Princess Cruises has announced the beginning of construction of the second Sphere-class ship, Star Princess.

The line held a keel laying ceremony in Monfalcone, Italy, at the Fincantieri shipyard, where the keel was lowered onto blocks in the dry dock, where the ship will remain until the float out.

Star Princess will join sister ship Sun Princess as the largest vessels ever built for Princess, capable of carrying 4,300 guests.

Star Princess – setting sail in August 2025 in the Mediterranean – will be powered by liquefied natural gas.

Princess Cruises ‘respecting’ its heritage

Princess said in a statement that the Sphere-class ships are “designed to simultaneously embrace the Princess heritage while celebrating the romance of the sea by offering more dynamic, outward views“.

New elements on board will include the Dome, a transformational entertainment venue, as well as the Princess Arena, a dining room at the aft of the ship and other new food and beverage concepts.

Princess Cruises president John Padgett said: “Our multi-decade shipbuilding collaboration continues to progress as we build spectacular ships that are enabled by the most advanced technology available while infusing magnificent Italian craftsmanship and respecting beautiful Princess design heritage.”

Princess has also revealed that Star Princess and Sun Princess will sail seven-day eastern and western Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale as part of the line’s 2025/26 Americas season.