Star Princess review content is going to get a lot of attention because this ship checks two boxes at once, it is brand new, and it is one of the biggest shifts Princess has made in years.
If you are trying to decide whether Star Princess is actually worth booking, how it compares to Sun Princess and the rest of the fleet, and whether Princess is the right step up from more mainstream cruise lines, this guide is for you.
I sailed Princess once when I was much younger on Ruby Princess, and even then I remember it feeling more polished than the Carnival ships I had done before, better dining room food, quieter decks, stronger service, and a more grown-up overall atmosphere. That stuck with me. Princess felt like the more refined sister brand for cruisers who still wanted a mainstream line, just without the nonstop party energy.
Britini and I have not sailed Star Princess yet, but Princess is high on our list for a future Alaska, Europe, or Hawaii cruise because the line’s calmer tone, stronger food reputation, and more classic service style look like a very good fit for longer itineraries. That is the lens I am using here.
Before you go deeper, these are the most helpful Princess posts to read alongside this one:
The biggest takeaway: Star Princess looks like a great fit for cruisers who want Princess to feel fresher, bigger, and more design-forward, but it will not be the best Princess ship for everyone.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer for Star Princess Review : Is Star Princess Worth Booking?
For the right cruiser, yes.
| Best For | Skip If | What Matters Most |
|---|---|---|
| Couples, adults, food-focused mainstream cruisers, travelers who want Princess with more wow-factor | Travelers who prefer smaller, more classic Princess ships, anyone who dislikes big-ship crowd patterns, cruisers who want the cheapest Princess option | Whether you want the newest Sphere-class experience or a more familiar traditional Princess layout |
Here is the short version:
- Book Star Princess if you want the newest Princess design, lots of dining and entertainment choice, strong indoor-outdoor public spaces, and a more modern take on the Princess brand.
- Skip Star Princess if your favorite part of Princess is the older, calmer, more classic ship layout that feels easier to learn and less busy.
- Think twice if you are booking only because it is new. Sphere Class looks exciting, but the bigger question is whether you actually want a larger, more complex Princess ship.
Star Princess Review: Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Star Princess |
|---|---|
| Inaugural cruise | October 4, 2025 |
| Class | Sphere Class |
| Guests | 4,300 |
| Crew | 1,600 |
| Tonnage | 177,800 |
| Guest cabins | 2,157 |
| Decks | 21 |
| Propulsion | LNG-powered |
| Early deployment | Mediterranean, Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Alaska |
That alone tells you why this ship matters. Star Princess is not just another Princess ship with a new name. It is one of the line’s next-generation ships, built to push Princess toward a bigger, flashier, more open-concept version of itself.
What You Need to Know Before You Book Star Princess
Star Princess Is Basically the Follow-Up Test for Sphere Class
This is the most important context. Sun Princess introduced Sphere Class. Star Princess is where Princess gets to show what it learned. That makes Star Princess especially interesting because it is not launching in a vacuum.
It is arriving after Princess has already had a real chance to see how guests respond to the new layout, the giant glass Piazza, The Dome, the reworked dining lineup, and the overall feel of a more modern Princess ship.
That does not mean Star Princess will automatically fix every complaint people had about Sun Princess. But it does make this a smarter booking than being first onto an entirely untested concept.
This Is Still Princess: Just a Much Bigger, More Design-Forward Version of It
A lot of cruisers will either overhype this ship or misunderstand it.
Star Princess still looks like Princess in the ways that matter most:
- a calmer tone than party-first cruise lines
- stronger emphasis on food, service, and grown-up atmosphere
- broad appeal without needing to be loud
- a good fit for couples, multigenerational groups, and longer itinerary travelers
But it also looks much more ambitious visually than older Princess ships. The Sphere and The Dome make it feel less traditional and more resort-like. That is a plus for some travelers and a minus for others.
The Bigger Ship Trade-Off Is Real
I would not ignore this.
A ship this size brings advantages such as:
- more dining and bar choice
- more entertainment spaces
- more varied public areas
- more cabins and category choices
But it also brings trade-offs:
- more people onboard
- more walking
- a less intimate feel than smaller Princess ships
- a higher chance that some venues still feel crowded at peak times
That does not make Star Princess a bad choice. It just means this is not automatically the best Princess ship for every type of cruiser.
Star Princess Review: What Is New on the Ship
This is where the post gets more useful than generic launch coverage.
Star Princess includes the core Sphere-class features that made Sun Princess a big deal, but it also adds some practical upgrades of its own.
Expanded Non-Smoking Casino Areas
This is a meaningful quality-of-life change.
Star Princess is set to include 68 additional slot machines in newly designated non-smoking casino areas. For cruisers who like to gamble but hate heavy smoke, that is a much bigger upgrade than it may sound like on paper.
Bigger O’Malley’s Irish Pub
O’Malley’s is one of those venues that can get crowded fast on Princess. Star Princess is adding more space here, with 32 more seats.
That matters because it is the kind of change that suggests Princess is paying attention to how guests actually use the ship, not just adding headline features.
Expanded Love by Britto
Star Princess is also getting a larger version of Love by Britto, with 20 more seats.
That is relevant for anyone who cares about specialty dining availability because on new ships, the venues people are most curious about can become reservation headaches if space is too tight.
New Sky-Deck Sports Court and Track
This is one of the more practical additions.
Star Princess is expected to have a new SkyDeck area with a sports court for pickleball and basketball, a jogging track, splash pad, and shaded relaxation areas. For families and active cruisers, this helps round out a ship that might otherwise feel very adult-leaning.
Star Princess Review: What Ship Will Probably Do Best
Give Princess a More Modern Luxury-Lite Feel
Princess is not a true luxury line, but it can feel like a step up from more party-driven mainstream brands. Star Princess seems built to lean into that even more.
If your usual cruise reference point is something like Carnival or an older short Royal Caribbean trip, Star Princess will probably feel more polished, more design-conscious, and more adult overall.
That is a big part of the appeal.
Work Best on Longer, More Scenic Itineraries
This is where I think Princess generally makes more sense anyway. For a quick weekend getaway, I still think high-energy lines often make more sense if you want maximum onboard action.
But on itineraries where the destination and the quality of the onboard experience matter more, Princess feels more compelling. Star Princess looks especially well-positioned for that with Mediterranean, Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Alaska deployment built into its early seasons.
Offer One of the Most Interesting Indoor-Outdoor Public Space Designs in the Fleet
The Sphere and The Dome are not just visual gimmicks. They shape how the ship feels.
That open, light-filled design should appeal most to travelers who care about atmosphere and surroundings, not just cabin size and checklist features.
Star Princess Review: How This Ship Compares to Other Princess Ships
This is the real decision. If you want the fastest fleet context before comparing Star Princess to the rest of the line, start with Princess cruise ship classes, then use Princess cruise ships by size and Princess cruise ships by age to see where Star Princess fits in the broader fleet.
| Ship Type | Best Reason to Book | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Star Princess | Newest Sphere-class experience with modern spaces and added enhancements | Bigger-ship trade-offs and likely higher pricing |
| Sun Princess | Same overall concept with more real-world feedback already out there | Early Sphere-class criticism may still apply depending on what bothered you |
| Royal Class ships | More familiar modern Princess feel without going full Sphere Class | Less visually dramatic and less forward-looking |
| Older Grand-class style ships | Easier layout, more traditional Princess atmosphere, often better value | Less wow-factor and fewer next-generation venues |
Star Princess vs Sun Princess
This is the most important comparison.
Star Princess looks more like an improved follow-up than a reinvention. The two ships should feel very similar overall, but Star Princess has a few practical enhancements that suggest Princess adjusted based on early reaction to Sun Princess.
If pricing is close, I would lean Star Princess. If Sun Princess is meaningfully cheaper on the right itinerary, that could be the smarter buy.
