Princess Cruises’ Floats Out Next-Generation Sun Princess Ship
by Dori Saltzman /Sun Princess, the first in an all-new class of ship for Princess Cruises, completed its float out during a ceremony at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. During the ceremony, Princess also announced that it has appointed Gennaro Arma as captain. He will lead Sun Princess’ shipbuilding operations, readiness and delivery.
Following the Italian shipyard’s tradition, the float out was presided over by a “Madrina,” who offered blessings and best wishes for the ship. Princess Cruises’ hotel general manager Simona Stumberger was selected to serve in this role.
The float out completes the first comprehensive phase of construction for Sun Princess, which now transitions to focus on building the ship’s interiors.
The 4,300-guest Sun Princess is scheduled to debut in early 2024. It will be the largest ship in the Princess fleet and be the first to feature the The Dome, a cutting-edge day-to-night entertainment space “inspired by the terraces of Santorini.” It will also be the first Princess ship to feature a theater in the round, a three-story main dining room and will have the largest ever casino.