Princess Cruises and Fincantieri agree to delay delivery of new ship Star Princess

Princess Cruises and Italian shipyard Fincantieri have announced a mutual decision to postpone the delivery of Star Princess, a sister ship to Sun Princess, which was delivered earlier this year.

Princess Cruises did not provide an exact reason for the delay, but said in a statement that following a comprehensive review of the remaining construction milestones, both parties elected to adjust the ship’s delivery date.

Instead of being delivered on July 29th, 2025, Star Princess will now only be delivered on September 26th, 2025. This new delivery schedule will require the cancellation of nine inaugural sailings.

“Despite our collective dedication and relentless pursuit to deliver the ship in late July, it has become evident that additional time is required to ensure the Star Princess is delivered to the highest standards expected by our guests,” said John Padgett, President, Princess Cruises.

The new inaugural sailings of Star Princess will sail roundtrip from Barcelona and include an 11-day Mediterranean voyage on October 4th, 2025, and a 7-day Mediterranean voyage on October 15th, 2025.

Those cruises precede a 14-day transatlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale on October 22nd, 2025 for the ship’s first Caribbean season. These three new cruises will open for sale on April 30th, 2024.

Guests who are booked on any of the impacted voyages will be given three options: book any Princess cruise worldwide, including aboard the new Star, sister ship Sun Princess, or any other Princess ship.

Guests who elect to rebook will receive future cruise- and onboard-credits depending on the cruise they select. Guests will also have the option to cancel and receive a full refund of the cruise fare.

Princess will protect travel agent commissions on all bookings that have been paid in full.

Although no reason was provided for the delay in delivery of the ship, almost every single newbuild cruise vessel since the pandemic has been delayed due to manpower shortages and supply chain constraints.

Star Princess is a sister ship to Sun Princess, an all-new platform designed specifically for Princess Cruises. The ship carries more than 4,300 passengers at double occupancy and features 10 restaurants, as well as 20 bars and cafes, 5 pools (11 whirlpools), as well as a range of at-sea activities and attractions.These include the Sea Breeze rollglider, the Coastal Climb climbing structure, The Net (ropes course), a  Splash Zone and a full  Sports court.