Star Princess Set To Outshine Sun Princess With Bold New Features: What You Need To Know!

Published on August 29, 2025

Princess Cruises’ latest twin additions, Star Princess and Sun Princess, sail under the Sphere Class banner, flaunting almost identical curves, venues and upscale amenities. Debuting first, Sun Princess welcomes guests in March 2024, sparking chatter that settles into one persistent question, asiter the newest vessels strike their signals. No sweeping renovations lie ahead, yet minor adjustments, targeted enhancements and a sprinkle of fresh innovations could transform a good week at sea into an otherworldly one. To steer eager cruise travellers through the storyline ship-by-ship, the following breakdown settles the stage for autumn 2025 and the glittering autumn horizon.

Larger O’Malley’s Pub Aboard Star Princess

One of the most anticipated changes for the Star Princess is the enlargement of O’Malley’s Pub, one of the most beloved spots aboard the ship. According to official Princess Cruises sources, O’Malley’s Pub will feature 32 additional seats compared to the Sun Princess, making it a bit roomier for passengers looking to unwind with a drink and enjoy live music. However, with up to 4,300 passengers aboard, O’Malley’s remains a popular spot, and cruisers should still plan ahead to secure a seat. Arriving early or standing outside the pub during peak hours may be the best strategy for getting the most out of the vibrant atmosphere.

Casino with a Non-Smoking Section on Star Princess

For those sensitive to smoke, one notable difference between Star Princess and Sun Princess is the new non-smoking casino section on Star Princess. While Sun Princess had a fully-smoking casino, Star Princess will feature a separate non-smoking casino area near the main casino, addressing passenger concerns about smoke drifting into public spaces. This change is in direct response to feedback from passengers, who have voiced concerns about the lack of smoking alternatives on Princess ships. The move is designed to offer cruisers more options, but whether the non-smoking area will be successful in providing a completely smoke-free experience remains to be seen.

Spellbound by Magic Castle: A Thrilling Attraction Continues on Star Princess

For fans of immersive entertainment, both Star Princess and Sun Princess will feature the popular Spellbound by Magic Castle. The magic-focused venue, created in partnership with Los Angeles’ exclusive Magic Castle, has been one of the standout features of Sun Princess. On Star Princess, this attraction will also feature close-up magic performances, craft cocktails, and an intimate, theatre-like atmosphere. While the experience remains largely the same, Star Princess will offer it at a slightly lower price point, with two included cocktails instead of dinner and unlimited drinks. Cruisers looking for an enchanting and interactive experience will find Spellbound to be a must-see.

More Seating for Entertainment Venues on Star Princess

On larger ships like the Sun Princess, some guests have expressed dissatisfaction with the size of entertainment venues, such as the Princess Arena and Princess Live!, particularly when it comes to seating capacity. The Princess Arena, which hosts production shows, holds just under 1,000 guests on Sun Princess. This has led some passengers to feel cramped during performances. Star Princess will address this issue by expanding seating in both the Arena and other entertainment venues, although exact figures are still to be confirmed. While this change may alleviate some frustration, guests will still need to arrive early for the best seats during popular shows.

Enhanced Accessibility Features on Star Princess

Accessibility has been a point of contention for some passengers aboard the Sun Princess. Issues like narrow hallways leading to accessible cabins and limited entry to certain public areas have been noted. Princess Cruises is working to make the Star Princess more accessible, but not all the changes will be immediately apparent. Accessible rooms will still be located near elevators, but the design of the hallways may still present challenges for some cruisers with mobility issues. The good news is that there will be accessible rooms strategically placed across the ship, making it easier for disabled passengers to navigate. While these enhancements are a step in the right direction, more could be done in future Sphere-class ships to improve accessibility further.

Adjustments to the Piazza on Star Princess

Another topic frequently discussed by passengers on both Sun Princess and Star Princess is the acoustics in the Piazza, the central hub of both ships. On Sun Princess, the Piazza has been criticized for its noise levels, particularly during high-energy events like game shows, music performances, and dance lessons. Some guests have found the area too loud for casual conversations or relaxing. For Star Princess, Princess Cruises is looking to fine-tune the acoustics and adjust programming to ensure the Piazza is more inviting and less chaotic. While the full extent of these changes remains to be seen, loyal Princess cruisers are hopeful for an improved experience.

What Will Stay the Same Between Star Princess and Sun Princess?

Despite these changes, there are many features aboard both ships that will remain the same. The overall layout of the ships, their fine-dining options, luxury suites, and world-class spas will continue to offer the same high standard of service and comfort Princess Cruises is known for. Passengers will still be able to enjoy the vast array of shore excursions, pools, bars, and entertainment options that make the Sphere Class ships an ideal choice for both first-time cruisers and seasoned travelers.

Which Ship is Right for You?

If you’re considering a cruise aboard Star Princess or Sun Princess, your decision may come down to which features matter most to you. For those who prioritize a more accessible and quieter cruise experience, Star Princess may offer some welcome improvements. However, if you’re someone who enjoys the hustle and bustle of a lively pub or doesn’t mind a bit of noise in the central Piazza, Sun Princess may still be the better option. Ultimately, both ships will offer a memorable cruise experience, but the subtle differences on Star Princess may make it the ideal choice for cruisers seeking those extra touches of comfort and convenience.

What Next?

While Star Princess and Sun Princess share many similarities, Star Princess brings some thoughtful changes that could make a big difference for certain passengers. Whether it’s a quieter Piazza, more seating in O’Malley’s, or a non-smoking casino, these tweaks are likely to improve the overall cruise experience. With these enhancements, Star Princess aims to meet the evolving needs of modern cruisers while retaining the signature luxury that Princess Cruises is known for.