Princess Cruises, renowned for creating unforgettable vacation experiences for millions of passengers each year, has reached a significant milestone in the construction of its second Sphere-Class vessel, Star Princess. The ship celebrated its float-out ceremony at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, a momentous occasion marking the ship’s first contact with water. This traditional maritime event signifies a major step forward in the shipbuilding process. Following the ceremony, Star Princess will move to the outfitting quay where construction will continue as she prepares for her highly anticipated debut in Fall 2025.
In keeping with maritime tradition, Star Princess was honored with a madrina, a figure akin to a godmother in shipbuilding ceremonies. This time, the honor went to Third Engineer Chiara del Vecchio, who serves aboard Sun Princess. Del Vecchio’s appointment marks a significant moment, as she is the first member of Princess’s technical team to take on this esteemed role, adding an extra layer of specialness to the occasion.
“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,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “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.”
Princess Cruises has revealed the senior officers who will lead its newest Sphere-Class vessel, Star Princess, ahead of her Fall 2025 debut. Commodore Nick Nash and Captain Gennaro Arma, both present at the recent float-out ceremony, will serve as masters of the ship. Captain Arma will take the helm when Star Princess is delivered next fall, with Commodore Nash following soon after. Joining the leadership team aboard the 4,300-guest, 178,000-ton Star Princess are a distinguished group of experienced officers:
Star Princess, the second ship in Princess’s new Sphere-Class fleet, will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), furthering the line’s commitment to sustainability. Her sister ship, Sun Princess, debuted earlier this year, featuring iconic architectural elements such as The Dome—the cruise industry’s first geodesic feature on a top deck—and The Sphere, a suspended glass piazza at the heart of the ship. Star Princess will also feature The Arena, a state-of-the-art theater setting a new standard for onboard entertainment.
