Star Princess Officially Delivered: What UK Cruisers Need To Know Before She Sails

George and Dan
Oct 1
3 min read

Big news from Princess Cruises: Star Princess has been officially delivered by Fincantieri and is about to start her maiden season. If you’re eyeing a Mediterranean or Caribbean cruise in 2025–26, here’s what’s new, what’s onboard, and how to pick the best itinerary for you.

What just happened?

Princess confirmed the handover of Star Princess, the second Sphere-class ship and sister to Sun Princess. The delivery took place on 26 September 2025, with the ship gearing up for her first voyages before repositioning to the Caribbean.

Quick ship facts (and why they matter)

Sphere-class design: Evolution of Princess’s contemporary look with bright, airy spaces and a big focus on dining and entertainment. If you liked Sun Princess, expect a similar vibe with a few tweaks.

New-ship honeymoon: Early seasons often bring the best crews and the shiniest hardware. That usually means slick service, spotless cabins and plenty of buzz. (We’ll update our impressions once she’s in service.)

Where she’s sailing first

Star Princess is set to debut in the Mediterranean, then head to Fort Lauderdale for a Caribbean season. If you want balmy beach days, winter Caribbean out of Florida is the sweet spot; if you’re after culture and scenery, the Mediterranean shoulder seasons are lovely for cooler temps and fewer crowds.

Who Star Princess is best for

First-time Princess guests wanting a modern mega-ship with classic touches like Movies Under the Stars, plenty of speciality dining and strong evening entertainment.
Couples and friends who like a grown-up atmosphere but still want variety day and night.
Med lovers who want headline ports (think Rome, Athens, Barcelona) with a newer, flashier ship as the hotel.

Booking tips from Cruise Escapes

1. Pick the right season for your vibe

Mediterranean (spring/autumn): Milder weather, usually better prices than peak summer. Great for sightseeing.
Caribbean (winter): Hot, sunny and beachy. Watch for holiday pricing around December.

2. Cabin choices that actually pay off

Balcony if you’re sailing scenic stretches in the Med.
Interior works for port-heavy itineraries when you’re off the ship most days.
Mini-suite/Club Class if you value extra space and quicker dining access.

3. Lock in speciality dining early

New ships mean hot-ticket venues. As soon as your booking opens for reservations, grab your top picks. It helps spread meals across sea days and late departures.

4. Plan port days with purpose

DIY days: Use local transport for easy capitals and old towns.
Third-party excursions: Often smaller groups and niche experiences. Compare timings with all-aboard time.

5. Think flights & overnights

For Med sailings, consider flying in a day early to cushion delays and enjoy a relaxed embarkation. For Caribbean homeports, Fort Lauderdale is easiest, but Miami flights can price better; factor transfers.

Star Princess brings Princess’s latest hardware to two classic playgrounds: the Med and Caribbean. If you like polished service, grown-up evenings and a good mix of sea days and sightseeing, she’s a strong pick for 2025–26. Book early if you want prime cabins and speciality dining slots, and choose season first, then itinerary.

FAQs about Star Princess

When was Star Princess delivered?

On 26 September 2025, at Fincantieri.

Where will Star Princess sail first?

She debuts in the Mediterranean, then repositions to Fort Lauderdale for Caribbean cruises.

Is Star Princess a new class?

She’s the second Sphere-class ship, sister to Sun Princess, carrying over the bright, modern design and entertainment focus.

Should I book a balcony?

For scenic Med routes, yes. For beach-heavy Caribbean weeks where you’re ashore a lot, you might save with an interior and spend the difference on dining or excursions.