Matthew and Camila McConaughey Christen Star Princess in South Florida, Marking a New Era for Princess Cruises and U.S. Tourism

Published on November 13, 2025

The Star Princess, the newest addition to the Princess Cruises fleet, was officially welcomed into service with a dazzling christening ceremony held at Port Everglades in South Florida. The celebration on November 7, 2025, marked a major moment for U.S. cruise tourism, as the ship became the largest vessel in the Princess lineup, offering an elevated experience for travelers seeking luxury and innovation at sea. Matthew and Camila McConaughey were honored as the ship’s godparents, a role that symbolized their connection to the spirit of adventure and leisure travel that defines the brand. The couple used their Pantalones Organic Tequila to christen the 177,800-ton vessel, blending celebrity charm with maritime tradition. Accompanied by a live performance from nine-time Grammy Award winner Sheryl Crow and a breathtaking drone display, the ceremony reflected the vibrant energy of modern cruise culture. With new entertainment venues, enhanced dining experiences, and exclusive amenities for suite guests, Star Princess is poised to redefine Caribbean and Alaska cruising for both domestic and international travelers.

A Grand Celebration in South Florida

The christening ceremony for the Star Princess was conducted at Port Everglades under the glowing lights of a star-shaped stage, setting the tone for a night of celebration and maritime prestige. The event marked the official debut of the ship, which is designed to represent the evolution of modern cruising in the United States. The audience, comprising dignitaries, cruise industry leaders, and travel enthusiasts, witnessed the McConaugheys perform the symbolic christening act using their signature Pantalones Organic Tequila. This gesture paid homage to maritime customs while blending contemporary celebrity culture into the cruise industry’s timeless rituals.

The ceremony’s entertainment lineup brought a distinct American flair to the event. Sheryl Crow, known for her energetic performances, delivered a captivating musical set that echoed through the evening air. The show concluded with a coordinated drone performance over the harbor, presenting a luminous visual display of the Star Princess’s upcoming deployment to Alaska. The blend of music, technology, and tradition emphasized Princess Cruises’ ongoing commitment to offering experiences that merge innovation with luxury.

The Star Princess: Symbol of a Modern Cruise Era

The Star Princess stands as the largest vessel ever introduced by Princess Cruises, with a passenger capacity of approximately 4,300. Designed as part of the Sphere-class, this ship embodies the cruise line’s new direction toward environmentally conscious luxury and enhanced onboard experiences.

The design of Star Princess integrates spacious public areas, advanced entertainment venues, and technological innovations that cater to the preferences of modern travelers. More than 1,500 balcony staterooms offer guests panoramic views of the ocean, enhancing the sense of connection to the surrounding seascape. In addition, the ship features over 30 dining and bar venues, with highlights including an expanded O’Malley’s Irish Pub, now offering an additional 32 seats to accommodate its growing popularity among travelers.

Two brand-new stage productions, Meridian and Illuminate, have been introduced to enhance the ship’s entertainment portfolio. Meanwhile, The Spellbound by Magic Castle speakeasy returns with a refreshed theme, offering a blend of mystery, mixology, and performance art that continues to captivate guests.

Unique Venues and Signature Experiences

Among the ship’s most distinctive features is the Dome, a glass-enclosed lounge that functions as both an indoor relaxation area and a performance space. This innovative venue hosts the new Candlelight Concert Series, providing an intimate, acoustically rich atmosphere for live musical performances beneath the ship’s transparent ceiling. The venue’s design has been created to offer a tranquil retreat by day and a vibrant hub of entertainment by night.

For suite passengers, the Sanctuary Collection represents a new pinnacle of exclusivity within the Princess Cruises brand. Guests booked in this category receive access to a private restaurant, an adults-only pool deck, and priority embarkation privileges. The ship also features a two-story Lotus Spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an expansive SkyDeck designed for both leisure and recreation, including pickleball and basketball courts.

These additions reflect the cruise line’s dedication to offering a comprehensive range of experiences catering to every type of traveler—from those seeking quiet relaxation to those looking for active, family-friendly recreation at sea.

A Voyage of Discovery: The Itinerary Ahead

Following its launch, the Star Princess embarked on its maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale, marking the beginning of a series of Caribbean itineraries that will continue through the spring of 2026. These voyages highlight the scenic diversity of the Caribbean islands, blending tropical exploration with luxurious comfort onboard.

After completing its Caribbean season, the ship will reposition through the Panama Canal, one of the most iconic waterways in the world, before beginning its inaugural Alaska season in the summer of 2026. The Alaska itineraries will feature classic seven-day Inside Passage cruises, visiting well-known destinations such as Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, along with awe-inspiring glacier viewing experiences.

The deployment underscores Princess Cruises’ strategic focus on combining traditional destinations with cutting-edge ship design, ensuring that guests experience both natural wonder and modern comfort.

Continuing the Princess Legacy

By participating as godparents, Matthew and Camila McConaughey join a distinguished list of names associated with Princess Cruises’ legacy. Previous godparents include Princess Diana, Catherine Princess of Wales, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren, each symbolizing grace and elegance aligned with the cruise line’s heritage.

Their association adds a contemporary touch to this tradition, bridging classic maritime prestige with modern cultural relevance. The McConaugheys’ brand, Pantalones Tequila, is now featured across the entire Princess fleet, with cocktails such as the 24K Gold Margarita introduced to celebrate their partnership. This collaboration reflects the blending of luxury lifestyle branding with cruise hospitality, appealing to travelers who value both relaxation and refined taste.

Impact on U.S. Tourism and Global Cruising

The debut of the Star Princess reinforces Florida’s position as a global hub for cruise tourism. With Port Everglades serving as one of the busiest passenger cruise ports in the United States, the introduction of such a technologically advanced vessel further enhances the region’s appeal as a gateway to both Caribbean and transcontinental voyages.

In the broader context, the launch contributes to the growth of U.S. tourism, promoting economic activity through hospitality, travel, and entertainment sectors. The emphasis on sustainable luxury and cultural integration aligns with evolving global travel trends, where travelers increasingly seek meaningful, comfortable, and eco-conscious experiences.

Through the Star Princess, Princess Cruises continues to bridge continents, cultures, and generations of travelers—solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s most trusted names in ocean travel. The ship’s journey from South Florida to the glaciers of Alaska represents not just a physical voyage but a symbol of modern exploration and hospitality excellence.

The christening of the Star Princess by Matthew and Camila McConaughey marked more than the introduction of a new cruise ship; it celebrated the fusion of innovation, artistry, and tradition within the global travel industry. The event highlighted Princess Cruises’ enduring commitment to redefining luxury at sea while supporting the ongoing growth of U.S. tourism.

With its advanced amenities, elegant design, and diverse itineraries, the Star Princess is set to become a floating symbol of exploration, connection, and modern maritime craftsmanship—embodying the spirit of adventure that continues to inspire travelers across the world.