Cruise & Cruise Line

Princess Cruises Celebrates Float Out of Star Princess

Image: PHOTO: Princess Cruises' Star Princess. (photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)
Image: PHOTO: Princess Cruises' Star Princess. (photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)
Sarah Kuta
by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 11:15 AM ET, Mon September 30, 2024

Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Star Princess, has reached a key construction milestone.

The 4,300-guest ship has been floated out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, marking the first time the vessel has touched the water. 

From here, the 178,000-ton ship will be transferred to the outfitting quay so that work can continue. The ship, which is the line’s second Sphere-Class vessel, is scheduled to debut in the fall of 2025.

“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,” says John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Together, we are creating amazing machines that will inspire adventure and deliver unforgettable experiences for all who sail with us for decades to come.”

Float out ceremony of Star Princess

From left to right: Gennaro Arma, captain of Star Princess; Cristiano Bazzara, Fincantieri shipyard director; Chiara Del Vecchio, Sun Princess madrina; John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises; Remco Buis, Princess Cruises senior vice president of marine operations; Nick Nash, Princess Cruises commodore and Star Princess captain (Photo Credit: Princess Cruises)

During a float out ceremony held last week, Padgett announced that Commodore Nick Nash and Captain Gennaro Arma will serve as masters of Star Princess. The company also revealed additional senior officers for the new ship, including the chief engineers, the staff captains and the hotel managers.


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