Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades witnessed a dazzling spectacle Thursday evening, a convergence of Hollywood glamour and maritime majesty. The newest jewel in the Princess Cruises fleet, the aptly named Star Princess, was officially welcomed into service, christened not with traditional champagne, but with a bold splash of Pantalones tequila.
Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey and his wife, Camila, served as the ship’s godparents, presiding over a captivating 25-minute ceremony. The unconventional bottle breaking, a nod to the couple’s own tequila venture launched two years ago, sparked laughter and anticipation among the gathered crowd.
“As you all know, a bottle of Champagne hits the side of the ship, right?” McConaughey quipped from the stage, before offering a heartfelt blessing. “May God bless her and all who sail in her,” he intoned, his words echoed by Camila as a live feed showed the tequila bottle shattering against the Star Princess’s hull.
Built in Italy, the Star Princess represents a significant leap forward for Princess Cruises. Part of the innovative Sphere Class, she’s a colossal vessel – over 20% larger than any other ship in the fleet, boasting a capacity of over 5,189 passengers. This marks a new era of scale and sophistication for the cruise line.
The invitation-only celebration brought together industry leaders, travel professionals, and media, just weeks after the Star Princess embarked on her maiden voyages with paying guests. Princess president Gus Antorcha hailed the ship as “a testament to passion, craftsmanship, and teamwork,” acknowledging the dedication of everyone involved in her creation.
As the naming ceremony concluded, a surprise performance by singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow electrified the atmosphere. Her iconic hits resonated across the decks, followed by a breathtaking drone light show that painted the night sky with stunning images of Alaskan wildlife – a preview of the adventures awaiting passengers.
The event drew a constellation of stars, including artist Romero Britto, whose vibrant artwork adorns the ship’s exclusive Love by Britto restaurant, and Jill Whelan, beloved for her role as Vicki Stubing on the classic television show “The Love Boat.” Her presence was a charming nod to Princess Cruises’ rich history in popular culture.
The Star Princess isn’t just large; it’s brimming with innovative features. Like her sister ship, Sun Princess, she introduces luxurious suites with exclusive access to private dining, lounges, and sundecks, catering to a more discerning clientele.
A unique addition are the “cabana cabins” located on the ship’s expansive 10th deck, offering private deck access and a secluded retreat. The top deck also features a striking glass-dome-topped pool area that transforms into a vibrant nightspot as darkness falls.
Traditional buffet service has been reimagined with “The Eatery,” a spacious venue eight decks below the pool decks, closer to the ship’s central piazzas and promenades. The Princess Arena, the ship’s main theater, boasts a versatile design, adaptable for various performances.
Adding a touch of mystique, both Star Princess and Sun Princess feature a secret performance space designed in collaboration with the famed Magic Castle in Los Angeles, promising unforgettable evenings of illusion and wonder.
The arrival of the Sphere Class signifies Princess Cruises’ first new ship series in over a decade. With the addition of Star Princess and Sun Princess, the fleet now comprises 17 vessels, capable of accommodating approximately 54,000 passengers, solidifying Princess’s position as a major player in the global cruise industry.
Currently sailing to the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, the Star Princess will reposition to Seattle in May to begin voyages to Alaska. This new ship promises an unparalleled cruise experience, blending luxury, innovation, and adventure on the open sea.
