Home » CRUISE NEWS » Alaska And Caribbean Voyages from Fort Lauderdale Why the New Star Princess Is the Most Advanced and Spacious Ship Ever Built by Princess Cruises!
Published on
February 28, 2026
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Departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale before repositioning to Alaska, the Star Princess represents the latest evolution in the premium cruise segment. Operated by Princess Cruises, the vessel is the second ship in the new Sphere class and the largest in the company’s fleet, designed to carry approximately 4,300 passengers. Following a winter season in the Caribbean and Bahamas, the ship will transition to Alaska itineraries, where its outward-facing architecture and glass-rich design are intended to enhance scenic and wildlife viewing. According to official tourism and maritime information from U.S. and state government sources, Alaska cruises remain one of the most popular ways to access remote coastal landscapes, glaciers, and marine ecosystems.
Seamless Embarkation at One of the World’s Busiest Cruise Ports
Port Everglades, managed by Broward County, is consistently ranked among the world’s busiest cruise ports, handling millions of passengers annually. The port’s infrastructure is built for efficient passenger processing, with digital check-in systems helping to reduce terminal wait times. Guests complete pre-boarding formalities through the cruise line’s mobile platform and receive a wearable device known as the Princess Medallion, which functions as a cabin key, onboard payment method, and service locator. The system aligns with broader U.S. port modernization efforts aimed at improving passenger flow and security through digital processing.
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A New Sphere-Class Design Focused on Ocean Views
The Star Princess introduces the Sphere-class concept, the first entirely new ship class from the brand in more than a decade. The design prioritizes expansive glass structures, open sightlines, and indoor–outdoor integration, allowing passengers to remain visually connected to the sea and surrounding landscapes.
Signature features include:
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The Dome, a glass-enclosed, multi-use entertainment and relaxation venueA multi-level central Piazza serving as the ship’s social hubThe Princess Arena, a 990-seat theatre configurable for multiple performance formats
These design choices support immersive cruising, particularly on scenic routes such as Alaska, where environmental viewing is a primary attraction.
Public Spaces Designed for Comfort Over Trend
The onboard atmosphere reflects the brand’s traditional appeal, emphasizing comfort, accessibility, and understated elegance rather than nightlife-focused or trend-driven environments. Programming and venues are tailored to a mature demographic, with flexible dress expectations and a relaxed social tone.
Key gathering areas include:
Sea View Terrace at the bow for forward-facing sceneryWake View Terrace at the stern for panoramic ocean perspectivesThe central Piazza, hosting live entertainment, dance sessions, and interactive events throughout the day
For travelers seeking quieter surroundings, the Sanctuary Club provides an adults-only retreat with private cabanas, a dedicated pool, concierge service, and exclusive dining options.
Accommodation: Larger, Functional, and Balcony-Focused
The ship offers 2,157 staterooms, with more than 1,500 balcony cabins. The design prioritizes efficient use of space, modern furnishings, and expanded living areas compared with earlier classes.
Typical balcony accommodations include:
Approximately 22 square meters of indoor spaceQueen or twin bed configurations and a sofa bedUSB-A, USB-C, and U.S. power outletsA wall-mounted television and mini refrigeratorA bathroom with a glass-screen shower, replacing older curtain designs
Storage has been reconfigured into integrated cabinetry to increase usable living space, while extended balconies allow for private outdoor seating.
Dining Options: Flexible and Technology-Enabled
Passengers have access to a wide range of complimentary dining venues, including:
Two main dining roomsA large buffet marketplacePoolside pizza and taco stationsAn international café open late into the eveningA traditional Irish pub setting
Through the onboard app, guests can use OceanNow to request food and beverages delivered to their cabin or any location onboard. Specialty dining venues are available for an additional fee or included through the Princess Premier package, which also bundles Wi-Fi, fitness classes, and beverage options.
Wellness and Active Travel at Sea
The ship’s wellness offerings reflect growing demand for health-focused travel experiences. Facilities include:
A full-scale fitness center with equipment and branded class programsOutdoor jogging tracks, sports courts, and multiple poolsThe two-level Lotus Spa, offering therapeutic treatments and aesthetic servicesThe Enclave thermal suite, featuring steam rooms, saunas, hydrotherapy pools, and heated relaxation areas
State tourism agencies in Alaska highlight wellness and nature-based travel as key trends, positioning ships with strong fitness and spa infrastructure to meet evolving traveler expectations.
Entertainment Blending Technology and Tradition
Entertainment programming is structured to provide continuous options throughout the voyage. Offerings include:
Large-scale theatrical productions in the Princess ArenaLive music performances and candlelit concerts in the DomeComedy, talks, and game shows in dedicated studio venuesOutdoor cinema screenings under the stars
A partnership with a well-known Hollywood magic institution has also introduced an immersive, adults-oriented performance lounge designed as a themed speakeasy experience.
Experienced Leadership and International Crew
The vessel is staffed by approximately 1,600 crew members representing multiple nationalities, reflecting the international workforce common across the cruise industry. Leadership is headed by Gennaro Arma, an Italian maritime professional with decades of experience at sea. Industry labor and maritime standards regulated through international conventions and U.S. port oversight emphasize crew welfare, safety training, and operational readiness factors closely linked to overall passenger satisfaction.
Alaska Deployment: Designed for Scenic Exploration
After its Caribbean deployment, the ship will reposition to Alaska for the summer season. Alaska’s official tourism authorities note that cruise ships provide access to remote coastal regions where road infrastructure is limited.
The Star Princess has been designed with this environment in mind, featuring:
Glass-enclosed lounges for weather-protected viewingMultiple observation decks oriented toward shorelines and wildlife habitatsIndoor–outdoor transitional spaces suitable for cooler climates
Even travelers who opt out of organized shore excursions can experience glaciers, marine life, and coastal scenery directly from the vessel.
Pricing Strategy and Value Positioning
Princess Cruises continues to position the brand within the premium-but-accessible segment. Base fares include accommodations, main dining, and entertainment, while optional packages allow travelers to customize their experience.
The Princess Premier package, priced on a daily basis, may offer value for guests planning to use:
Internet connectivitySpecialty restaurantsFitness classesBeverage programs
This modular pricing approach reflects broader industry trends toward bundled digital and lifestyle services.
The Verdict Innovation Without Reinventing the Brand
With the introduction of the Star Princess, Princess Cruises expands its fleet with a ship that emphasizes technology integration, environmental viewing, larger accommodations, and flexible onboard experiences while maintaining the brand’s traditional identity. Launching from Fort Lauderdale and sailing to Alaska, the vessel targets travelers seeking scenic destinations paired with modern comforts rather than high-energy party environments. Its glass-forward architecture, expanded public spaces, and upgraded stateroom design position it as a flagship for the line’s next generation. As cruise demand continues to recover and evolve, ships like the Star Princess demonstrate how operators are balancing innovation with familiarity to appeal to both loyal guests and first-time cruisers.
