What's Happening?
Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has successfully completed sea trials for the Star Princess, the second Sphere-Class ship for Princess Cruises. The trials took place from August 9 to 12 in the Adriatic Sea, following the ship's departure from the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The Star Princess, which is one of the largest cruise ships ever built in Italy, underwent a series of tests including steering, navigation systems, and propulsion. Captain Gennaro Arma, who led the trials, expressed confidence in the ship's capabilities. The vessel is on schedule for delivery and its inaugural cruise on October 4, departing from Barcelona. The Star Princess, along with its sister ship Sun Princess, represents the last of the pre-pandemic orders by Carnival Corporation.
Why It's Important?
The completion of sea trials for the Star Princess marks a significant milestone for both Fincantieri and Princess Cruises. As the largest cruise ships built in Italy, these vessels highlight Fincantieri's capabilities in shipbuilding and its role in the global cruise industry. The Star Princess is also notable for being one of the first LNG dual-fuel ships for Princess Cruises, reflecting a shift towards more environmentally friendly fuel options in the industry. The successful trials and upcoming delivery of the Star Princess are crucial for Carnival Corporation, as it prepares for a nearly two-year pause in new ship deliveries. This development underscores the ongoing recovery and growth of the cruise industry post-pandemic.
What's Next?
With the Star Princess scheduled for delivery this fall, Princess Cruises is set to expand its fleet with this state-of-the-art vessel. The cruise line will focus on marketing and operational preparations for the ship's first voyage from Barcelona. Meanwhile, Fincantieri continues to work on additional cruise ships for various lines, maintaining a robust order book that includes several ships over 200,000 gross tons. The shipbuilder's ongoing projects will likely contribute to its revenue growth and reinforce its position as a leader in the cruise ship construction sector.
