Princess Cruises, the renowned cruise line known for delivering unforgettable vacations to millions, celebrated a significant milestone in the construction of its second Sphere-Class vessel, the Star Princess, with a traditional float-out ceremony today at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. This momentous event marks the first time the superstructure of the new ship has met water, a cherished tradition in maritime culture.
Following the float-out, Star Princess will be transferred to the outfitting quay, where construction will continue as the ship gears up for her anticipated debut in Fall 2025.
Honoring Tradition and Innovation
During the ceremony, Third Engineer Chiara del Vecchio, who is currently serving aboard the sister ship Sun Princess, proudly took on the role of madrina, making her the first member of the Princess technical team to fulfill this time-honored position.
“Today is a celebration of teamwork, craftsmanship, and innovation,” stated John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises. “Star Princess is the second ship in our new Sphere class, and as she prepares to take to the water for the first time, it reflects the incredible dedication and skill of the entire shipyard team. Fincantieri has once again turned vision into reality, building on the success of her sister ship, Sun Princess, which has already captivated 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.”
Leadership and Crew
At the ceremony, Padgett also announced the senior leadership for Star Princess. Commodore Nick Nash and Captain Gennaro Arma will serve as the ship’s masters, with Captain Arma taking the helm upon delivery next fall.
Additional senior officers announced include:
- Chief Engineer Gaetano Guida: A veteran of Princess Cruises since 2002, Guida was instrumental in the delivery of Sun Princess and continues to guide the construction of Star Princess.
- Chief Engineer Massimiliano Imperiale: With 15 years of service, Imperiale joined the company in 1999 and took his first Chief Engineer position in 2013 aboard Caribbean Princess.
- Staff Captain Chris King: A member of the Princess team since 2010, King was named Staff Captain in 2023 and currently serves aboard Discovery Princess.
- Staff Captain Michele Russo: With nearly two decades at Princess, Russo has risen through the ranks and was appointed Staff Captain last year.
- Hotel General Manager Ralph D’Souza: D’Souza has been part of several ship launch teams, including Sun Princess, and has extensive experience in the cruise industry.
- Hotel General Manager Bosco Pires: With a career spanning nearly 25 years, Pires has served on various ships and has been a hotel general manager since 2019.
A New Era of LNG-Powered Cruising
Star Princess, a 4,300-guest vessel with a gross tonnage of 178,000 tons, is the second ship in Princess’s new Sphere Class. It will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is regarded as one of the cleanest fossil fuels available, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and significantly minimizing airborne pollutants and particulate matter.
Following the launch of Sun Princess in February, which has been lauded for its elegance and innovative design features, Star Princess is set to continue this trend with groundbreaking elements like The Dome, the cruise industry’s first geodesic structure, and The Arena, the most technologically advanced theater at sea.
The Star Princess is the second LNG-powered cruise ship that Fincantieri is constructing for Princess Cruises and represents a significant step in the cruise line’s commitment to sustainability and cleaner maritime operations.
Looking Ahead
With its commitment to innovation and excellence, Princess Cruises operates a fleet of 17 modern ships, transporting millions of guests annually to over 330 destinations worldwide. As Star Princess nears completion, the cruise line looks forward to welcoming guests aboard this state-of-the-art vessel, setting new standards in cruising and hospitality for the future.
About Fincantieri
Fincantieri is a global leader in the shipbuilding industry, known for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovation in maritime engineering. Established in 1959 and headquartered in Trieste, Italy, Fincantieri has built a reputation for delivering cutting-edge vessels across various sectors, including cruise, naval, and offshore. With a workforce of over 20,000 employees and a network of 18 shipyards and facilities in Italy and abroad, Fincantieri combines traditional shipbuilding techniques with advanced technologies to create vessels that meet the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Fincantieri is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations and has been at the forefront of developing LNG-powered ships, showcasing its dedication to greener maritime solutions. The company has successfully launched numerous iconic vessels, partnering with leading cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, to bring to life innovative designs that enhance the guest experience while maintaining the highest levels of luxury and comfort. As a pioneer in the maritime industry, Fincantieri continues to push boundaries, embracing new technologies and sustainable practices to shape the future of shipbuilding.
About Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is a renowned global cruise line that has been delivering dream vacations to millions of guests for over 50 years. Part of the Carnival Corporation, Princess Cruises operates a fleet of 17 modern ships, offering a wide range of itineraries to over 330 destinations worldwide. Known for its exceptional service, innovative experiences, and luxurious amenities, Princess Cruises provides travelers with unforgettable journeys at sea.
The cruise line is dedicated to sustainability and responsible tourism, continually striving to minimize its environmental footprint. Princess Cruises has embraced advancements in clean technology, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion, to enhance its fleet’s efficiency and reduce emissions.
In addition to its commitment to environmental stewardship, Princess Cruises focuses on creating memorable experiences for its guests. With award-winning dining options, immersive shore excursions, and unique onboard programs, the cruise line caters to a diverse array of travelers, from families to couples seeking romance.
Princess Cruises is dedicated to innovation, continuously enhancing its offerings to meet the evolving needs and preferences of its guests, ensuring that each voyage is not just a journey but an unforgettable adventure at sea.
Source Princess Cruises