Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has delivered the first of two LNG-powered cruise ships to Carnival’s Princess Cruises.
Fincantieri said the 175,500-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess is the largest ship built in Italy to date, and the first LNG-powered cruise ship built by the group.
The shipbuilder started constructing this “Sphere” class LNG-powered vessel in September 2021 and launched it in March last year.
In December last year, Fincantieri also held a keel-laying ceremony for the second Sphere Class vessel, Star Princess, and this ship is scheduled for delivery in 2025.
Sun Princess is the first LNG-powered vessel for US-based Princess Cruises, but its parent Carnival and the company’s units already operate a fleet of LNG-powered ships.
Princess Cruises said in a separate statement that the ship “does need to remain alongside in the shipyard to allow for additional technical work to ensure an outstanding vacation is delivered.”
Accordingly, the cruise line said it is cancelling the February 18 voyage.
Sun Princess now will make its maiden voyage on February 28 from Rome, Italy.
Princess Cruises operates a fleet of 15 modern cruise ships, carrying millions guests each year to 380 destinations around the globe, the statement said.