Star Princess vs Older Princess Ships
This is where personal fit really matters.
Some Princess fans love the classic layout, easier navigation, and calmer feel of older ships. Star Princess is not trying to be that. It is trying to move Princess into a bigger, brighter, more contemporary direction.
That will excite some cruisers and turn off others.
Star Princess Review: Cabins and Suites on Ship
Cabin choice matters a lot on a ship like this.
Star Princess offers a wide range of room categories, from interior cabins to Sanctuary Collection accommodations and suites. Princess is also leaning hard into the Sanctuary concept on Sun and Star Princess, with all suites included in the Sanctuary Collection and access to its extra amenities.
What matters most here:
- the ship has a lot of cabin choice
- the top-end product looks more premium than many older Princess ships
- the Sanctuary concept may be worth watching if you want a more exclusive feel
- bigger ships can make cabin location matter more for convenience and crowd avoidance
On a ship this size, I would care a lot about what is above and below your cabin, how close you are to elevators without being right on top of them, and whether you want easier access to The Dome, dining, or the Piazza.
Star Princess Review: Dining Expectations on Ship
This is one of the strongest reasons to book Princess in the first place.
Princess has a better food reputation than a lot of mainstream cruisers expect, especially among travelers who want a more traditional dining room experience and less of a party-line feel. Star Princess should build on that with a broad dining lineup and several venues that are central to the Sphere-class identity.
What stands out most:
- expanded dining variety
- stronger specialty dining interest than on many older Princess ships
- bigger demand for reservations on the most buzzed-about venues
- a ship that looks designed for cruisers who actually care where they eat
The main caution is simple: newer ships with popular venues can create more competition for the restaurants everyone wants to try first.
Star Princess Review: Entertainment and Onboard Experience
This is not a waterslide-driven ship, and that is part of the point.
Expect Star Princess to feel more adult, more polished, and more entertainment-lounge focused than attraction-heavy. That does not mean it is boring. It just means the energy is different.
The Peacock Theater and new production shows should help, and Princess is clearly putting effort into making Star Princess feel like a true next-generation entertainment ship. But the overall vibe still looks more refined than hyperactive.
That is exactly why some cruisers will love it.
Who Star Princess Looks Best For
Star Princess looks strongest for:
- couples who want a more polished mainstream cruise
- Princess-curious cruisers moving up from Carnival or shorter Royal Caribbean trips
- food-focused travelers who care about atmosphere and service
- travelers booking Alaska, Europe, Panama Canal, or Caribbean itineraries where the ship still matters a lot
- cruisers who want Princess with more wow-factor than the older fleet
Who Should Skip Star Princess
Star Princess is probably not your best fit if you are looking for:
- the most traditional Princess experience
- a smaller or easier-to-learn ship layout
- the lowest pricing in the Princess fleet
- nonstop family attractions
- a cruise where the energy is built around thrills rather than atmosphere
That skip section matters because a lot of people will hear “new Princess ship” and assume it is automatically the best Princess option. It is not that simple.
Star Princess Review: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Booking Star Princess Just Because It Is New
Why it is a problem: The newest ship is not always the best fit if you actually prefer classic Princess ships or better-value itineraries.
Extra considerations: Sphere Class looks exciting, but some cruisers will still prefer a more familiar Royal Class or older Princess feel.
Better alternatives: Compare Star Princess against Sun Princess and a few lower-priced Princess options before assuming the newest ship is worth the premium.
Expecting a Royal Caribbean Style Big-Ship Experience
Why it is a problem: Star Princess is a big ship, but it is not built around the same adrenaline-heavy model.
Extra considerations: Travelers who want waterslides, nonstop attractions, and loud energy may misread what Princess is trying to deliver.
Better alternatives: Book Star Princess for design, food, service, and atmosphere, not for thrill features.
Underestimating How Much Layout Matters
Why it is a problem: On a 21-deck ship, the flow of your day can change a lot depending on where your cabin sits.
