Princess Cruises Sparks Excitement Before New Ship Launch

Exciting New Entertainment Features on Princess Cruises’ Star Princess

Princess Cruises is set to unveil its newest ship, the Star Princess, later this year, with a debut from Port Everglades. However, the excitement surrounding the ship’s entertainment offerings has already begun. A series of new theatrical stage shows are currently being tested at nearby Nova Southeastern University, giving students and media a sneak peek at what's in store for passengers.

The cruise line's entertainment team has been showcasing some of the performers' efforts, offering a glimpse into the unique experiences that will soon be available aboard the Star Princess. This ship is part of the Sphere class, following last year's Sun Princess. At 175,500 gross tons, it is the largest in the fleet, capable of accommodating up to 4,300 guests based on double occupancy.

Two original productions are set to take center stage on the Star Princess. Rebecca Thompson-Foley, head of global entertainment for Princess Cruises, emphasized that these shows will embrace storytelling that aligns perfectly with the ship's theme.

“Anybody who’s had a little sneak peek so far from the company has said, ‘We’ve not seen this. It feels fresh. We haven’t seen this on Princess before,” she noted.

Princess Cruises has partnered with Black Skull Creative, a British production company known for its work on events such as the 2012 London Olympics. Cofounder Dan Shipton was present to discuss the production of the shows.

One of the productions, titled "Illuminate: A Spectacle of Joy," is designed to evoke the nostalgia of a circus tent, with players following a ringmaster’s cues. “It’s a show all about bringing a contemporary spin on the circus iconography that you know and love. We’re reimagining it with our pop sensibility,” Shipton explained. The performance will feature aerialists, lasers, and dance, set against a heartfelt story.

The other production, "Meridian," draws inspiration from the ship's name, "Star Princess." It tells the story of a fictional journey on a ship called "Celestial" set in an era reminiscent of "Titanic," but without the tragic ending. Thompson-Foley highlighted the epic, cinematic nature of the performance, noting that it offers a fresh approach to live entertainment.

Shipton described the storyline accompanying four numbers from "Meridian," emphasizing the energy and potential of the cast. The production combines original music with modern songs such as Ed Sheeran’s “Celestial” and Coldplay’s “Adventure of a Lifetime.” The narrative features dialogue that moves the sweeping, epic spectacle of love, involving aristocrats, outlaws, and a young noblewoman caught between her legacy and destiny.

What was on display was a whirlwind of athletic performers hitting their marks, with one number using mops as props proving particularly entertaining. Although it left the room filled with floating dust, the high-energy performance showcased the results of three weeks of rehearsals.

Thompson-Foley praised the performance, stating, “When you create a show from scratch. Watch. It’s about the audience, but it is also about the talent, because this show was built on them, each and every single one of them has put something special into the show for you today.”

In addition to the theatrical performances, Princess Cruises has collaborated with Nova Southeastern University to enhance the school’s arts program. This partnership allows for not only a practice space for performers but also opportunities for students to shadow professional performers, attend master classes, and participate in career panels.

The Star Princess will also feature a variety of other entertainment options, including the Candlelight Concert Series in The Dome, a glass-enclosed space on the top deck. The Princess World Orchestra will perform 45-minute concerts in The Piazza, while the Celestial Champagne Soirée promises an immersive light and sound experience under the stars.

The ship will also introduce graffiti classes, which have been carefully curated to ensure safety and legality. Additionally, the ship features an expanded nonsmoking casino area, more seats in its Irish pub, and a larger version of the Love by Britto dining venue.

The Star Princess will debut in the Mediterranean on October 4 and will make its way to Port Everglades to begin seven-night Caribbean sailings in November.