Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has successfully completed sea trials for the Star Princess, Princess Cruises’ second Sphere-Class vessel and one of the largest cruise ships ever constructed in Italy, Maritime Executive reports. The ship, built in Monfalcone, is also the final pre-pandemic order for Carnival Corporation and marks another highlight in what has been a strong year for Fincantieri.
Between August 9 and 12, Star Princess sailed into the Adriatic Sea for its final trials, testing steering, navigation systems, and propulsion. Captain Gennaro Arma, leading the Sphere-Class newbuild team, praised the vessel’s maneuverability and performance, saying it’s firmly on track for delivery ahead of its inaugural voyage from Barcelona on October 4.
At 177,800 gross tons, the LNG dual-fuel Star Princess is a sister to the Sun Princess, which entered service in early 2024 after delays. Both carry around 4,300 passengers and 1,600 crew, offering over 1,500 balcony cabins and 30 bars and restaurants. They will remain Italy’s largest cruise ships until later this decade, when Fincantieri delivers over-200,000-gross-ton vessels to Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Following the Star Princess delivery, Carnival will enter a nearly two-year hiatus in newbuilds before receiving Carnival Festivale from Meyer Werft in 2027. So far in 2025, Fincantieri has handed over four cruise ships (Mein Schiff Relax, Norwegian Aqua, Viking Vesta, and Oceania Allura) and has 36 cruise vessels on order, including seven mega-ships exceeding 200,000 gross tons. Cruise construction remains its biggest business, accounting for over 40% of revenue in the first half of 2025.
Picture: Princess Cruises
