9 Big Changes Coming to Princess Cruises in 2026

Princess Cruises has made some big changes for 2026, and not all of them will please passengers. While some updates should improve the cruise experience, others may leave guests paying a little closer attention to the small print.

From onboard changes to future plans that could turn heads, there’s quite a lot happening with the cruise line right now.

Here are nine Princess Cruises updates passengers should know about.

1. Alaska Gets a Boost with Princess’s Largest Season Yet

Alaska has always been a signature destination for Princess Cruises, but in 2026 the line is going bigger than ever before.

This year marks Princess’s largest Alaska deployment to date, with eight ships sailing across a variety of routes that include Inside Passage, Glacier Bay and the Gulf of Alaska.

The new Star Princess is making her Alaska debut, bringing Sphere Class design and amenities to the region for the first time. Her seven-night roundtrip itineraries from Seattle from early May to mid-September offer guests a fresh way to experience the dramatic landscapes of southeast Alaska, complete with panoramic views from the Dome and expanded open-air decks.

Altogether, Princess is offering 180 Alaska departures this season, visiting 19 destinations and sailing from five North American ports including Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver, B.C., Whittier, and Los Angeles. Whether travelers are looking for a short cruise or a longer land-and-sea tour, there are more options, more capacity and more immersive experiences than ever before in the Great Land.

2. Caribbean Cruises Now Available Year-Round

Princess has expanded its Caribbean program in a major way, sailing to all regions of the Caribbean in summer 2026 for the first time.

In 2026, Regal Princess and Caribbean Princess are operating over 90 departures between them, covering the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean during the summer months. Sailings are available from both Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral, giving US cruisers more flexibility and easier access from two major Florida homeports.

These itineraries range from shorter, more casual getaways to week-long cruises that can be combined into 14-night adventures.

3. Celebration Key Brings a New Island Destination to the Bahamas

A wide aerial view of Starfish Lagoon at Celebration Key in The Bahamas, featuring a massive turquoise pool packed with guests, surrounded by yellow umbrellas, lounge chairs, and tropical palm trees. A yellow castle-like waterslide structure with red and blue slides stands at the edge, while the ocean stretches out in the background under a bright blue sky. — Starfish Lagoon, Celebration Key

A brand-new stop is on the map for Princess cruisers in late 2026 with the debut of Celebration Key, a private resort-style destination on Grand Bahama Island.

The first Princess ship to call there will be Star Princess on November 1, 2026, followed shortly after by Regal Princess. The purpose-built destination features white-sand beaches, clear-water lagoons, island-inspired dining and a wide range of shore excursions.

Designed with both relaxation and activity in mind, it caters to families, couples and solo travelers alike. Guests can enjoy everything from private cabanas to beach parties and water sports in a setting exclusive to Carnival Corporation brands.

4. New Pricing Packages and Stricter Booking Terms

Princess has made important changes to how guests book and pay for their cruises, as well as what’s included once they’re onboard.

The Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages were updated ahead of the 2026 season. While the daily rates increased slightly, the value has gone up too. Guests now receive more casual dining meals per voyage, higher onboard Wi-Fi allowances, and new shore excursion credits. For example, a seven-night cruise with the Premier package now includes up to $100 in excursion credit per person, plus priority perks that were previously sold separately.

Pre-cruise pricing increased to $65 per person per day for Plus and $100 for Premier on most ships, with higher Sphere Class pricing of $70 and $105 per person per day, respectively.

Alongside these changes, Princess has moved to non-refundable deposits as standard on most fares. Travelers can still opt for refundable deposits, but these now come with higher rates or more restrictive terms.

The final payment schedule has also shifted, requiring full payment earlier than in the past, particularly for longer voyages. Princess’s current final payment schedule is 90 days before departure for cruises of 1 to 24 nights and 120 days before departure for cruises of 25 nights or longer.

The result is a booking process that rewards early commitment and adds more value for those choosing bundled extras. For many regular guests, the updates streamline what used to be a more complicated add-on structure.

5. Faster Wi-Fi and Smarter Tech at Sea

Staying connected while cruising is easier than ever on Princess ships thanks to new upgrades in onboard technology.

MedallionNet Max, Princess’s fastest Wi-Fi service, is now fully rolled out across the fleet. It uses a mix of satellite networks including Starlink to deliver faster, more stable internet, even in remote locations. Guests using Princess Plus or Premier packages receive priority access to this enhanced service, making it easier to stream, video call or work remotely while at sea.

Alongside the improved connectivity, Princess continues to refine its MedallionClass experience. The wearable OceanMedallion and smartphone app allow for touch-free boarding, keyless cabin entry, real-time location tracking and on-demand food and drink delivery. The latest version of the app also makes it simpler to book activities, make dining reservations and receive personalized recommendations throughout the voyage.

While the internet and technology are getting better, one small extra has become more expensive. Princess has raised the cost of having your Medallion shipped to your home before the cruise, with the fee now sitting around $20 to $25 per booking depending on location. Home delivery is only offered in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, so it won’t apply to everyone anyway. The good news is that it’s still completely optional, because guests can pick up their Medallion at the cruise terminal for free on embarkation day instead. Princess also notes that home shipping is included with Princess Plus and Princess Premier on eligible bookings.

