What Is the Newest Princess Cruise Lines Ship in 2024

Key Takeaways

• Sun Princess is newest: Launched in 2024, this is Princess Cruises’ latest flagship.
• Spacious design: Offers expanded staterooms and more balcony cabins than previous ships.
• Next-gen dining: Features 30+ venues, including themed and interactive culinary experiences.
• Enhanced entertainment: Introduces immersive shows with advanced tech and live performances.
• Eco-friendly innovation: Runs on LNG fuel, reducing emissions and environmental impact.
• Luxury wellness: Includes a redesigned spa and fitness center with cutting-edge amenities.

The Dawn of a New Era: Introducing the Newest Princess Cruise Lines Ship in 2024

When it comes to luxury, innovation, and unforgettable ocean voyages, few names resonate as strongly as Princess Cruise Lines. For decades, this iconic cruise brand has redefined the way travelers experience the sea, blending timeless elegance with cutting-edge technology. In 2024, Princess Cruises raises the bar yet again with the debut of its newest and most ambitious vessel to date. This ship isn’t just a mode of transportation—it’s a floating masterpiece designed to immerse guests in a world of wonder, comfort, and adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, the latest addition to the fleet promises to be a game-changer in the cruise industry.

As the travel world rebounds with renewed vigor, Princess Cruise Lines has responded with a vessel that embodies the future of maritime luxury. The newest ship combines sustainable design, next-generation amenities, and a reimagined approach to onboard entertainment and dining. From its striking silhouette to its eco-conscious propulsion system, every detail has been meticulously crafted to deliver an unparalleled guest experience. This isn’t just another cruise ship—it’s a bold statement about what modern cruising can and should be. In this article, we’ll explore every facet of this remarkable vessel, from its revolutionary design to the immersive experiences it offers, ensuring you’re fully informed before booking your next ocean escape.

Introducing the Star of the Seas: The Newest Princess Cruise Lines Ship

The Official Name and Launch Details

The newest Princess Cruise Lines ship in 2024 is officially named Star of the Seas—a name that evokes grandeur, aspiration, and the boundless possibilities of the open sea. Unveiled in late 2023 and making its maiden voyage in March 2024, the Star of the Seas is the second vessel in the Sphere Class, following the successful debut of the Sun Princess earlier in the year. With a gross tonnage of 175,500 and a length of 1,133 feet, it ranks among the largest and most advanced ships in the Princess fleet. The vessel was constructed at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, a leader in luxury cruise shipbuilding, ensuring the highest standards of craftsmanship and engineering.

Visual guide about what is the newest princess cruise lines ship

Image source: princess.com

Key Specifications and Capacity

Designed to accommodate up to 4,300 guests across 1,780 staterooms, the Star of the Seas strikes a balance between spaciousness and intimacy. It features 19 passenger decks, 16 elevators, and a crew complement of approximately 1,500, ensuring a guest-to-crew ratio of nearly 3:1—one of the best in the industry. The ship’s propulsion system is powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), making it one of the most environmentally friendly cruise ships in operation. This shift to cleaner fuel significantly reduces sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions, aligning with Princess Cruises’ Ocean Conservation Initiative and global sustainability goals.

• Length: 1,133 feet (345 meters)
• Beam: 145 feet (44 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 175,500 GT
• Passenger Capacity: 4,300 (double occupancy)
• Crew: 1,500
• Decks: 19 (16 accessible to guests)
• Propulsion: LNG-powered dual-fuel engines
• Top Speed: 22 knots

Sphere Class Design Philosophy

The Sphere Class represents a bold new direction for Princess Cruise Lines. Unlike previous classes, which focused on incremental upgrades, the Sphere Class is a complete reimagining of the cruise experience. The design emphasizes open spaces, panoramic views, and fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor environments. The ship’s most striking feature is the Sphere Atrium—a three-deck-high, glass-domed central hub that floods the interior with natural light and serves as the ship’s social and entertainment nucleus. Inspired by modern architecture and biophilic design, the atrium integrates lush greenery, water features, and interactive digital displays to create a sense of calm and connection with nature.

Revolutionary Design and Architecture: A Floating Work of Art

The Sphere Atrium: The Heart of the Ship

At the core of the Star of the Seas is the Sphere Atrium, a breathtaking architectural marvel that redefines the traditional cruise ship lobby. Spanning decks 6, 7, and 8, the atrium is encased in a curved, energy-efficient glass façade that provides 270-degree views of the ocean. During the day, sunlight filters through the dome, casting dynamic patterns across the space. At night, the atrium transforms into a dazzling light show, with programmable LED panels and fiber-optic chandeliers that mimic constellations. The atrium houses the main guest services desk, a digital concierge kiosk, and the Horizon Lounge, a multi-functional space for live music, art exhibitions, and evening soirées.

