Princess Cruises has reached a significant milestone in constructing its second Sphere-Class ship, Star Princess, with the traditional maritime float-out ceremony at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. Following this ceremony, the ship will be moved to the outfitting quay where work will continue in preparation for her debut in autumn 2025.

Paying tribute to a centuries-old nautical tradition, the float-out marks the first occasion the ship is introduced to the water.

Star Princess can accommodate 4,300 guests and weighs 178,000 tons, making her the second Sphere Class ship for Princess that will also be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Her sister ship, Sun Princess, also constructed by Fincantieri in Monfalcone, made her debut in February and is celebrated as a pioneering Love Boat. It showcases the signature, sophisticated structural designs Princess is renowned for, while also introducing a new era for the brand with striking architectural features like The Dome, the cruise industry’s first geodesic design on the top deck; The Sphere, a glass Sphere Piazza located at the heart of the ship; and The Arena, the most technically sophisticated theatre at sea.

John Padgett, Princess Cruises President, said: “Today is a celebration of teamwork, craftsmanship, and innovation. Star Princess is the second ship in our new Sphere class, and 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.

“Fincantieri has again turned vision into reality, building on the success of her sister ship – Sun Princess, which has already captured the hearts of our guests with its elegance and cutting-edge design. Together, we are creating amazing machines that will inspire adventure and deliver unforgettable experiences for all who sail with us for decades to come.”

Discover the cruises on board the brand-new Star Princess by clicking here.