6. Sphere Class Ships Set a New Standard with Sun Princess and Star Princess

A photo of the Sun Princess sailing on the ocean.

Princess’s two newest ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess, are officially in service and turning heads for all the right reasons.

As the first in the all-new Sphere Class, these LNG-powered vessels are the largest and most advanced ships in the fleet. They introduce a completely reimagined design, including the Dome, a stunning glass-enclosed deck that transforms into an entertainment venue by night, and the Sphere Piazza, a multi-deck atrium offering wide ocean views and social spaces unlike anything seen before on Princess. Onboard, guests can choose from more than 30 restaurants and bars, with standout experiences such as Spellbound by Magic Castle and dining venues curated by award-winning chefs.

With both ships now sailing full schedules across Europe, the Caribbean and Alaska, Sphere Class marks a clear step forward for Princess. The focus is on space, sustainability, and immersive design, creating a new kind of cruise experience for modern travelers.

7. Dining, Suites and Family Fun Reach New Levels

cocktail being made at Spellbound, Princess Cruises

The onboard experience on Princess has evolved in 2026 with new dining options, upgraded accommodation and more family-friendly features.

On Sun Princess and Star Princess, guests can choose from over 30 bars and restaurants, including partnerships with well-known chefs and immersive venues like Spellbound by Magic Castle. Sushi by Makoto, The Catch by Rudi, and the Butcher’s Block by Dario are among the new names joining classic favorites like Sabatini’s and Crown Grill. The expanded options make it easier to personalize each night of the cruise with everything from fine dining to casual poolside bites.

Accommodation has also been reimagined. New suite categories, such as the Sanctuary Collection, offer private access to exclusive areas including a dedicated restaurant and sun deck. For those wanting extra outdoor space, cabana-style mini-suites come with their own private terraces. Families and groups have more balcony cabins to choose from as well, with the Sphere-class ships offering over 1,500.

Youth clubs have also been redesigned with themed spaces and expanded programming, making it easier for kids and teens to stay engaged while parents relax or explore.

Together, these updates reflect a shift towards more flexible, upscale and inclusive experiences that cater to a wider range of travelers.

8. Onboard Fees Have Gone Up a Little

Not every Princess update for 2026 is a fun one. A couple of onboard charges have crept up, so it’s worth knowing about them before you sail.

Princess is now adding a 20% service charge to optional onboard purchases that aren’t already covered in your fare. That includes things like cocktails, specialty dining, and certain other extras around the ship. It might not sound huge, but those little charges can add up faster than cruise desserts somehow manage to disappear.

Princess cruise ship server brings drinks to two passengers relaxing on sun loungers on an outdoor deck.

The daily crew appreciation rates have gone up too, with each cabin category rising by $1 per person, per day. The new amounts are $20 for suites, $19 for mini-suites and Reserve Collection cabins, and $18 for interior, oceanview, and balcony staterooms.

The good news is that these daily gratuities can still be adjusted onboard through guest services if needed. And if you book Princess Plus or Princess Premier, those charges are already bundled in, so you won’t be hit with them separately.

It’s probably the least exciting change Princess has made for 2026, but it’s also not unusual. Cruise lines rarely keep extra fees frozen forever.

9. Princess Has Unveiled a Massive 2028 World Cruise

Princess may be focused on 2026 right now, but it’s already thinking much further ahead too.

The line has announced a 115-day World Cruise for 2028 aboard Coral Princess, and it’s a big one. The sailing will cover around 36,000 nautical miles, visiting 49 destinations in 24 countries across five continents.

Map showing a world cruise itinerary linking Europe, the Caribbean, the Pacific, Australia, Africa, and the Mediterranean, with ports including Barcelona, Athens, Cape Town, Honolulu, Auckland, Perth, and Sydney. — Coral Princess’ World Cruise Itinerary for 2028

The voyage includes stops across Hawaii, the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the Mediterranean, with some extra time built into several standout ports. Guests will get overnight stays in Cape Town and Auckland, plus late-night calls in places like Barcelona, Sydney, and Melbourne, which always make a trip feel a bit more special.

Princess is also offering shorter segments for travelers who like the idea of a huge trip but can’t disappear for nearly four months. Those range from 20 to 100 days, so there’s a lot more flexibility than you’d expect from a sailing this size.

The full voyage goes on sale in 2026, which gives serious planners plenty of time to start dreaming, budgeting, and casually mentioning to friends that they may be gone for 115 days.

Final Word

With fresh ships, expanded itineraries, smarter technology and more personalized onboard experiences, Princess Cruises is making 2026 a turning point for the brand.

These changes are more than upgrades, they’re a signal that Princess is leaning into innovation while still keeping the relaxed elegance that loyal guests value. Whether you’re sailing to Alaska, relaxing on a private island in the Bahamas, or simply enjoying dinner under the stars, there are more ways than ever to cruise in comfort, style and at your own pace.