Extra considerations: Convenience, elevator traffic, noise, and access to the spaces you actually use matter more on a ship this large. It also helps to understand how Star Princess compares with the rest of the fleet in both size and generation.
Better alternatives: Choose cabin location based on your real habits, not just price, and use Princess cruise ships by size and Princess cruise ships by age if you want better context before booking.
Step by Step: How to Decide Whether Star Princess Is Right for You
1. Decide whether you want Princess or just a new ship
If you are not actually looking for the Princess style of cruise, the new hardware alone will not fix that.
2. Compare Star Princess with Sun Princess first
That is the closest and most useful comparison.
3. Think about itinerary length
The longer and more destination-focused the cruise, the more sense Princess usually makes.
4. Decide how much you care about atmosphere versus attractions
Star Princess looks strongest for travelers who value surroundings, dining, and service more than thrill features.
5. Choose your cabin with intention
On a ship this large, location is part of the value equation.
Star Princess review: FAQs
Has Star Princess launched yet?
Yes. Star Princess began service on October 4, 2025.
What class is Star Princess?
It is a Sphere-class ship, the same class as Sun Princess.
Is Star Princess bigger than older Princess ships?
Yes. It is one of the largest and most modern ships Princess has ever built.
Is Star Princess better than Sun Princess?
It may be the smarter pick for some travelers because it builds on the same concept with a few practical enhancements, but the overall experience should still be very similar.
Is Star Princess good for couples?
Yes. Couples are one of the clearest fits for this ship.
Is Star Princess good for families?
It can work for families, but it is not a family-attractions-first ship.
Does Star Princess feel more upscale than Carnival?
Yes, that is exactly how Princess tends to come across for many cruisers. It usually feels calmer, more polished, and more grown-up overall.
Is Star Princess good for Alaska?
It looks like a strong Alaska option if you want a large, modern ship with lots of amenities and a more refined tone.
What is the biggest downside of Star Princess?
For some travelers, it will simply feel too big, too new-school, or too different from what they like about traditional Princess ships.
Would I book Star Princess?
Yes, especially for a longer itinerary where Princess has room to shine.
Jim’s Take on Star Princess review
Star Princess review comes down to this for me. Princess has always looked most appealing when I want a cruise to feel a little more polished, a little less chaotic, and a little more grown-up than the mainstream norm. That is why my one early Ruby Princess sailing stuck with me for so long.
Even as a kid, I noticed the difference. It did not feel like a party machine. It felt calmer, nicer, and a bit more refined than the Carnival ships I had done before. That memory is a big reason I still see Princess as the line I would look at when I want a step up in tone without jumping all the way to true luxury.
Britini and I have not sailed Star Princess yet, so I am not going to pretend otherwise. But on paper, this is exactly the kind of Princess ship that makes me more interested in the line again.
Not because it is flashy for the sake of being flashy, but because it looks like Princess trying to modernize without giving up the food, service, and calmer atmosphere that make the brand appealing in the first place.
If it were me, I would book Star Princess for a longer itinerary where the ship and the onboard feel really matter, Alaska, Europe, or even a more relaxed Caribbean sailing. I would be less interested in it as a quick “just get me on any ship” type of cruise.
Star Princess Review: Final Recommendation
This Star Princess review shows that the ship is a strong choice for travelers who want a more modern and polished Princess experience. If you want a more modern, more visually impressive version of Princess that still keeps the brand’s calmer, more polished DNA, Star Princess looks like a very strong booking.
Book it for the Sphere-class design, the broader dining and entertainment mix, the more upscale overall feel, and the chance to sail one of the line’s most important new ships.
Skip it if you prefer smaller Princess ships, lower fares, or a more traditional layout.
The smartest way to think about Star Princess is simple: it is not just new Princess. It is Princess trying to prove it can feel more current without losing what made people like the brand in the first place. If you want to know more facts about star princess, learn star princess fact sheet.
