Passengers Left Disappointed as Cruise Line Pulls Out of Texas, Disrupting Holiday Plans

If you thought you’d bagged a great deal on a future Princess cruise from Galveston, Texas — you weren’t alone. But those early-bird savings have taken a hit, as Princess Cruises has cancelled all Majestic Princess sailings from the port between November 2026 and March 2027.

The cruise line confirmed the move in a recent statement, calling it a “difficult decision” made as part of a broader realignment of its global deployment strategy.

Guests with affected bookings will receive full refunds, and Princess says it’s working to help travellers rebook on alternative sailings. That said, some passengers worry that current prices may be higher than what they originally paid.

From Texas Love to a Full Retreat

This cancellation marks a sharp turn from Princess Cruises’ earlier enthusiasm for the Texas cruise market. In late 2023, the line proudly homeported Regal Princess in Galveston and praised the port’s strength and convenience for travellers.

However, with Regal Princess now scheduled to depart Galveston in March 2026 and no replacement ship announced, Princess Cruises will no longer operate from Texas beyond that point.

Where Majestic Princess is heading next remains under wraps. While Princess has teased a forthcoming deployment update, no new itineraries have been released yet.

Meanwhile, guests have reported additional cancellations during the same period, including a 32-day Island Princess voyage to the South Pacific and Hawaii and a Southeast Asia itinerary, both originally set for September 2026.

All signs point to a major reshuffle across the fleet.

Galveston Cruise Scene Still Thriving

While loyal Princess fans may be disappointed, Galveston remains one of the busiest cruise hubs in the United States. In 2024, the port welcomed over 380 cruise ship calls and 3.4 million passengers, setting a new record.

Cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, and Norwegian Cruise Line continue to offer plentiful options from Galveston, ensuring that travellers aren’t left high and dry.

Still, the exit of Princess Cruises is a noticeable shift for those who enjoyed its more premium and relaxed approach to cruising.

What to Expect from Princess Next

If you were affected by the cancelled Majestic Princess sailings, you should already have been contacted by Princess. Refunds are being issued, and assistance is available for those wishing to rebook — though future pricing may vary.

Princess has hinted at a new deployment announcement coming soon, and it’s likely we’ll learn where Majestic Princess and other ships are being repositioned. Whether that includes a return to Texas is still unknown.

For now, Galveston cruisers still have plenty to look forward to — even if the Love Boat won’t be part of the lineup for a while.

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