Princess Cruises has held the float out ceremony for its next-generation ship, Sun Princess, at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

The 4,300-guest vessel – which launches in early 2024 – has been “designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions”, according to the cruise line.

It will be the first Princess ship to be powered by powered by liquefied natural gas and two shore power connections will enable the ship to turn off the engines and connect to local electric power to run all on-board services during day-long calls in various ports.

In addition, the food waste management will be “designed with distributed and centralised bio-digesters and dehydrators as a clean alternative to recycle food waste and reduce the use of landfills”, a statement said.

Princess Cruises prepares for ‘new era’

On board, Sun Princess will feature new dining, entertainment and activity offerings, as well as “luxurious staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories”, the line said.

It will also include the Dome, a transformational entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini, a “next-level” Piazza and the three-storey Horizons.

Princess Cruises’ hotel general manager Simona Stumberger has been selected to serve as the ship’s madrina.

Princess Cruises president John Padgett said: “Simona is the ideal candidate to serve as madrina of our newest ship, Sun Princess, because she embodies all the best qualities that our company has to offer – an unwavering commitment to service, hospitality and friendliness.

“Sun Princess will usher in an exciting new era for our company and the industry, and we can’t think of a better person to serve in this important role.”

Speaking about the on-board areas in February, Padgett added: “With the new platform and size of Sun Princess, we’re uniquely able to refresh venues we know our guests love and expand upon, redesign and elevate them to the next level.”