Princess Cruises Just Broke a 180-Year Tradition—And It Involves Tequila
Princess Cruises made history when it christened Star Princess with a giant bottle of tequila instead of champagne. Here's why Matthew McConaughey's brand got the honor—and what it means for cruise ship traditions.
When Princess Cruises christened its newest ship on November 6, 2025, at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, they did something no major cruise line had ever done before: they ditched the champagne.
Instead, a massive 15-liter bottle of Pantalones tequila—roughly the size of a toddler—shattered against the hull of the brand-new Star Princess, officially welcoming the 177,800-ton vessel to the fleet.
And yes, that tequila bottle was courtesy of the ship’s celebrity godparents: Matthew and Camila McConaughey.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, this marked the first time a cruise ship was christened with tequila, breaking a tradition that dates back centuries. While Queen Elizabeth II famously used Scotch whisky to christen the HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2014, tequila had never made an appearance at a cruise ship ceremony—until now.
Why Tequila? The McConaughey Connection
Matthew McConaughey himself addressed the unconventional choice head-on during the ceremony: “It’s not going to be a bottle of champagne,” he said, likely to the delight of the 900+ guests in attendance, which included travel advisors, media members, VIP guests, and company executives.
The tequila in question was Pantalones, a premium brand founded by the McConaugheys. Princess Cruises actually commissioned six of these Nebuchadnezzar-sized bottles specifically for the christening. Five were broken during practice runs and the ceremony itself, while one survived and will remain aboard Star Princess as a permanent keepsake.
The ceremony wasn’t just about breaking bottles, though. It was a full-blown celebration featuring a live performance by nine-time Grammy Award winner Sheryl Crow and a spectacular Northern Lights-themed drone show that lit up the Florida sky with displays symbolizing Alaska landscapes and icons.
What This Means for Cruise Ship Traditions
For decades, champagne has been the go-to choice for ship christenings, a nautical tradition believed to bring good luck and safe voyages. But in recent years, we’ve seen a growing trend toward personalization in these ceremonies—from choosing celebrity godparents who align with a brand’s values to incorporating cultural elements that reflect a ship’s intended itineraries.
The Star Princess tequila christening takes this trend to a new level. It shows that modern cruise lines are willing to break with tradition when it creates a more authentic, memorable moment. And let’s be honest—smashing a three-foot-tall bottle of tequila against a ship’s hull is far more memorable than popping another bottle of Dom Pérignon.
This move also signals something deeper: cruise lines are increasingly partnering with lifestyle brands and celebrities who bring their own followings and cultural cachet. The McConaugheys aren’t just famous faces lending their names to a photo op—they’re active business owners bringing their own premium product into the mix.
Meet the Star Princess
Beyond the tequila spectacle, the Star Princess herself is worth noting. She’s the second ship in Princess’s new Sphere-class category, sister to the Sun Princess which debuted exactly one year earlier.
Here’s what makes her special:
Size & Capacity:
- 177,800 gross tons
- 4,300 passengers at double occupancy
- 1,133 feet long
Dining & Entertainment:
- 30 different dining and beverage venues
- Celebrity chef partnerships including Dario Cecchini’s Butcher’s Block by Dario, Makoto Okuwa’s Makoto Ocean, and Love by Britto
- The Piazza atrium (a Princess signature feature)
- The Arena, a transforming theater space
- The Dome, a glass entertainment venue
According to Sami Cohen, Princess Cruises’ VP of Food & Beverage, these celebrity chef partnerships aren’t just marketing gimmicks. “The true concept requires committing to quality standards,” Cohen explained, noting the challenges of sourcing premium ingredients across different ports worldwide.
Why This Story Matters
In an industry where every new ship launch tries to outdo the last with bigger waterslides, more restaurants, and flashier entertainment, it’s refreshing to see a cruise line make waves with something as simple—and culturally significant—as changing what liquid gets smashed against the hull.
The Star Princess christening shows that cruise lines are becoming more willing to embrace personality over protocol. They’re choosing authenticity and brand partnerships over stuffy maritime traditions that don’t resonate with modern travelers.
Plus, let’s be real: if you’re going to have Matthew McConaughey as your godparent, you better believe he’s bringing the tequila.
The Star Princess departed Fort Lauderdale on November 7, 2025, for its maiden Caribbean voyage, presumably with plenty of Pantalones tequila stocked in its 30 bars and restaurants.
Source: Orlando Sentinel - Star Princess makes Florida debut with a tequila christening