Star Princess delayed for two months. Here’s what you need to know.

If you’re eagerly awaiting the launch of the new Sphere Class ship, Star Princess, you’ll need to wait a little longer. Princess Cruises and Fincantieri, the ship’s builder, have announced a mutual decision to postpone the delivery of the ship from July 29, 2025, to September 26, 2025.

A Delay for Quality’s Sake

According to John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises, the decision to delay the delivery was made to ensure that the Star Princess meets the highest standards expected by Princess Cruises’ guests. Despite the collective efforts of both parties, additional time is needed to complete the remaining construction milestones.

Impact on Inaugural Sailings

The delay means that the first nine inaugural sailings of the Star Princess will be canceled. However, Princess Cruises has announced three new inaugural sailings, which will go on sale on April 30, 2024. These include:

  • An 11-day Mediterranean voyage on October 4, 2025, roundtrip from Barcelona
  • A 7-day Mediterranean voyage on October 15, 2025, roundtrip from Barcelona
  • A 14-day transatlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale on October 22, 2025, for the ship’s first Caribbean season

Options for Affected Guests

Guests who are booked on any of the impacted voyages will be given three options:

  • Book any Princess cruise worldwide, including aboard the new Star or sister ship Sun Princess
  • Receive future cruise and onboard credits depending on the cruise they select
  • Cancel and receive a full refund of the cruise fare

Protecting Travel Agent Commissions

Princess Cruises will protect travel agent commissions on all bookings that have been paid in full.

The Star Princess: A Ship Worth Waiting For

The Star Princess is the second in the new Sphere Class of ships for Princess Cruises. Its sister ship, Sun Princess, debuted in February and has been hailed as the next level Love Boat. The Star Princess promises to deliver an evolution of the brand with new eye-catching architectural spectacles like The Dome and The Sphere.

While the delay may be disappointing for some, it’s clear that Princess Cruises and Fincantieri are committed to delivering a ship that meets the highest standards of quality and luxury. With its new inaugural sailings and exciting itineraries, the Star Princess is sure to be a ship worth waiting for.