Matthew McConaughey Just Christened a Cruise Ship with a Tequila Bottle—And It Was Absolutely Epic

When it comes to christening cruise ships, champagne has always been the beverage of choice. But Princess Cruises just threw tradition out the window in the most spectacular way possible.

On Thursday, November 6, 2025, the cruise line officially named its newest ship, Star Princess, at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale—and instead of champagne, they smashed a massive bottle of tequila against the hull. Not just any tequila, either. We’re talking about a 15-liter Nebuchadnezzar bottle of Pantalones tequila, standing 3 feet tall, owned by the ship’s godparents: Matthew and Camila McConaughey.

A Christening Ceremony Unlike Any Other

Over 900 guests packed into Port Everglades to witness the unconventional ceremony, including travel advisors, media, VIP guests, and company executives. The McConaugheys were chosen as godparents for what Matthew described as their “combination of elegance and energy”—and they certainly delivered on both fronts.

As the enormous tequila bottle shattered against Star Princess’s hull, it marked a bold departure from maritime tradition. But according to Princess Cruises’ Sami Cohen, the choice was perfectly intentional: “It is not the bottle or the ingredient itself. It is the celebration.”

The festivities didn’t stop there. Nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow performed during the ceremony, and the evening concluded with an elaborate drone show previewing the ship’s upcoming Alaska deployment. It was a spectacle befitting a vessel of this magnitude.

What Makes Star Princess So Special

Star Princess isn’t just making waves with its unconventional christening. This Sphere-class vessel is a massive 177,800 gross tons and can accommodate 4,300 guests at double occupancy. As the sister ship to Sun Princess, it brings an impressive array of features to Princess Cruises’ fleet.

The ship boasts 30 dining and beverage venues, including standout restaurants like Butcher’s Block by Dario, Makoto Ocean, and Love by Britto. Entertainment options are equally impressive, with unique venues like The Dome, The Arena, and Spellbound by Magic Castle. Guests can also enjoy original stage productions including “Meridian” and “Illuminate: A Spectacle of Joy.”

Matthew McConaughey summed up the couple’s hopes for the ship perfectly, expressing their wish that passengers and crew would “return home from those expectations with bigger smiles than you left.”

A Distinguished Legacy

By serving as godparents, the McConaugheys join an illustrious group of Princess Cruises ambassadors including Princess Diana, Catherine (Princess of Wales), Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren. Their tequila-fueled christening certainly adds a memorable chapter to that legacy.

Star Princess departed on its maiden Caribbean voyage on Friday, November 8, 2025, officially beginning its service. Whether you’re a traditionalist or someone who appreciates when cruise lines shake things up, there’s no denying this was a christening for the ages.

The message is clear: Princess Cruises isn’t afraid to blend elegance with a little bit of Texas flair—and we’re absolutely here for it.