Princess Cruises announced six major operational changes for its 2027 season, introducing the largest Japan program in its history and an expanded Alaska itinerary. Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will offer 50 itineraries visiting 45 destinations across six countries in the Japan region.
Expansion of Alaska Cruises
The Alaska cruise season will be Princess Cruises’ most extensive to date, featuring eight ships with 187 departures over 17 itineraries. Departure ports include Seattle, Vancouver, Anchorage (Whittier), San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Popular ports of call in Alaska include Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Icy Strait Point. Scenic cruising will cover Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard
Glacier, College Fjord, and Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier. Star Princess will return with seven-night Inside Passage cruises roundtrip from Seattle, while Royal Princess will also offer seven-night cruises departing from the same port.
New Caribbean Destination Celebration Key
Princess Cruises will add Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island as a private destination starting with a visit by Star Princess on November 1, 2026, followed by calls from Regal Princess later that month and multiple ships in 2027. The destination offers white-sand beaches, freshwater lagoons, cabanas, and more than 30 food and beverage outlets. Celebration Key will complement Princess Cays as a private port in
the Caribbean on various itineraries.
Changes to Booking and Payment Policies
New booking rules will apply to North American reservations made from September 2, 2026, for cruises departing January 1, 2027, or later. The final payment deadline will standardize at 120 days before sailing for all cruises regardless of length, replacing the previous 90-day deadline for cruises 13 nights or less. Deposit requirements for many bookings will increase, and cancellation penalties have tightened. For cruises up to 44 days, cancelling 60 days or fewer before departure will result in forfeiture of 100% of cruise charges.
129-Night World Cruise on Coral Princess
On January 6, 2027, Coral Princess will embark on a 129-night
World Cruise Grand Circle Pacific voyage from Fort Lauderdale. Covering over 35,000 nautical miles, the itinerary includes 61 destinations in 20 countries across three continents. The route passes through the Panama Canal with calls in Hawaii, the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Alaska. Options to book shorter segments include a 114-night roundtrip from Los Angeles and a 110-night voyage between Los Angeles and Vancouver.
Solar Eclipse Cruises in August 2027
Princess Cruises will position two vessels—Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess—to offer cruises coinciding with the total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027. Both ships will operate 14-night cruises departing July 24 from
Rome and Southampton, respectively. The line plans eclipse-themed onboard activities during these unique sailings. These cruises are part of an extensive European program featuring over 200 sailings to 108 destinations in 31 countries.
Voyager Class Ships Ordered for Late 2030s
Princess Cruises has ordered three Voyager Class ships expected to enter service in late 2035, 2038, and 2039. Each vessel will measure approximately 183,000 gross tonnes and accommodate around 4,700 guests, making them the largest ships in the Princess fleet by passenger capacity. The design builds upon the Sun Princess and Star Princess, incorporating reimagined outdoor decks, staterooms, and Piazza spaces. The new ships will feature LNG
propulsion as their primary power source.
Impact on Travelers
Princess Cruises’ 2027 changes will offer travelers expanded options with larger Japan and Alaska programs, new Caribbean destinations, and unique cruises such as the 129-night World Cruise and solar eclipse voyages. Travelers booking from North America must adjust to earlier final payment deadlines, increased deposits, and stricter cancellation penalties, especially for cruises up to 44 days. These operational changes reflect Princess Cruises’ efforts to meet growing demand and diversify its itinerary offerings.
