Cruise & Cruise Line

Star Princess Takes To the Seas With Maiden Mediterranean Voyage

Image: Star Princess (Photo Credit: Princess Cruises)
Image: Star Princess (Photo Credit: Princess Cruises)
Laurie Baratti
by Laurie Baratti
Last updated: 4:15 PM ET, Sun October 5, 2025

Princess Cruises welcomed its newest Sphere-Class ship, Star Princess, on an 11-day inaugural Western Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona, marking the latest addition to the line’s fleet of 17 ships. The vessel promises a combination of luxury, innovation and the line’s signature warm service, offering guests an experience designed to connect them with both the world and each other.

“Star Princess shines brightly as one [of] the largest and most spectacular ships we’ve ever built, and we proudly welcome excited guests on her inaugural voyage,” said Gus Antorcha, President of Princess Cruises. “We wish our Star Princess captain, senior officers and crew much success—may her voyages be safe, her sunsets unforgettable, and may she shine, as her name promises, in the sky and on the seas.”

The 177,800-ton Star Princess can host up to 4,300 guests and boasts 30 restaurants and bars, cutting-edge entertainment, and upscale accommodations designed for both comfort and privacy.

Princess Cruises' Captain Gennaro Arma shared his excitement for the ship’s debut: “From leading the newbuild team at the Monfalcone shipyard to watching our amazing crew now guiding her on her maiden voyage with our very first guests, this journey is a true honor for me and our dedicated crew. We warmly invite guests to come aboard our new Star Princess to experience the extraordinary and well-loved service Princess is known for.”

The new "Meridian" stage show onboard the Star Princess.

The new "Meridian" stage show onboard the Star Princess. (Photo Credit: Princess Cruises)

Maiden Season Highlights:

  • The 11-day inaugural voyage (October 4–15, 2025) sails round-trip from Barcelona and includes stops in Marseille, Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, Sicily, Cartagena and Gibraltar.
  • After a seven-day Mediterranean cruise, Star Princess will sail across the Atlantic and arrive in Fort Lauderdale for her first Caribbean season, including her official naming ceremony on November 6, 2025.
  • Following a course of winter and spring Caribbean itineraries, the ship will transit the Panama Canal to Seattle for a series of seven-day summer 2026 Alaska cruises along the Inside Passage.

Entertainment at Sea:

  • Spellbound by Magic Castle: A returning favorite from sister ship Sun Princess, this immersive experience celebrates the golden age of magic and the legendary illusionist Richard Valentine Pitchford, aka The Great Cardini.
  • Meridian and Illuminate: Two brand-new theatrical productions debut in the Princess Arena. Meridian tells a cinematic story aboard the grand ship Celestial, while Illuminate transports guests to a nostalgic circus world of vibrant colors and wonder.
  • Evening Fun Beyond the Arena: Deck parties, Piazza celebrations, a reimagined champagne waterfall and themed nighttime events make the ship come alive after dark.
  • The Dome: A new Candlelight Concert Series in the glass-enclosed Dome offers a magical mix of music, light and live performance under the stars.

The expanded "Love By Britto" specialty dining restaurant onboard Star Princess.

The expanded "Love By Britto" specialty dining restaurant onboard Star Princess. (Photo Credit: Princess Cruises)

Star Princess Highlights:

  • Accommodations: Over 1,500 balcony staterooms, including Sanctuary Collection suites and mini-suites with private amenities.
  • The Piazza: A signature, glass-enclosed social hub for dining, entertainment and panoramic views.
  • Culinary Offerings: 30 restaurants and bars, including an expanded O’Malley’s Irish Pub and Love by Britto specialty dining venue, featuring an unrivaled number of celebrity collaborations.
  • Love Line Premium Liquor Collection: A selection of libations from such celebrity makers as Camila and Matthew McConaughey, Liev Schreiber, Jason Momoa, Kylie Minogue and Romero Britto.
  • Wellness & Recreation: Lotus Spa, fitness center, SkyDeck sports court, jogging track, splash pad and shaded lounge areas, all featuring breathtaking ocean views.

 


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Laurie Baratti

Laurie Baratti

Assistant Editor

Laurie Baratti is an Assistant Editor for TravelPulse. She is a San Diego-based journalist whose work has previously appeared in publications like TravelAge West, SPACE, Modern Home + Living, Montage, and Sandals Life magazines. Travel writing has long been her passion, and she is always looking for excuses to explore the world outside of her native California. Laurie is also a lifelong equestrian, a proud pet-parent, and an underground advocate of the Oxford comma.

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