ABOARD THE STAR PRINCESS -- The stage was a sea of electric candles, their glow reflecting on The Dome's curved glass against the night sky. Guests reclined in pool-style loungers, enjoying the soothing melodies of a duo performing onstage.
I took in the picturesque scene aboard Princess Cruises' new Star Princess on its first sailing out of Port Everglades, its winter homeport. It followed the ship's naming ceremony, during which Matthew and Camila McConaughey served as godparents.
A scene from "Meridian," a show aboard the Star Princess. Photo Credit: Teri West
The Dome is no longer a novel space for the cruise line. The Star is the second ship in the Sphere class, a sister ship of the Sun Princess, where The Dome debuted in 2024.
Entertainment, however, has been switched up and expanded on the Star, and that includes a new candlelight concert series.
The ship will sail Alaska next summer, and I'd imagine the soothing performance would be similarly apt in that climate, where guests can shelter from colder temperatures in the warmth of the dome while still feeling connected to the night sky above.
Other new shows include an original musical love story that takes place on a ship, "Meridian." In the circular Princess Arena, much of the action happens on a central stage, where we see a young woman arranged to marry a royal, frustrated that she'll be marrying a stranger rather than marrying for love.
The score includes radio hits as well as original songs.
"Illuminate" is a new show that debuted on the Star Princess. Photo Credit: Teri West
The second new piece is an original circus-themed variety show, "Illuminate." It's there that I encountered the acrobatics I often see on cruise ships, but that was just one portion of the frenzied spectacle. Over-the-top costumes, makeup and lighting are paired with upbeat pop songs. Clown-type characters offer multiple interludes.
One segment had a character trapped in vertical, moving laser beams that were synched to pop songs. It was unique and entertaining.
Spellbound, a magic-themed speakeasy by the team behind Los Angeles' Magic Castle, has a vaudeville theme. It was my favorite of the new entertainment, with intricate décor and cheeky magicians.
I felt transported to another era. Who doesn't love a little magic?