Princess Cruises Introduces New Giant Ship with Star-Studded Celebration
There was a significant event at Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades as Princess Cruises welcomed its newest ship, the Star Princess, in a star-studded naming ceremony. Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila took center stage to host the event, which included a unique twist on the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony.
Instead of the customary Champagne, the couple smashed a large bottle of Pantalones tequila against the ship’s hull, marking their role as the ship’s godparents. McConaughey humorously explained this deviation from tradition, highlighting the tequila brand they launched two years ago. After sharing a blessing for the vessel, electronic feeds broadcast the bottle-smashing to the audience.
Star Princess, built in Italy by Fincantieri, is notable for being a part of the Sphere Class, standing out as more than 20% larger than Princess’s previous ships, with a capacity to host up to 5,189 passengers. The celebratory atmosphere included special performances, with renowned musician Sheryl Crow delighting guests with a concert, followed by a stunning drone light show celebrating the natural beauty of Alaska.
Additional notable attendees included artist Romero Britto, whose artwork decorates the ship’s high-end restaurant, and Jill Whelan from the iconic TV show "The Love Boat."
Star Princess and its sister ship, Sun Princess, both feature modern amenities designed to attract upscale clientele, such as exclusive lounges and private dining areas. The ship’s layout includes innovative spaces, notably a glass-topped pool area that transforms into a nightlife venue.
This launch represents Princess Cruises’ first new series introduction in over a decade, expanding their fleet to 17 vessels that collectively accommodate around 54,000 passengers. The Star Princess will kick off its voyages in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale before heading to Seattle for Alaskan cruises. With prices starting at $499 for a seven-night stay, the Star Princess promises a fantastic experience for cruise enthusiasts.
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