Princess Cruises has officially launched the Star Princess, the first of its innovative Sphere-Class ships, setting sail on an 11-day inaugural voyage from the historic city of Barcelona. Designed to accommodate more than 4,300 guests, the Star Princess is a testament to the cruise line’s commitment to luxury, sustainability, and next-generation traveler experiences. This milestone underscores Princess Cruises’ strategy to lead the post-pandemic cruise industry rebound with a vessel that blends environmentally friendly technologies and state-of-the-art guest amenities.

The Sphere-Class: Raising the Bar for Cruise Innovation

Representing a new era for Princess Cruises, the Sphere-Class ships introduce a variety of advanced features. The Star Princess boasts expansive public spaces, elevated dining venues, and digitally driven guest services. Notably, the Star Princess is equipped with next-generation LNG (liquefied natural gas) propulsion, significantly reducing carbon emissions and positioning Princess Cruises among the industry leaders in sustainable maritime practices.

“The launch of Star Princess elevates our fleet’s modernity and our promise of an unparalleled guest journey,” said John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises. “With groundbreaking sustainability measures and enriched onboard experiences, this ship is a direct response to evolving traveler expectations.”

Key Features and Guest Experiences

• Sustainable Propulsion: Powered by LNG, reducing sulfur emissions by up to 99% and greenhouse gases by over 20% compared to traditional marine fuel.
• Enhanced Accommodations: Over 1,800 staterooms, including more than 900 balcony suites, all designed for comfort and panoramic ocean views.
• Dining Innovation: A collection of signature restaurants, international cuisine options, and exclusive chef’s table experiences.
• Digital Guest Services: Seamless smart technology for check-in, onboard purchases, and personalized itineraries through the updated MedallionClass™ platform.
• Entertainment and Activities: New immersive theater shows, interactive art installations, and expansive recreation areas for both adults and families.

Beyond its hardware, Princess Cruises continues to develop new shore excursion partnerships and sustainable port experiences, aligning with global traveler demand for responsible tourism.

Cruise Industry Context: Growth, Recovery, and Trends

The launch of the Star Princess occurs as the cruise industry accelerates its recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), global cruise passenger numbers in 2024 rebounded to over 31 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The appetite for longer, more immersive voyages—especially throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean—shows steady growth, with Barcelona remaining one of Europe’s premier embarkation ports.

Additionally, cruise lines have sharply increased investments in green technology, digital infrastructure, and health and safety protocols to address both regulatory demands and evolving traveler preferences. The Star Princess exemplifies this trend with its cutting-edge LNG propulsion and digital guest connectivity.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The debut of the Star Princess is expected to bring a significant economic boost to key Mediterranean ports, including Barcelona and Rome, by attracting high-spending international travelers. The sustainable design of Sphere-Class ships aligns with the European Union’s tightening maritime emission regulations, positioning Princess Cruises as a preferred partner for destination cities committed to greener tourism.

In 2024 and 2025, cruise lines are projected to invest over $25 billion globally in new ship builds, with at least half using alternative propulsion technologies such as LNG and hybrid-electric systems. These investments are part of the industry’s roadmap toward carbon neutrality by 2050.

Looking Ahead: Princess Cruises’ Expanding Fleet and Market Presence

The Star Princess is set to spend its inaugural season sailing Mediterranean itineraries, visiting iconic ports such as Barcelona, Marseille, Athens, and Istanbul. Following this, it will reposition to the Caribbean, offering year-round sailings from Fort Lauderdale. Princess Cruises has confirmed plans to deliver at least two additional Sphere-Class vessels by 2028, further cementing its leadership position in both guest satisfaction and operational sustainability.

Passenger response to early voyages has been overwhelmingly positive, with high occupancy rates reported for maiden sailings and advance bookings strong into 2026. As Princess Cruises continues to reimagine the cruise experience, the Star Princess stands as a flagship for both innovation and responsible tourism, signaling new possibilities for the industry at large.