FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – In a spectacular evening marked by Hollywood glamour, a performance by a Grammy winner, and a shimmering drone show, Princess Cruises officially christened its newest and most innovative ship, Star Princess, Thursday night at Port Everglades.
Co-founders of Pantalones Organic Tequila, Camila and Matthew McConaughey, served as the ship’s official godparents, continuing a time-honored maritime tradition. The vibrant couple christened the 177,800-ton vessel by breaking a celebratory bottle of their co-founded tequila brand, Pantalones, against the hull, wishing the ship, its guests, and crew good fortune.
Star Power Takes the Stage
The star-studded naming ceremony took place in the ship’s spectacular Princess Arena, hosted by TV personality Dawn McCoy. Attendees enjoyed inspiring tributes from Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha and Star Princess Captain Gennaro Arma.
The celebration reached a high note with a special performance by nine-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow.
To cap off the night, a mesmerizing drone show illuminated the starry sky, featuring a tribute to the ship’s upcoming inaugural season to the majestic destination of Alaska.
“It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of past godparents and welcome Star Princess into the Princess fleet,” said Camila and Matthew McConaughey. “We are excited to share this moment with the guests who step aboard – coming together with family and friends, making new memories, and sharing a Pantalones cocktail, or two.”
A New Era of Cruising
Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha expressed pride in the new vessel. “Star Princess is a stunning reflection of our legacy and our future – bringing together incredible design, exceptional experiences, and the spirit of discovery our guests love,” he stated. Antorcha also noted his gratitude to the McConaugheys, whose “warmth and infectious spirit will always be felt throughout Star Princess.”
The McConaugheys join an illustrious group of Princess godparents, including Princess Diana, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren. The couple’s organic tequila is already featured across the fleet, including in the popular 24K Gold Margarita.
The new ship, which accommodates 4,300 guests, sails into its Caribbean season on November 7, 2025, after completing a transatlantic voyage.
Key Ship Features and Inaugural Season
Star Princess is set to redefine luxury cruising, featuring an expanded array of dining, entertainment, and accommodation options:
- Inaugural Season: Following a winter and spring season of Caribbean cruises, the ship will sail through the Panama Canal to Seattle for a debut season of 7-day Alaska Inside Passage cruises in the summer of 2026.
- New Entertainment: The ship introduces Spellbound by Magic Castle, a speakeasy illusionist experience, and two new theatrical shows in the technologically advanced Princess Arena: Meridian and Illuminate. The glass-enclosed Dome will also feature a new Candlelight Concert Series.
- Luxurious Staterooms: The ship offers over 1,500 balcony staterooms, including the exclusive Sanctuary Collection suites, which provide an elevated, private escape at sea.
- Culinary Excellence: Guests can choose from 30 restaurant and bar venues, including an expanded O’Malley’s Irish Pub and Love by Britto Specialty Dining space.
The ship officially began its Caribbean voyages yesterday, marking the start of a spectacular inaugural season that promises to bring a new level of glamour and adventure to The Great Land of Alaska.
