Star Princess, the second Sphere Class ship from Princess Cruises, has celebrated her keel laying ceremony in Italy.
Princess Cruises, along with the cruise line’s partners at Fincantieri Shipyard, celebrated the official keel laying ceremony for Star Princess in Monfalcone, Italy. The ceremony marks the beginning of construction for what will be Princess’ second Sphere Class ship.
Related: Star Princess Will Be Princess Cruises’ Second Sphere Class Ship
Star Princess’ keel laying included a good luck ceremony
The keel, which is the bottom of a ship and its main foundation, is the first block of Star Princess to be built. The 500-ton (1.1 million pound) keel was lowered by crane into position on the keel blocks in the dry dock, where it will remain until Star Princess floats out.
The computer-guided operation took only minutes, marking the beginning of over two million man-hours required to build the cruise ship.
After a traditional ceremony and blessing, Princess and Fincantieri executives welded a Princess Medallion into the ship to bring good luck to the vessel and everyone who sails on her.
Related: 29 Weird Cruise Ship Superstitions Cruisers Should Know
“Our multi-decade shipbuilding collaboration continues to progress as we build spectacular ships that are enabled by the most advanced technology available while infusing magnificent Italian craftsmanship and respecting beautiful Princess design heritage,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.
Princess has confirmed that Star Princess will be built with many of the most sustainable environmental features available today, and will be the second in the fleet to use LNG fuel technology.
Star Princess will be built to offer more ocean views
At 175,500 tons and carrying 4,300 passengers, Star Princess will join her sister ship Sun Princess as the largest ships ever built for Princess Cruises. The new ship is being built on a special platform unique to Princess, designed to provide cruisers more dynamic outward views.
Although Star Princess will be 20 percent larger than any of the cruise line’s current ships, the company has promised that her design will retain the more intimate settings Princess is known for.
The ship will feature several new and ground-breaking spaces including The Dome, a multipurpose entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini. Star Princess will also have a “next-level” Piazza, featuring a glass sphere.
The Princess Arena, a configurable main theater, will let cruisers enjoy a variety of innovative entertainment options. Star Princess‘ three-story main dining room at the ship’s aft will deliver gorgeous wake views.
Star Princess will sail from Fort Everglades after a short Med season
Star Princess will make her debut in August 2025 in the Mediterranean, with cruises on sale now. The ship will then join her Sphere Class sister Sun Princess in the Caribbean for her inaugural Americas season.
Both ships will sail seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Update: Princess Cruises Announces Captains for Star Princess
“Our 2025-26 Americas program is our largest ever offered, making it convenient for guests to drive to their nearby port or take a short flight to enjoy a spectacular Princess cruise,” said Terry Thornton, Princess’ chief commercial officer.
“Sun Princess and Star Princess will deliver epic vacations and magnify the beauty of the Caribbean by offering guests the most celebrated views and vantage points available of the islands’ crystal blue waters and exotic charm,” Thornton continued in a press release.
More news about Princess Cruises
- Sun Princess Sets Sail on Inaugural Voyage
- Princess Cruises Delays Delivery of Sun Princess and Cancels Inaugural Sailing
- Princess Cruises Announces Captains for Star Princess
- Princess Cruises’ Star Princess Keel Laying Marks Start of Construction
- Princess Cruises Will Debut Its Largest Casino Ever on New Sun Princess
- Princess Cruises Begins Countdown to Inaugural Season from Port Canaveral
Do you plan on sailing aboard Star Princess when she debuts in 2025? Or do you prefer Princess’ older ships? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
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