Princess Cruises launched Star Princess in 2024 as the first ship in its new Sphere Class. This isn't just another megaship : it's a redesign that puts Princess back in the premium conversation.
The ship earned an 8/10 from early guests. That's solid. Not revolutionary, but genuinely good at what it does.
Here's what you need to know before you book.
The Dome: Star Princess's Signature Space
The Dome is the ship's architectural centerpiece. It's a glass-enclosed area inspired by Santorini that transforms throughout the day.During daylight hours, it functions as a pool lounge. Sun loungers surround a small indoor pool under curved glass panels. Natural light floods the space.
At night, it becomes an entertainment venue. Live performances, themed events, and evening gatherings happen here.
The problem? The Dome struggles with identity. Day furniture stays out during evening shows. Pool loungers mixed with performance seating creates awkward ambiance. It's a space that tries to be everything and doesn't fully commit to any single purpose.
The indoor pool itself is tiny for a ship this size. If you're sailing Alaska in shoulder season, don't count on this as your primary pool option.
Still, it's unlike anything else at sea. The design is striking. The glass work is impressive. And when it works : particularly during late-afternoon hours : it delivers memorable moments.
Sphere Class Architecture and Natural Light
The three-deck Piazza serves as Star Princess's central hub. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap the space. Glass spheres on either side of the ship bring in even more natural light.This design choice separates Princess from competitors like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, which typically feature inward-facing corridors. You get constant connection to the ocean and sky.
The Piazza houses shops, bars, and gathering spaces. It feels open and airy : a genuine improvement over previous Princess designs.
Throughout the ship, you'll find thoughtful touches. Wide corridors. Consistent use of premium materials. Spaces designed to feel less crowded even when the ship is full.
Some areas feel underutilized. A few decks have spaces that lack clear purpose. But overall, the Sphere Class represents a meaningful architectural refresh.
Cabins Worth Your Time
Star Princess has 2,157 staterooms. Nearly half include balconies.The cabins are narrow : some of the tightest layouts in the big-ship category. But here's the thing: they work.
Princess partnered with a certified sleep expert to develop premium beds. Guests consistently report excellent sleep quality. Water pressure exceeds expectations. Full-size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash) replace tiny bottles.
Night lighting activates automatically when you step out of bed. Small detail, big impact at 3 AM.
Storage is thoughtful. Outlets are plentiful and well-placed. The narrow layout means fewer wasted spaces : everything serves a purpose.
These aren't cabins you just sleep in. They're spaces you actually want to spend time in. That's rare on megaships.
If you book a Sanctuary Collection cabin (more on that below), you get upgraded robes, sturdy slippers, and enhanced amenities.
Dining That Delivers
No one reported a bad meal across multiple Star Princess sailings. That's notable.Main dining rooms avoid cramped table arrangements. You get proper spacing between tables : a problem on some Royal Caribbean and older Princess vessels.
Specialty restaurants include:
- Rudi's Catch (seafood)
- Love by Britto (creative cuisine)
- Alfredo's Pizza (Neapolitan style)
- Umai Hot Pot (new fleet addition)
- Teppanyaki
- Italian venue
- Steakhouse
Alfredo's Pizza delivers consistent quality. Love by Britto offers creative presentations without pretentious service.
The Sanctuary Restaurant provides an escape from buffet crowds if you book premium cabins. It's quieter, better staffed, and offers more refined service.
Nothing here will blow you away. But everything is solidly executed. Good ingredients, competent preparation, reasonable variety.
Wellness and Premium Amenities
Star Princess features five pools total. Three serve general guests. One hybrid adult-only pool. One exclusive Sanctuary pool for suite guests with a "champagne wall" feature.The fitness center is large and well-equipped. Jogging track wraps an upper deck. Multi-purpose sports court handles basketball and other activities.
The spa includes a hydro-pool, Himalayan salt room, and Finnish sauna. Standard spa offerings at elevated prices : nothing unique here.
What sets Star Princess apart is the Princess Medallion. This complimentary wearable device handles cabin access, activity bookings, and location services seamlessly. No fumbling with keycards. No standing in line to reserve dining.
It's the kind of technology integration that actually improves your cruise experience rather than complicating it.
Staff throughout the ship earns consistent praise. Attentive without being intrusive. Accommodating with special requests. Present when needed.
The Sanctuary Collection: Worth the Premium?
Princess continues its "ship-within-a-ship" strategy with the Sanctuary Collection on Star Princess.Premium cabin guests get:
- Private, quieter deck spaces
- Dedicated restaurant access
- Upgraded in-room amenities
- Exclusive sundeck with enhanced seating
- Priority embarkation and disembarkation
The private spaces genuinely feel separate from the main ship. Better furniture. Less noise. More attentive service.
If you value quiet and refinement, the Sanctuary Collection delivers. If you're looking to save money and don't mind busier spaces, standard cabins are comfortable enough.
What Needs Work
Star Princess isn't perfect. Some design elements remain underdeveloped.The Dome's identity crisis is real. It needs to commit to being either a pool area or an entertainment venue : trying to be both creates confusion.
Certain spaces across decks feel unfinished. Not poorly designed, just lacking clear purpose or cohesive programming.
Some venues appeared slightly understaffed during early sailings. This may improve as crew settles into routines, but it's worth noting.
The ship positions itself as luxury, but it's really premium-accessible. If you're expecting Regent-level refinement, you'll be disappointed. This is elevated Princess, not a luxury rebrand.
Should You Book Star Princess?
Star Princess succeeds at being a comfortable, well-designed premium cruise experience.Book this ship if you want:
- Modern design with abundant natural light
- Excellent cabins with thoughtful amenities
- Solid dining without overpaying for specialty venues
- Seamless technology integration
- Caribbean or Alaska itineraries on fresh tonnage
- Groundbreaking luxury experiences
- Massive water parks and family attractions
- Clear thematic identity in entertainment spaces
- Budget-focused value pricing
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