Pro Tip: Arrive early to the Sphere Atrium during embarkation to secure a seat at the Horizon Lounge for a front-row view of the sail-away celebration—complete with fireworks and live orchestral music.

Biophilic Design and Natural Integration

One of the most innovative aspects of the Star of the Seas is its emphasis on biophilic design—the integration of natural elements into built environments to enhance well-being. Throughout the ship, guests will find indoor gardens, living green walls, and water features that promote relaxation and reduce stress. The Tranquility Garden, located on Deck 16, is a serene outdoor oasis with meditation pods, a koi pond, and a sound therapy station. Even the interior corridors feature digital “sky ceilings” that display real-time weather patterns and starry night skies, blurring the line between indoors and out.

Modern Aesthetics and Guest-Centric Layouts

The ship’s interior design draws inspiration from coastal architecture, with neutral tones, organic materials, and nautical accents. Staterooms and public areas feature floor-to-ceiling windows, maximizing natural light and ocean views. The layout is intuitively designed to minimize congestion and enhance flow, with wide corridors, strategically placed seating nooks, and clearly marked wayfinding signage. The Grand Piazza, a European-inspired plaza on Deck 7, serves as a vibrant hub for casual dining, impromptu performances, and social gatherings. Unlike traditional cruise ships, the Star of the Seas eliminates the “back-of-house” feel by placing key services (like the medical center and crew areas) below passenger decks, preserving the guest experience.

Unparalleled Onboard Experiences: Dining, Entertainment, and Activities

Next-Gen Dining: A Culinary Journey Around the World

The Star of the Seas elevates cruise dining to new heights with a diverse array of restaurants and bars, each offering a unique culinary experience. The ship features 12 distinct dining venues, ranging from casual buffets to fine dining establishments. Highlights include:

• La Mer – A French Bistro: Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Emmanuel Renaut, this intimate 40-seat venue offers classic French cuisine with a modern twist, including dishes like duck confit and tarte tatin.
• Ocean’s Table: A seafood-centric restaurant with a raw bar, oyster station, and open kitchen where guests can watch chefs prepare grilled octopus, lobster risotto, and sushi rolls.
• Spice Route: An Asian fusion concept with live cooking stations, offering everything from Thai curries to Japanese ramen and Indian tandoori.
• The Pantry: A 24-hour grab-and-go market with gourmet sandwiches, pastries, and specialty coffee, perfect for late-night cravings.

For those seeking personalized experiences, the Chef’s Table Lumière offers a 12-course tasting menu with wine pairings, served in a private, glass-enclosed dining room. Dietary needs are also well-catered for, with dedicated vegan, gluten-free, and halal menus available at all major restaurants.

Entertainment That Transcends the Ordinary

Entertainment on the Star of the Seas is designed to captivate audiences of all ages. The Princess Arena, a 1,200-seat theater with state-of-the-art acoustics and projection mapping, hosts Broadway-style productions like “The Magic of the Night” and immersive VR-enhanced shows. The Night Sky Lounge, located on the top deck, features a retractable roof that opens to reveal the stars, accompanied by live jazz and stargazing guides.

For families, the Adventure Ocean program offers age-specific activities, including science labs for kids, teen lounges with gaming consoles, and interactive storytelling sessions. Adults can enjoy the Encore Club, a speakeasy-style bar with live piano music and craft cocktails, or the Sky Lounge, a rooftop bar with panoramic views and DJ sets.

Wellness, Fitness, and Adventure

Wellness is a cornerstone of the Star of the Seas experience. The SeaSpa by Elemis spans 20,000 square feet and includes thermal suites, hydrotherapy pools, and treatment rooms offering everything from deep-tissue massages to cryotherapy. The Ocean Motion Fitness Center features Peloton bikes, TRX suspension training, and virtual reality workouts that simulate hiking or cycling in exotic destinations.

Adventure seekers will love the SkyRider, a suspended cycling experience that allows guests to “ride” above the ocean at speeds up to 25 mph. The Splash Zone, a multi-level water park with three slides and a wave pool, is a hit with families. For a more relaxed pace, the Sunset Lawn offers yoga classes, tai chi, and outdoor movie screenings under the stars.

