What to Expect on the New Star Princess Cruise Ship This Fall

The newest ship from Princess Cruises, Star Princess, is set to launch this October with a full schedule of evening entertainment — including new theatrical productions, candlelight music performances, and Latin dance nights. Designed as the second vessel in the cruise line’s Sphere-class, the ship introduces a mix of indoor and open-air experiences aimed at guests who enjoy programming after dark.

Here’s a look at what travelers will find onboard.

Theater: Two New Evening Productions

The main theater onboard, called the Princess Arena, will host two original shows created for Star Princess.

Meridian is a period-style musical about a fictional transatlantic voyage, combining romance and social intrigue. The show features masked balls, costumed storytelling, and a mix of original music and reinterpretations of familiar songs.

Illuminate, the second production, is inspired by circus themes and uses a rotating cast of characters to explore themes of illusion and curiosity. It includes acrobatics, dance, and a soundtrack that blends pop music with orchestral elements.

Both productions were developed in partnership with the creative team at Black Skull Creative, a company known for stage shows and live events.

Music and Nightlife Around the Ship

Beyond the theater, Star Princess will offer live music and themed events across several venues.

In the glass-enclosed Dome, guests can attend candlelight concerts — small-scale performances that focus on classical and cinematic music played under soft lighting. The series is designed to provide a quieter alternative to the ship’s louder evening programming.

In the Piazza, the central hub of the ship, there are rotating performances throughout the week. These include Princess Jamz, a 45-minute set from a 15-member live orchestra led by the ship’s Cruise Director, and a new event called the Celestial Champagne Soirée, which combines lights, music, and the line’s signature Champagne Waterfall.

Returning from Sun Princess is Viva La Música, a Latin music and dance show choreographed by Liz Imperio, known for her work with touring pop artists. The show features songs like “Havana” and “Oye Como Va” and will be performed in a large group setting.

Ship Details and Itineraries

The Star Princess can accommodate up to 4,300 passengers and was built by Fincantieri in Monfalcone, Italy. It follows the debut of the Sun Princess earlier in the year and will share a similar design and layout.

The ship will sail its inaugural season beginning October 4, 2025, with itineraries that include th, Caribbean and the Panama Canal (along with other global destinations, of course). Passengers can choose from a variety of cruise lengths and routes, depending on the region and time of year.

What Star Princess Cruises Will Cost You 

A sample seven-night Western Caribben itinerary (that also stops in Belize, Roatan and Cozumel) starts as low as $608 right now per person for a December cruise. That gets you an interior stateroom. 

An Eastern Caribbean seven-night trip in December starts at $668, according to Princess’ website.