In a nighttime celebration filled with unforgettable moments, the Star Princess, Princess Cruises ' newest and most innovative ship , was officially named by its godparents, Camila and Matthew McConaughey.
While the Star Princess remained docked in Port Everglades last night, the couple carried out the traditional maritime christening ceremony, breaking a bottle of Pantalones Organic Tequila — the brand they co-founded — to wish good fortune to the ship, its guests and its crew on the seas.
The ceremony, hosted by television presenter and travel and lifestyle expert Dawn McCoy, took place in the ship's spectacular Princess Arena, where attendees enjoyed heartfelt speeches from Princess Cruises Chairman Gus Antorcha and Star Princess Captain Gennaro Arma, as well as live entertainment.
The celebration continued with a special performance by nine-time Grammy Award winner Sheryl Crow and culminated with a drone show that lit up the starry sky in tribute to the Star Princess's upcoming itinerary to majestic Alaska.
“It is an honor to follow in the footsteps of previous godparents and welcome Star Princess to the Princess fleet,” said Camilla and Matthew McConaughey. “We are excited to share this moment with guests embarking, reuniting with family and friends, creating new memories, and sharing a Pantones cocktail—or two.”
“Today’s ceremony marks a proud and joyous milestone for everyone at Princess Cruises,” said Gus Antorcha, the company’s president. “The Star Princess is a stunning reflection of our heritage and our future: it combines extraordinary design, exceptional experiences, and the spirit of discovery that our guests cherish. We thank Matthew and Camila McConaughey for joining the Princess family, and we know their warmth and infectious energy will always be felt aboard the Star Princess.”
Camila and Matthew McConaughey join a distinguished group of Princess Cruises godparents that includes Princess Diana, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren.
With 177,800 tons and a capacity for 4,300 passengers, the Star Princess combines Princess Cruises' legendary service and dedicated crew with unique dining and leisure spaces, high-level entertainment and luxury accommodation.
Before its debut in Fort Lauderdale, the Star Princess completed a transatlantic voyage and will begin its Caribbean season on November 7, 2025. Following its 2025 winter to 2026 spring Caribbean season, the ship will transit the Panama Canal to Seattle for its inaugural Alaskan season, offering 7-day Inside Passage cruises during the summer of 2026. It will be the newest and most spectacular ship to sail the Alaskan wilderness.
New shows and entertainment
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Spellbound by Magic Castle: Following its acclaimed premiere on the Sun Princess, this spectacular show returns to the Star Princess with a new theme inspired by the golden age of magic and the legendary illusionist Richard Valentine Pitchford, known as The Great Cardini. This speakeasy-style experience at sea enchants guests with unique illusions, atmospheres, and theatrical cocktails.
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Meridian and Illuminate: Two new original theatrical shows debut in the fleet's most technologically advanced venue, the Princess Arena. Meridian is a cinematic spectacle about longing and liberation, featuring original music and reimagined versions of contemporary hits; Illuminate unfolds beneath the nostalgic big top of a circus, revealing a chromatic fantasy of wonder and unexpected beauty.
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Entertainment beyond the theater: From deck parties and celebrations in the Piazza to a reinterpretation of the traditional champagne cascade, the Star Princess comes alive at nightfall.
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