restaurant.

Umai Teppanyaki (deck 8) is a specialty restaurant serving traditional Japanese teppanyaki cuisine.

Makoto Ocean (deck 8) is a specialty seafood restaurant by Chef Makoto Okuwa, offering Edomae-style sushi and modern Japanese dishes, along with a curated cocktail selection.

Crown Grill (formerly Sterling Steakhouse) is a dinner-only specialty venue serving premium steaks and seafood, featuring modern interiors and an open show galley.

Sabatini's Italian Trattoria is a specialty restaurant known for handmade pasta and family-friendly dining, with a main dining room and a dedicated pasta-making area.

Alfredo's Pizzeria offers indoor and outdoor dining with an open kitchen and high-temperature ovens (up to 970°F / 520°C).

World Fresh Marketplace (deck 9 aft) is the complimentary buffet restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, offering themed cuisine and specialty stations including Crab Shack, Fondues, Pastry Shop, and East Meets West.

"Love by Britto" (68-seat venue) is a boutique specialty restaurant designed by artist Romero Britto, featuring a prix-fixe 7-course menu by Chef Rudi Sodamin and a visually distinctive dining experience.

Follows the complete list of Star Princess lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues.

• Princess Arena Theater (2-deck show lounge, 1,000+ seats)
• Teen lounges (The Underground and Neon Grove, deck 7 forward)
• Good Spirits At Sea (formerly Explorers Lounge)
• Cabana Decks (exclusive areas for Reserve Collection guests, deck 9)
• Future Cruise desk
• Shore Excursions desk
• International Cafe (24-hour coffee and snack bar)
• Wheelhouse Bar & Lounge
• Princess Casino (21+, with 200+ slot machines and gaming tables, including non-smoking areas)
• Crooners Bar (piano lounge)
• Princess Fine Arts Gallery (art auctions)
• Aft sundeck with infinity pool and two Jacuzzis
• Family and Kids Center (deck 6)
• Sun Deck with four Jacuzzis and a bar
• Fitness Center, Beauty Salon, Juice Bar
• Rollglider, Ropes Course, Jogging Track, Sports Court

The ship's sports complex (SkyDeck) includes a multi-use Sports Court, jogging track, splash pad, and shaded seating areas.

Lido Deck (deck 17) features three swimming pools and four Jacuzzis, served by three poolside bars.

Promenade Deck (deck 9) is an open-air walkway with seating and alfresco dining areas.

"The Shops of Princess" is a two-deck retail complex (decks 7-8 midship) offering luxury brands and cruise merchandise.

Princess Live! Lounge & Bar (deck 7) is a TV studio venue hosting live programming, games, and performances, served by the adjacent Gelateria.

Sea View Terrace (deck 16 forward) is a glass-roofed observation lounge with direct access to The Dome.

The two-level Signature Lounge (decks 15-16 aft) is exclusive to suite guests and offers complimentary refreshments and private access.

Lotus Spa (decks 5-6 midship) includes treatment rooms, thermal suite, steam rooms, hydrotherapy pool, and relaxation areas.

The Sanctuary (deck 18 aft) is an adults-only retreat with a pool, spa facilities, cabanas, and dedicated service.

Compared to earlier ships, several venues have been redesigned or expanded (Alfredo's Pizzeria, Crown Grill, Sabatini's, Princess Casino, Crooners, International Cafe, Good Spirits At Sea, Gelateria, Princess Live!), while others are new concepts (Princess Arena, Horizons Dining Room).

The Princess Arena hosts original productions such as "Meridian", "Illuminate: A Spectacle of Joy", and "Viva La Música".

Spellbound by Magic Castle (deck 8 forward) is a themed entertainment venue inspired by Hollywood’s Magic Castle, featuring immersive experiences, live magic shows, and specialty cocktails.

In 2024, Princess introduced three dining styles fleetwide: Traditional (fixed seating), Reservable, and Walk-in Anytime dining, integrated with OceanNow service for on-demand ordering anywhere on board.

Itineraries

Star Princess began operations with an inaugural Mediterranean season in summer 2025, ending on October 22 with a 14-day Transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale.

Bookings opened on June 1, 2023, though the original schedule was later revised.

The ship’s Caribbean deployment is based in Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida USA), with 7-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries visiting Princess Cays (Eleuthera Island, Bahamas).