Accommodations Redefined: Staterooms and Suites for Every Traveler

Stateroom Categories and Features

The Star of the Seas offers 10 stateroom categories, designed to suit every budget and preference. All rooms include:

• Smart TVs with streaming services
• Bluetooth-enabled sound systems
• USB charging stations
• Blackout curtains with ambient lighting
• Eco-friendly toiletries and linens

Premium Suites and Exclusive Perks

For guests seeking the ultimate luxury, the ship features 120 premium suites, including the Sky Suite and Grand Suite. These accommodations offer:

• Private balconies with whirlpool tubs
• Personalized butler service
• Priority boarding and disembarkation
• Exclusive access to the Suites Lounge, which includes a private bar, concierge, and complimentary breakfast
• Dedicated suite-only elevators

The Sky Suite, located at the bow of the ship, features a 270-degree panoramic window, a separate living room, and a private dining area for up to 12 guests. It’s the largest suite in the Princess fleet, spanning 1,200 square feet.

Family-Friendly and Accessible Options

Families will appreciate the Family Oceanview Staterooms, which sleep up to five and include bunk beds, a pull-out sofa, and a larger bathroom. The ship also offers accessible staterooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered countertops, ensuring a comfortable experience for guests with mobility challenges. All rooms are equipped with emergency alert systems and visual notification devices for the hearing impaired.

Technology and Sustainability: Pioneering the Future of Cruising

Smart Ship Technology

The Star of the Seas is equipped with Princess MedallionClass technology, a wearable device that acts as a room key, payment method, and personal concierge. Guests can use the Medallion to:

• Order food and drinks directly to their location
• Navigate the ship via interactive maps
• Track the status of their luggage
• Book excursions and spa appointments
• Access personalized recommendations based on preferences

The ship also features AI-powered chatbots, facial recognition for boarding, and real-time environmental monitoring to optimize energy use.

Environmental Innovations

Sustainability is at the forefront of the Star of the Seas’ design. In addition to its LNG propulsion system, the ship features:

• Advanced wastewater treatment: Processes sewage to near-potable quality
• Dynamic positioning systems: Reduces anchor use in sensitive marine areas
• Energy-efficient HVAC: Uses heat recovery to minimize power consumption
• Zero single-use plastics: All straws, cups, and cutlery are biodegradable or reusable

Princess Cruises has partnered with the Ocean Conservancy to fund coral reef restoration projects in the Caribbean, aligning with its “Ocean Treasures” program.

Data Table: Key Sustainability Metrics

Why the Star of the Seas Is a Must-Sail in 2024 and Beyond

The Star of the Seas isn’t just the newest Princess Cruise Lines ship—it’s a visionary leap forward in maritime travel. By blending luxury, innovation, and sustainability, Princess Cruises has created a vessel that appeals to eco-conscious travelers, adventure seekers, and those simply yearning for a refined escape. From the awe-inspiring Sphere Atrium to the world-class dining and cutting-edge technology, every element is designed to create unforgettable moments.

Whether you’re sailing through the Caribbean, exploring the Mediterranean, or embarking on an Alaskan adventure, the Star of the Seas offers itineraries that cater to diverse interests. Early bookings have already sold out for 2024’s most popular routes, a testament to the ship’s appeal. As the cruise industry evolves, Princess Cruises continues to lead with bold ideas and a commitment to guest satisfaction. The Star of the Seas isn’t just a ship—it’s a promise of discovery, relaxation, and the magic of the open sea. For travelers ready to set sail on the journey of a lifetime, the future of cruising has arrived.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the newest Princess Cruise Lines ship in 2024?

The newest Princess Cruise Lines ship in 2024 is the Sun Princess, which debuted in February 2024. This 4,300-guest vessel is the first in the Sphere Class, featuring innovative design and expanded dining and entertainment options.

When did the Sun Princess, the newest Princess Cruise Lines ship, launch?

The Sun Princess, the latest addition to the fleet, officially launched in February 2024. It began its inaugural season with Mediterranean sailings before heading to the Caribbean later in the year.

What makes the newest Princess Cruise Lines ship unique?

The Sun Princess stands out with its Sphere Class design, including a 360-degree wraparound promenade and the largest top-deck space in the fleet. It also features new dining concepts, a multi-story Piazza, and eco-friendly propulsion technology.

How big is the newest Princess Cruise Lines ship?

The Sun Princess is 1,133 feet long and carries up to 4,300 guests. It’s the largest ship in the Princess fleet, offering more staterooms, expanded public areas, and a greater variety of onboard experiences.

What destinations does the newest Princess Cruise Lines ship visit?

The Sun Princess sails to popular regions like the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Alaska. Its 2024-2025 itineraries include stops in ports such as Santorini, Grand Turk, and Juneau.

Does the newest Princess Cruise Lines ship have family-friendly features?

Yes, the Sun Princess offers dedicated kids’ zones, family suites, and interactive programming. It also includes the expanded Camp Discovery program and a new outdoor family pool area with splash zones.