There are few moments in travel that blend Hollywood glamour with maritime tradition, but the christening of the Star Princess managed to do both. Against a sky lit by drones and the sound of Sheryl Crow’s soulful voice, Princess Cruises welcomed its newest ship into the fleet with an evening that felt part red-carpet event, part nautical history.
The luxury cruise line officially launched the Star Princess on November 7 in Fort Lauderdale, naming the 177,800-ton vessel in a ceremony led by godparents Camila and Matthew McConaughey. The event brought together music, celebrity, and the time-honored ritual of blessing a ship for safe voyages — this time with a bottle of Pantalones Organic Tequila, the couple’s own brand.
The McConaugheys joined a celebrated list of Princess Cruises godparents that includes Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren. As the bottle broke and cheers filled the Princess Arena, the ship officially began her journey as the newest and most innovative in the company’s history. The evening’s host, television personality Dawn McCoy, guided guests through a night of performances, tributes, and maritime pageantry that captured both elegance and energy.
“It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of past godparents and welcome Star Princess into the Princess fleet,” said Camila and Matthew McConaughey. “We are excited to share this moment with the guests who step aboard – coming together with family and friends, making new memories, and sharing a Pantalones cocktail, or two.”
Entertainment, Elegance, and a Touch of Magic
The celebration continued well into the night with a live performance by nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist Sheryl Crow. Her set, filled with signature hits, gave the naming ceremony a distinct festival feel. As the music faded, a shimmering drone show filled the Fort Lauderdale sky, paying tribute to the ship’s future voyages to Alaska, often called “The Great Land” for its vast, untamed landscapes.
“Star Princess is a stunning reflection of our legacy and our future — bringing together incredible design, exceptional experiences, and the spirit of discovery our guests love,” said Gus Antorcha, President of Princess Cruises. “We’re grateful to Matthew and Camila McConaughey for joining the Princess family and know their warmth and infectious spirit will always be felt throughout Star Princess.”
The ship itself is designed as a floating world of style and comfort. Featuring more than 1,500 balcony staterooms, Star Princess introduces the exclusive Sanctuary Collection, an adults-only area with a private restaurant and pool deck. Inside, the grand glass Piazza remains a focal point of Princess design, offering sweeping sea views and a lively hub for dining, music, and mingling.
A New Era for Princess Cruises
Beyond the celebrations, Star Princess represents the next generation of cruising for Princess. The ship boasts new dining venues and an expanded collection of premium wines and spirits curated with celebrity collaborators — from Liev Schreiber’s Sláinte Irish Whiskey to Kylie Minogue’s non-alcoholic rosé. The McConaugheys’ Pantalones Organic Tequila joins the lineup, featured in signature cocktails like the 24K Gold Margarita.
Entertainment on board extends far beyond the theater. The Princess Arena, the line’s most technologically advanced venue, will host two new productions: Meridian and Illuminate, each combining music, dance, and immersive visuals. Guests can also enjoy “Spellbound by Magic Castle,” a speakeasy-style experience inspired by the golden age of illusion. For those seeking serenity, the glass-enclosed Dome transforms into a candlelit concert hall under the stars.
Following its debut in Florida, Star Princess will begin her Caribbean season before sailing through the Panama Canal to Seattle for summer 2026, where she will operate weeklong Alaska Inside Passage cruises. Each voyage will pair luxury service with adventure-filled itineraries through glacier country, offering travelers a front-row view of the northern wilderness from the comfort of a private balcony.
As the newest and largest ship in the Princess fleet, Star Princess carries forward the brand’s heritage of combining innovation with warmth. The christening ceremony — complete with music, magic, and a touch of tequila — reflected not just the start of a new voyage, but the enduring appeal of cruise travel itself: a shared experience between elegance and exploration, carried by the sea.
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