Princess Cruises has announced new ship Star Princess’ debut will be delayed by several weeks.
Princess and ship builder Fincantieri announced a mutual decision to postpone the delivery of the Sphere Class ship from July 29, 2025 to September 26, 2025.
They made a comprehensive review of the remaining construction milestones, and decided to push back the delivery.
It results in the cancellation of the first nine sailings.
“Despite our relentless pursuit to deliver the ship in late July, it has become evident that additional time is required,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.
The new inaugural sailings of Star Princess will be roundtrip from Barcelona and include an 11-day Mediterranean cruise on October 4, 2025, and a seven-day Mediterranean cruise on October 15, 2025.
They precede a 14-day transatlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale on October 22, 2025 for the ship’s first Caribbean season.
These three new cruises will open for sale on April 30, 2024.
Guests booked on any of the cancelled voyages will be given three options: book any Princess cruise worldwide, including aboard the new Star, sister ship Sun Princess, or any other Princess ship.
Guests who elect to rebook will receive future cruise and onboard-credits depending on the cruise they select.
Guests will also have the option to cancel and receive a full refund.
Princess said it will protect travel agent commissions on all bookings that have been paid in full.
Star Princess is the second in the new Sphere Class of ships for Princess, following sister ship Sun Princess, which debuted in February.
These ships feature The Dome, an industry-first geodesic feature on the top deck, and The Sphere, the suspended glass Sphere Piazza at the center of the ship.
