Princess Cruises and shipbuilder Fincantieri have made the difficult decision to delay the delivery of the much-anticipated Star Princess, resulting in the cancellation of nine cruises during the ship’s inaugural season. Originally scheduled for delivery on July 29, 2025, the 4,300-passenger vessel will now be completed and delivered on September 26, 2025. This delay has left both cruise enthusiasts and industry professionals disappointed, as they will have to wait longer to experience the luxury and innovation promised by the Star Princess.
According to John Padgett, the president of Princess Cruises, the decision to postpone the delivery of the Star Princess was made after a thorough review of the remaining construction milestones. Despite the collective efforts of everyone involved, it became apparent that more time was needed to ensure that the ship meets the high standards expected by guests. While delays in the construction of new ships are not uncommon in the cruise industry, they can be costly and have a significant impact on both the cruise line and its passengers.
The new inaugural sailing date for the Star Princess is now set for October 4, 2025, with bookings for the affected cruises opening on April 30. Passengers who were booked on the canceled voyages have been given several options, including rebooking on a different Princess cruise with future cruise credits and onboard credits, or receiving a full refund of their cruise fare. While Princess Cruises has assured that travel agent commissions will be protected for all fully paid bookings, the delay has undoubtedly caused inconvenience and disappointment for passengers who were eagerly anticipating their upcoming cruises.
Interestingly, this is not the first delay that Princess Cruises has experienced with its Sphere-class ships. The Sun Princess, the Star Princess’ sister ship, was also delayed in its delivery, originally expected to begin sailing in early February. These delays raise questions about the construction and delivery process of new cruise ships and the challenges faced by cruise lines and shipbuilders in meeting deadlines and delivering a seamless experience to passengers.
While the delay of the Star Princess may be disappointing for passengers and the cruise industry as a whole, it is essential for Princess Cruises and Fincantieri to prioritize the quality and safety of the ship above all else. By taking the necessary time to ensure that the Star Princess meets the highest standards, Princess Cruises can ultimately provide passengers with a memorable and enjoyable cruising experience once the ship is finally delivered.
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