In a joint decision announced today, Princess Cruises and shipbuilder Fincantieri have agreed to postpone the delivery of the highly anticipated Star Princess, the next vessel in the Sphere Class series. This postponement will result in the cancellation of nine inaugural sailings originally scheduled for July 2025.
The decision, reached after a thorough review of remaining construction milestones, will see the ship's delivery date pushed back from July 29, 2025, to September 26, 2025. John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises, stated, “Despite our collective dedication and relentless pursuit to deliver the ship in late July, it has become evident that additional time is required to ensure the Star Princess is delivered to the highest standards expected by our guests.”
While this delay may disappoint eager travelers, Princess Cruises has unveiled exciting new plans for the inaugural voyages of Star Princess. The rescheduled inaugural sailings will now embark from Barcelona, featuring an 11-day Mediterranean voyage on October 4, 2025, followed by a 7-day Mediterranean voyage on October 15, 2025. These will precede a 14-day transatlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale on October 22, 2025, marking the ship’s debut Caribbean season.
These newly announced cruises will go on sale on April 30, 2024, giving passengers ample opportunity to secure their spots on these exclusive journeys.
Princess Cruises has offered three options to passengers who were booked on the affected sailings. They can choose to rebook on any Princess cruise worldwide, including aboard the new Star Princess or sister ship Sun Princess, with the added benefit of future cruise and onboard credits. Alternatively, guests may opt for a full refund of the cruise fare if they decide to cancel their booking.
To ensure the interests of travel agents are protected, Princess Cruises has confirmed that travel agent commissions will be safeguarded on all bookings that have been paid in full.
Star Princess is the second vessel in Princess Cruises' innovative Sphere Class series, following the debut of sister ship Sun Princess in February. Boasting the iconic structural lines Princess is renowned for, these ships also feature new architectural marvels such as The Dome and The Sphere, elevating the onboard experience to new heights.
Despite the setback, anticipation remains high for the arrival of Star Princess, which will make its rescheduled debut in September 2025 and promise travelers unforgettable journeys and unparalleled luxury.