The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived: Star Princess has officially sailed into service, ushering in a bold new chapter for Princess Cruises. 

From the moment she graced the seas, it was clear this ship is setting a new standard for modern luxury cruising. Experiencing Star Princess during her inaugural sailing was nothing short of spectacular, and it’s safe to say she’s redefining what travelers can expect from a cruise at sea.

With her striking design, thoughtful details, and elevated onboard offerings, Star Princess feels like a glimpse into the future of cruising—one filled with celebration, comfort, and unforgettable adventures.

Inaugural Sailing Festivities Mark the Debut of Star Princess

With a tagline like “Brighter Than a Supernova,” a grand entrance was only fitting—and Star Princess delivered. On Nov. 6, 2025, Princess Cruises celebrated the ship’s official naming ceremony, marking the start of her inaugural voyage to the Bahamas.

The evening began with a time-honored maritime tradition: the ship’s christening. Celebrity godparents Camila and Matthew McConaughey officially named Star Princess, bestowing good luck and protection for the journeys ahead. Traditionally, this ceremony involves smashing a champagne bottle against the hull, but true to the ship’s playful yet elevated spirit, Star Princess put a unique spin on the ritual. Instead of champagne, a giant bottle of Pantalones Tequila shattered against the hull—an unforgettable moment that perfectly captured the brand’s sense of fun, authenticity, and celebration.

The festivities continued well beyond the christening. Guests were invited into a beautifully curated culinary showcase, highlighting the ship’s diverse dining offerings. As we sampled small bites and cocktails, the evening unfolded with unexpected delights—including a synchronized swimming performance set beneath the Dome and Sea View Terrace.

As the night continued, cocktails in hand and Princess-logo ice clinking in our glasses, we gathered for a surprise concert—revealed to be Sheryl Crow. Dancing under the stars to classics like “All I Wanna Do” and “If It Makes You Happy” felt like a true pinch-me moment. The celebration concluded with a stunning Alaska-themed drone show, a nod to Star Princess’ upcoming summer season cruising through Alaska’s glacier-lined waters.

From Staterooms to Suites, Star Princess Accommodations Redefine Cruise Comfort

Luxury aboard Star Princess begins where guests unwind most—their staterooms. While cruising is often associated with tight quarters, Princess Cruises thoughtfully challenges that perception. Star Princess offers a wide range of accommodations designed with comfort and relaxation in mind, even within standard stateroom categories.

With 1,500 balcony staterooms, guests have countless opportunities to take in sweeping ocean views from the privacy of their own space. Our stateroom quickly became a cozy retreat after full days onboard, complete with a nightly ritual of room-service French fries and Mamma Mia!—a combination we wholeheartedly recommend.

From Casual Bites to Fine Dining, Star Princess Delivers Standout Culinary Moments at Sea

Dining aboard Star Princess is both a passion and a priority. With a mix of beloved Princess Cruises classics and exciting new concepts, the ship offers an impressive range of culinary options. While it’s nearly impossible to try everything in one sailing, these standout venues quickly became our personal favorites.

Makoto Ocean

• Culinary Compass: A stunning new sushi restaurant with panoramic ocean views. Adventurous diners should opt for the tasting menu, while classics like the California roll are a crowd favorite.
• Sips & Sails: Sake tastings elevate the experience.
• The Star Attraction: Interactive sushi chefs and front-row seats to the action—pro tip: snag a window seat.

Alfredo’s

• Culinary Compass: Award-winning pizza, officially approved by the Chamber of Commerce of Italy.
• Sips & Sails: A glass of Italian wine to complete the experience.
• The Star Attraction: A warm, inviting ambiance that feels like a family-owned pizzeria tucked away in Naples.

Crown Grill

• Culinary Compass: Texas-approved comfort with Goodstock by Nolan Ryan Black Angus beef, Himalayan pink salt, and Parmesan fries.
• Sips & Sails: A bold red wine pairing.
• The Star Attraction: The Colossal Lump Crab Cake—from presentation to flavor, it’s a standout.

O’Malley’s

• Culinary Compass: Classic fish and chips.
• Sips & Sails: A perfectly poured Guinness.
• The Star Attraction: Live Irish music throughout the day creates an always-lively atmosphere.

International Café

• Culinary Compass: Light bites ideal for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or late-night cravings.
• Sips & Sails: Cappuccino.
• The Star Attraction: Open 24 hours, making it the ultimate anytime stop.

Aboard Star Princess: Curated Moments, Entertainment, and Shore Adventures

You could spend your entire voyage aboard Star Princess without ever stepping ashore and still feel completely fulfilled. From theatrical performances and immersive bars to elevated leisure spaces, the ship is designed to entertain at every turn.

The Sanctuary Club is a serene adults-only retreat tucked away at the aft of the ship. This exclusive oasis features a stylish pool deck and access to the Sanctuary Dining Room, where guests enjoy an intimate setting and a chef-curated menu designed to elevate the experience.

Entertainment is another highlight. Original productions like Meridian and Illuminate debuted during the inaugural season, each offering a unique theatrical experience—from chart-topping music to jaw-dropping circus-inspired acts. Candlelight concerts beneath the Dome provide a serene and memorable way to wind down the evening.

For those seeking immersive nightlife, Spellbound by Magic Castle delivers an unforgettable bar experience complete with theatrical cocktails and mind-bending magic. Other standout bars include the Handshake Bar, inspired by Mexico City’s iconic speakeasy—and notably ranked the World’s #1 Bar—which features five signature cocktails created exclusively for Princess Cruises. Fun fact: most of these cocktails take up to seven days to make. Also not to be missed is Good Spirits, hosted by celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd, where each cocktail tells a story.

Beyond the ship, the Princess Cays excursion offered a seamless and relaxing day ashore. Princess Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas made the experience feel like an extension of the ship itself—complete with pristine beaches, lunch, and drinks, all without the usual excursion chaos.

On the Horizon: Star Princess’ Alaska Adventure

Day 1: Seattle, Washington
Day 2: At Sea
Day 3: Ketchikan, Alaska
Day 4: Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier (Scenic Cruising)
Day 4: Juneau, Alaska
Day 5: Skagway, Alaska
Day 6: At Sea
Day 7: Victoria, Canada

For Texas travelers who value great food, live music, wide-open views, and a sense of celebration, Star Princess feels right at home. It’s the kind of ship that invites you to dress up, linger a little longer over cocktails, and savor both the journey and the destination—complete with thoughtful surprises that make special moments and celebrations feel truly elevated. Even the safety process feels refreshingly seamless, with a simple video check-in and quick muster station visit that gets you back to enjoying your vacation faster. Whether you’re sailing for relaxation, adventure, or a little of both, Star Princess offers a fresh way to see the world—without ever losing that Texas appreciation for hospitality, comfort, and doing things big. If this is the future of cruising, consider us happily on board.

Style note: Evening attire is part of the fun onboard, and Nuuly made packing effortless. Wearing Nuuly dresses each night led to countless compliments and made dressing up one of the highlights of the cruise.

A word from my plus one: Princess Cruises perfectly balances luxury, fun, and freedom—making it an easy choice for travelers who want elevated experiences without rigidity. Including an exceptional culinary scene and top-tier entertainment, which makes the whole experience feel more like a fun resort than a traditional cruise- making you never want to leave the ship! 

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Cover Photo courtesy to Star Princess

A lover of all things travel, pretty running trails, and good coffee, Analise Flatt is a travel freelancer based in Louisiana. Check out her Instagram to stay updated on her latest travel adventures.