{"id":69661,"date":"2025-12-03T14:54:12","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T14:54:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/69661\/"},"modified":"2025-12-03T14:54:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T14:54:12","slug":"the-star-princess-is-all-right-all-right-all-right","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/69661\/","title":{"rendered":"The Star Princess is All Right, All Right, All Right!"},"content":{"rendered":"

When your cruise kicks off with a Pantalones Tequila christening in lieu of champagne, you know you\u2019re in for a good time! That\u2019s because Port Everglades\u2019 newest ship, Star Princess, has quite the set of godparents.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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\u2019ve seen in years! [Editor\u2019s note: Sheryl Crow will be headlining the 63rd Annual Boca Raton Regional Hospital Ball on January 31, 2026 at The Boca Raton.]\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Camilla and Matthew McConaughey with the Star Princess captain at the Star Princess naming ceremony<\/p>\n

Like Sun Princess<\/a>, 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<\/a> and at the same time, completely different and updated. Let\u2019s get into the details from my trip\u2026<\/p>\n

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) | 5 pools & 9 hot tubs<\/p>\n

The Staterooms<\/p>\n

\"\"A stateroom aboard the Star Princess<\/p>\n

With 1,000 balcony staterooms, my Star Princess cruise started first and foremost: with a great panoramic view from a spacious stateroom. Princess\u2019 re-designed staterooms feature thoughtful changes such as plenty of USB ports by the bed and desk, glass shower doors and Drybar-branded hairdryers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u2019s wild to me!<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Greatest Foodie Destination at Sea\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Sushi from Makoto Ocean<\/p>\n

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<\/a> ($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\u2026everything (drinks, casual + specialty dining meals, photos). The Wi-Fi package is especially generous allowing up to 4 devices per person.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a foodie, you\u2019ll definitely want to allocate a budget for the specialty restaurants on Star Princess because they are unlike anything I\u2019ve ever experienced on a cruise. Here are my top picks from its impressive dining lineup:<\/p>\n

Crown Grill \u2013 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\u2019re having a really special night out with your dining partner.<\/p>\n

\"\"Pizzas from Alfredo\u2019s Pizzeria <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Alfredo\u2019s Pizzeria \u2013 Alfredo\u2019s serves hand-tossed, wood-fired pies made to order right in front of you. From classic margherita to inventive, mouthwatering, specialty pizzas, it\u2019s the kind of spot you find yourself returning to again and again\u2026if you can get in. It\u2019s that popular!<\/p>\n

Makoto Ocean \u2013 If you\u2019re 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\u2019t miss out on the sake tasting!<\/p>\n

O\u2019Malley\u2019s Irish Pub \u2013 While you can dine here (and the comfort food hits the spot), I personally think O\u2019Malley\u2019s 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 as Sun Princess) transforms into a toe-tapping good time!<\/p>\n

Adding to the onboard media announcements, Princess Cruises recently introduced Hampton Water Ros\u00e9 to its Love Line Premium Liquors Collection. Crafted in partnership with Jesse Bongiovi and his dad, Jon Bon Jovi (!!!), along with world-renowned winemaker, G\u00e9rard Bertrand, Hampton Water Ros\u00e9 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Notable Entertainment<\/p>\n

\"\"Spellbound by Magic Castle<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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\u2019ve slipped into another world.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

We also enjoyed Star Princess\u2019 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.)\u00a0A beautiful experience, you can check it off your bucket list before you return home!<\/p>\n

For the Young Adventurers<\/p>\n

\"\"The Star Princess<\/p>\n

As a parent, I\u2019m always thinking about how to keep my daughter happily entertained on any cruise we take and aboard the Star Princess, that couldn\u2019t be easier. The ship offers multiple \u201ckids clubs,\u201d 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-17 years. Whether your child is into crafts, games or just making new friends at sea, there\u2019s truly something for every age and interest.<\/p>\n

Firefly Park Kids Club: Perfect for ages 3-7. Parents with children six months to 2 years can enjoy the play area while supervising.<\/p>\n

Movies Under the Stars: A cinematic experience for all ages under the open sky. Even I love this!<\/p>\n

Neon Grove Tweens Club: Geared towards ages 8-12, it\u2019s a \u201cvibe\u201d for pre-teens like my daughter.<\/p>\n

The Underground Teen Lounge: A dedicated spot for teens aged 13-17 to hang out and make new cruise friends.<\/p>\n

I also have to mention Star Princess\u2019 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!<\/p>\n

With both the Sun and Star Princess practically in our Boca Raton backyard, planning a memorable family getaway has never been easier. If you\u2019re starting to daydream about Spring or Easter Break, consider this your sign to add one of these stunning new ships to your travel lineup.<\/p>\n

Michelle Olson-Rogers<\/a>\u00a0is a mom of one and the founder of\u00a0Modern Boca Mom<\/a>, an award-winning lifestyle website for the stylish & modern South Florida parent. She can also be found on Instagram at\u00a0@modernbocamom<\/a>.<\/p>\n