The Florida-bound Star Princess, the second ship in Princess Cruises’ largest class of ships, completed its sea trials before its planned debut this fall.

The sister ship to 2024’s Sun Princess will begin sailing in October in the Mediterranean but then reposition to sail from Port Everglades to begin seven-night Caribbean sailings in November.

It was put through its paces in the Adriatic Sea having sailed out of the Fincantieri shipyards in Monfalcone, Italy where it has been under construction since September 2024.

“We confidently led Star Princess through sea trials,” said Capt. Gennaro Arma, a 27-year veteran with Princess Cruises who leads the Sphere-class newbuild site team. “As the proud leader of our newest vessel, I’m extremely impressed with the ship’s navigation capabilities and maneuverability. With the final countdown underway, my incredible teammates and I can’t wait to welcome guests aboard for unforgettable adventures this fall.”

The sea trials from Aug. 9-12 checked out the ship’s seaworthiness including steering, navigation systems and propulsion.

Just like Sun Princess, the ship is fueled by liquefied natural gas, a cleaner burning propulsion that’s part of the cruise industry’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Carnival’s Mardi Gras became the first LNG-powered ship in North America when it debuted out of Port Canaveral in 2021, but Florida has seen several more vessels join it including the Disney Wish and Treasure, Carnival Celebration, Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, Icon of the Seas and earlier this month, the Star of the Seas.

Both Sun and Star Princess are part of the Sphere class of ships that come in at 177,800 gross tons and can carry 4,300 guests based on double occupancy.

The new vessel will have an expanded nonsmoking casino area, more seats in its Irish pub and a larger version of new art-inspired dining venue Love by Britto. The architectural debuts on Sun Princess are mirrored on the new ship including the spherical atrium called The Piazza that juts out on both sides of the ship’s hull, the transforming theater space called The Arena and a top-deck, glass entertainment venue called The Dome.

It will have 30 dining and drink venues including a new version of the magic-themed speakeasy Spellbound by Magic Castle. The second iteration of the venue from the Hollywood, California private club for magicians will once again offer its mixture of whimsy and mystery with bartenders performing sleight-of-hand tricks, live shows and unique trappings.

The version on Star Princess will pay homage to Richard Valentine Pitchford, who is better know as The Great Cardini.

“As the venue unfolds, a series of new uniquely themed spaces are unveiled, including a whimsical ticketing booth, the mysterious Inner Circle, the enchanting Cardini Bar, a behind-the-curtain Backstage area, and the Peacock Theater. Each space is richly detailed with eclectic décor, moody lighting, and theatrical flourishes that heighten the sense of wonder,” according to a Princess press release.

The venue will be open to all guests with several shows nightly at an upcharge of $45. That comes with two drinks and the magic show, but this version will no loner feature a dinner service before the show.

“Spellbound has quickly become one of the most talked-about experiences at sea, and we’re thrilled to take it to the next level aboard Star Princess,” said Lorna Warren, the line’s vice president for hotel operations and guest experiences.  “By bringing to life the spirit and setting of the original Magic Castle in Hollywood, our reimagined speakeasy will deliver a one-of-a-kind venue where every guest can feel like they’ve stepped into a world of true magic.”

Last month the line gave a preview of its original stage productions coming on board including one titled “Meridian,” which has a Titanic-esque forbidden love story, and another circus-themed one titled “Illuminate: A Spectacle of Joy.”

Unlike Sun Princess, which was originally planned to have a hang-glider attraction, although that fell through, Star Princess is taking that same space for a dedicated sports court and track along with a splash pad.

The ship is one of several with Florida debuts out of Port Everglades planned this fall including Disney’s third Wish-class ship Disney Destiny and Celebrity Cruises fifth Edge-class ship Celebrity Xcel.

The state has already seen the debuts of the Norwegian Aqua, MSC World America and Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas.