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 Monfalcone shipyard in Italy. The Star Princess underwent rigorous testing of its steering, navigation systems, and propulsion, and is scheduled for delivery on October 4, with its inaugural cruise departing from Barcelona. Captain Gennaro Arma, who led the trials, expressed confidence in the ship's capabilities. The Star Princess, weighing 177,800 gross tons, is a sister ship to the Sun Princess and features accommodations for 4,300 passengers and 1,600 crew members, along with 30 dining and bar venues and over 1,500 balcony staterooms.
Why It's Important?
The completion of sea trials for the Star Princess marks a significant milestone for Fincantieri and Princess Cruises, as it is one of the largest cruise ships ever built in Italy and the last of Carnival Corporation's pre-pandemic orders. This development underscores Fincantieri's robust performance in 2025, with cruise ships representing over 40% of its total revenues. The Star Princess and its sister ship, the Sun Princess, are notable for being the first LNG dual-fuel ships for Princess Cruises, highlighting a shift towards more sustainable maritime operations. The successful trials and upcoming delivery of the Star Princess are poised to enhance Princess Cruises' offerings and strengthen its position in the competitive cruise industry.
What's Next?
Following the delivery of the Star Princess, Carnival Corporation will enter a nearly two-year hiatus on new ship deliveries, with the next expected delivery being the Carnival Festivale from Meyer Werft in 2027. Fincantieri continues to work on additional cruise ships for various lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas, with an order book of 36 cruise ships as of mid-2025. The successful launch of the Star Princess may influence future shipbuilding projects and strategies within the cruise industry, as companies seek to balance innovation with sustainability.
Beyond the Headlines
The introduction of LNG dual-fuel ships like the Star Princess represents a broader trend towards environmentally friendly practices in the cruise industry. This shift may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and demand for sustainable technologies, impacting shipbuilders and cruise operators alike. Additionally, the pause in new ship deliveries by Carnival Corporation could affect market dynamics, potentially leading to strategic partnerships or innovations to maintain competitive advantage.
