When your cruise kicks off with a Pantalones Tequila christening in lieu of champagne, you know you’re in for a good time! That’s because Port Everglades’ newest ship, Star Princess, has quite the set of godparents.
Joining an illustrious group including Princess Diana, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren, Hollywood stars and tequila entrepreneurs Matthew and Camilla McConaughey visited South Florida to headline the ship’s official naming ceremony. Aboard the latest and most innovative ship from Princess Cruises, the celebration featured everything from a dazzling drone show lighting up the Fort Lauderdale sky to a surprise performance by Sheryl Crow. It was one of the best performances I’ve seen in years! [Editor’s note: Sheryl Crow will be headlining the 63rd Annual Boca Raton Regional Hospital Ball on Jan. 31, 2026 at The Boca Raton.]
Like Sun Princess, Star Princess has selected South Florida as its winter home (it will head to Alaska in summer 2026), so local families have a convenient opportunity to enjoy all of the unique offerings onboard. Everything I reviewed (thanks to a media trip hosted by Princess) felt somewhat familiar thanks to my 2024 voyage on Sun and at the same time, completely different and updated. Let’s get into the details from my trip…
Star Princess Facts: 4,300 guest capacity | 1,600 crew | 2,157 staterooms (including 80 suites, 123 mini suites, more than 1,000 balcony staterooms and 100 connecting rooms) |five pools and nine hot tubs
The Staterooms
With 1,000 balcony staterooms, my Star Princess cruise started first and foremost with a great panoramic view from a spacious stateroom. Princess’ re-designed staterooms feature thoughtful changes such as plenty of USB ports by the bed and desk, glass shower doors and Drybar-branded hairdryers.
My favorite part about cruising the Princess fleet is the upgraded technology available onboard, not only to get you in and out of your room, but to make purchases throughout the ship. When you embark, each passenger is given a personalized medallion necklace which serves as your room key, credit card and geo-location device. You can wear it or simply keep it in your purse. Most of the point-of-sale systems can sense the device as long as you are close by. It’s wild to me!
They also offer a premium room category called the Sanctuary Collection, which is exclusive to Sun and Star Princess. Not only are these staterooms elevated in terms of size and layout (think extended balconies, etc.), but guests also receive access to a private restaurant and Sanctuary Club pool area, as well as the Princess Premier bundle for a superior, all-inclusive cruising experience.
“The Greatest Foodie Destination at Sea”
When you book your cruise, you can choose to sign up for Princess Plus ($65 per day/per guest when booking ahead) or Princess Premier ($100 per day per guest when booking ahead) package. We were treated to the Princess Premier bundle on the media trip which allowed me (and my plus one) to enjoy pretty much unlimited…everything (drinks, casual and specialty dining meals, photos). The Wi-Fi package is especially generous, allowing up to four devices per person.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll definitely want to allocate a budget for the specialty restaurants on Star Princess because they are unlike anything I’ve ever experienced on a cruise. Here are my top picks from its impressive dining lineup:
Crown Grill – This signature Princess steakhouse delivers an upscale yet cozy experience. Expect prime cuts, fresh seafood and exceptional service. This restaurant makes you feel like you’re having a really special night out with your dining partner.
Alfredo’s Pizzeria – Alfredo’s serves hand-tossed, wood-fired pies made to order right in front of you. From classic Margherita to inventive, mouthwatering, specialty pizzas, it’s the kind of spot you find yourself returning to again and again…if you can get in. It’s that popular!
Makoto Ocean – If you’re a sushi lover, Makoto Ocean is where you want to be. Created by famed sushi master Makoto Okuwa, this intimate venue delivers a refined take on traditional Japanese cuisine. Think beautifully plated sashimi, perfect nigiri, intricate hand rolls and an optional (but recommended) Omakase experience that feels like a true culinary journey. Don’t miss out on the sake tasting!
O’Malley’s Irish Pub – While you can dine here (and the comfort food hits the spot), I personally think O’Malley’s shines brightest late night. When their Irish band duo kicks off and the cold beer and cider starts flowing, the entire pub (almost double the size of Sun Princess’ pub) transforms into a toe-tapping good time!
Adding to the onboard media announcements, Princess Cruises recently introduced Hampton Water Rosé to its Love Line Premium Liquors Collection. Crafted in partnership with Jesse Bongiovi and his dad, Jon Bon Jovi (!!!), along with world-renowned winemaker, Gérard Bertrand, Hampton Water Rosé has received critical acclaim for its quality and lively fresh wine. The wines are available fleet wide and included in Princess Premier and Princess Plus beverage packages.
Notable Entertainment
One of the most unforgettable experiences aboard both Sun and Star Princess is Spellbound by Magic Castle, a speakeasy inspired by the legendary Hollywood club itself. Tucked behind an unassuming entrance, this immersive venue feels like you’ve slipped into another world.
Guests begin with imaginative, custom cocktails at The Cardini Bar, then step into an intimate theater filled with illusion, sleight-of-hand and spellbinding storytelling. Unlike the original concept on Sun Princess, Spellbound no longer includes dinner service prior to show time. And on Star Princess, Spellbound is more accessible than ever, open to all guests with multiple nightly showtimes. Admission is $45 per person and includes two signature cocktails and a mind-bending magic show at sea, a must-do for adults looking for something extraordinary.
We also enjoyed Star Princess’ exclusive performing arts venue: The Dome. Designed by the same company that created The Sphere in Las Vegas, by day adults can relax under the sun safely (in A/C) beneath the glass due to its protective UV coating. And by night, The Dome hosts unique programming such as a new Candlelight Concert Series. (Unlike the aerial acts on the Sun Princess, the Dome on Star will host musical events, not acrobatic shows.) It’s a beautiful experience you can check it off your bucket list before you return home!
For the Young Adventurers
As a parent, I’m always thinking about how to keep my daughter happily entertained on any cruise we take and aboard the Star Princess, that couldn’t be easier. The ship offers multiple “kids clubs,” plus plenty of traditional cruise fun like karaoke, trivia and bingo. The Youth & Teen Centers were thoughtfully designed with age-specific programming for guests ages 6 months to 17 years. Whether your child is into crafts, games or just making new friends at sea, there’s truly something for every age and interest.
- Firefly Park Kids Club: Perfect for ages 3-7. Parents with children 6 months to 2 years can enjoy the play area while supervising.
- Movies Under the Stars: A cinematic experience for all ages under the open sky. Even I love this!
- Neon Grove Tweens Club: Geared towards ages 8-12, it’s a “vibe” for pre-teens like my daughter.
- The Underground Teen Lounge: A dedicated spot for teens aged 13-17 to hang out and make new cruise friends.
I also have to mention Star Princess’ new SkyDeck Sports Court & Track. At the top of the ship, active guests and their families can enjoy beautiful outdoor sports courts for pickleball and basketball. There is also a jogging track, splash pad and relaxation zones with the best views onboard!
With both the Sun and Star Princess practically in our Boca Raton backyard, planning a memorable family getaway has never been easier. If you’re starting to daydream about Spring or Easter Break, consider this your sign to add one of these stunning new ships to your travel lineup.
To learn more about the Sun Princess and book a cruise, click here.
Michelle Olson-Rogers is a mom of one and the founder of Modern Boca Mom, an award-winning lifestyle website for the stylish & modern South Florida parent. She can also be found on Instagram at @modernbocamom.
