MONFALCONE, ITALY — Princess Cruises has officially welcomed Star Princess to its fleet following a handover ceremony at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
The cruise line has also announced Camila and Matthew McConaughey as godparents of the new ship. The McConaugheys will christen Star Princess during the ship’s naming ceremony in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 6.
Camila Alves McConaughey is an entrepreneur, NYT best-selling author, and founder of Women of Today. Actor and author Matthew McConaughey is known for his award-winning performances, best-selling books, and his off-screen philanthropic work.
The pair are also the co-founders of Pantalones Organic Tequila. Across the fleet, Princess serves signature cocktails featuring Pantalones Organic Tequila, including the guest favourite 24K Gold Margarita. Their tequila is also part of Princess’ Love Line Premium Liquors collection.
“We’re honoured to be godparents of the Star Princess,” said the McConaugheys. “With Princess, it’s not just a vacation — it’s time well spent, families and friends coming together, meeting new folks, and making memories. This ship’s got that spirit built right in, and we’re proud to be part of her story from the beginning.”
The ship’s recent handover marks the completion of construction and the beginning of final preparations ahead of Star Princess’ inaugural season, which kicks off with an 11-day Western Mediterranean cruise departing from Barcelona on Oct. 4.
Star Princess becomes the 17th ship in the Princess Cruises global fleet and is the second in the line’s new Sphere Class series, joining sister ship Sun Princess. At 177,800 gross tons and with capacity for 4,300 guests, it is one of the largest vessels ever built for the brand.
“Today is a proud moment for Princess as we welcome the new Star Princess to our incredible fleet,” said Gus Antorcha, President, Princess Cruises, at the ship’s handover ceremony. “This remarkable vessel is a testament to the innovation and craftsmanship of our long-standing partners at Fincantieri, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the shipbuilding team for bringing our newest ship to life.”
Antorcha added: “We are delighted to have Camila and Matthew McConaughey serve as the godparents of Star Princess. Their passion for life, dedication to giving back, and unmistakable charisma make them the perfect pair to christen our newest ship. With their signature warmth and spirit, Camila and Matthew embody the values that define Princess, and we are delighted to welcome them into our family in such a meaningful way.”
The ship – sister to Sun Princess – features 30 dining and bar venues, curated entertainment and activity offerings. Unique to both Star Princess and Sun Princess is The Sanctuary Collection, an elevated private escape with an exclusive restaurant and an adults-only pool deck.
With more than 1,500 balcony staterooms, Star Princess offers panoramic views from the privacy of each room. Standout venues include …
- The Dome, a next-generation relaxation and entertainment space
- The Arena, Princess’ most technologically advanced theatre to date
- The Piazza, the architectural centrepiece of the ship, offering sweeping ocean vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows
- Spellbound by Magic Castle, a speakeasy-style experience created in partnership with the famed Hollywood Magic Castle
After its Mediterranean debut, Star Princess will reposition to Fort Lauderdale for its first Caribbean season, beginning Nov. 7, 2025. The ship will then transit the Panama Canal before embarking on its inaugural Alaska season.
